A New Day for Cancer Survivorship
Romero Britto created a custom work of art for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to spread a message of love and hope to cancer patients.
Believing that with each new day comes the hope for a better tomorrow, internationally renowned artist Romero Britto gifted “A New Day” to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The custom work of art, created in Britto’s iconic style featuring vibrant colors and bold patterns, depicts the sun as a heart radiating light and love. The work expresses the message Britto hopes to deliver through his art.
“I want all those who see this piece, especially those who are suffering, to look to a new day knowing that tomorrow will be better than today and yesterday,” said Britto, who founded the Happy Art Movement with the mission to inspire happiness, fun, love and optimism through his unique art.
Britto’s vision for the work of art, which hangs on the third floor of the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, came during a tour of the 12-story, state-of-the-art research and clinical care facility. After walking through the space, observing the light and reflecting on how patients would experience the artwork, he came up with the concept for the inspirational piece.
“I want people to know that, whatever is happening to them today, they’ve got to be positive,” said Britto. “Tomorrow is going to be brighter and new opportunities and a new sort of energy and love are coming their way.”
Supporting Cancer Survivorship
“A New Day” complements other artwork curated for the Griffin Cancer Research Building, all of which adds to a holistic approach to patient care at Sylvester. This approach extends far beyond clinical treatment and promotes quality of life through supportive care services aimed at supporting a patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
“Cancer patients have little control over what’s happening to them, but the time they spend drawing, painting, composing music or listening to it is something they can control, and they love it,” said Frank Penedo, Ph.D., associate director for population sciences, the Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship and director of the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute. “There is solid, scientific evidence behind the healing power of art. Having artists like Romero Britto acknowledge this has contributed so much to raising awareness about the positive influence of art in cancer survivorship.”
Breast cancer survivor Sharifah Lee, Ph.D., says this commitment to holistic patient care is what initially drew her to Sylvester.
“I went to two different hospitals to do consultations, and I chose Sylvester not only because it’s an NCI-designated cancer center but because of what they offer patients,” explained Lee. “At Sylvester, they aren’t just looking at the disease but the wholeness of the person and what we go through. Sylvester takes a holistic approach, caring for the mind, body and soul, and I genuinely believe that is what helped get me to where I am today—a survivor.”
Throughout her journey, Lee took advantage of many of the cancer survivorship and supportive care services offered, such as chaplaincy, lymphatic massage, music and art therapy.
Both patients and the clinical physicians and scientific researchers working in the Griffin Cancer Research Building will benefit from the inspirational message behind Britto’s artwork.
“As an oncologist, seeing a piece such as Romero Britto’s ‘A New Day’ is very uplifting,” said Jaime Merchan, M.D., professor in the Miller School’s Division of Medical Oncology, co-leader of the Translational and Clinical Oncology Research Program at Sylvester and director of its Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program. “It’s a beautiful thing that our doctors continue to feel hope and are re-energized for our patients.”
A Community of Caring
“A New Day” is part of Sylvester’s Art is Medicine program, the cancer center’s multifaceted commitment to lifestyle medicine and empowering and healing through art.
That is exactly what Desert Horse-Grant, Sylvester’s chief transformation officer, sought when establishing the Art is Medicine program and curating the pieces that adorn the walls of the Griffin Cancer Research Building and throughout the Sylvester campus.
“Knowing that Romero Britto created a piece specifically for Sylvester is quite an honor and we are deeply grateful for his generosity,” said Horse-Grant. “The fact that this icon in the world of art and a true Miami legend wanted to create this piece purposely for us is a beautiful statement about where we are as a cancer center and how much Sylvester means to the community.”
Britto, who has many friends and family members who have been patients, says he, too, is grateful for this opportunity to create “A New Day” for Sylvester.
“The beautiful thing about humans is that we have the compassion to help,” said Britto. “I am blessed to have this gift and be able to create images of happiness and hope. It’s an honor to help provide joy and happiness to the families and people going through a challenging time facing cancer.”
Get Involved
For more information on donating notable works of art, please email Desert Horse-Grant.
Tags: Art is Medicine, cancer survivorship, Cancer Survivorship Program, Cancer Survivorship Symposium, Dr. Frank Penedo, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sylvester’s Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute