Oncology on Canvas launches in Canada!

Jackie Manthorne, CCSN President & CEO and Joan L. Bottoroff, President of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology at the launch of Oncology on Canvas in Winnipeg on May 2nd.

Some see art. Others see hope. What do you see? “You have cancer.” To an estimated 500 Canadians a day, their family, friends and caregivers, these three words change lives. To help Canadians manage through a cancer diagnosis, Eli Lilly Canada is launching Lilly Oncology On Canvas Canada, an art competition that honours the physical and emotional journeys Canadians face when dealing with cancer. “A cancer diagnosis can be just as emotional as it is physical,” says Dr. Joan Bottorff from the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology. “It’s so important to provide opportunities for people who have been touched by cancer to share their feelings. It can really make a meaningful difference in someone’s ability to understand and deal with the realities of a cancer diagnosis.” Individuals who are, or have been diagnosed, with any type of cancer — as well as their families, friends, caregivers and healthcare providers — are invited to express the life-affirming changes that give their cancer journeys meaning through art and narrative. The deadline for entries is September 30, 2014. Additional information about the competition, including how to enter, can be found atwww.lillyocc.com. “Cancer survivors and those close to them have powerful stories to tell,” says Jackie Manthorne, president and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network. “We’re thrilled to be part of an initiative that can bring inspiration and understanding to so many through the power of art.”

The Lilly Oncology On Canvas Canada art competition is presented by Lilly Canada’s Oncology team, the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO) and the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN). Oncology On Canvas was launched in 2004 by Lilly Oncology to help those affected by cancer cope with the emotional side of the disease. Winners’ prizes consist of donations made to the cancer charities of their choice. “In the United States, this competition has been helping people living with cancer and their supporters for ten years,” says Nathan Hubbard, Eli Lilly Canada Oncology Business Unit lead.

“We’re excited to bring this competition to Canada for the first time and provide an opportunity for Canadians to share their journeys and draw from others who share their stories with us.” Entries will be shared online at www.lillyocc.com as well as on Twitter and Pinterest. More about the Lilly Oncology On Canvas Canada art competition The Lilly Oncology On Canvas Canada art competition is open to residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence as of September 30, 2014. Entrants must select the category that best describes their cancer journey - person diagnosed with cancer; family member, friend or caregiver; and healthcare professional – and the type of original artwork they are submitting: painting (acrylic, watercolor, oil, pastel), photography, or mixed media (a combination of two or more media). Artwork must be accompanied by a narrative of 125 words or less. Winners in 15 categories will be chosen by an independent panel of judges selected by CAPO and CCSN. Prizes consist of donations to cancer-related charities selected by the winners, ranging from $250 to $2000. For further information about Lilly Oncology On Canvas Canada visit www.lillyocc.com. You may also call 416-515-7517 ext. 350 or e-mail lillyocc@thornleyfallis.com. Follow Lilly Oncology On Canvas Canada on: Twitter (twitter.com/lillyocc) Pinterest (pinterest.com/lillyocc)