Hallway of HopeA partnership between Henrico Doctors’

Hospital and Henrico County Public Schools

Background• In 2009, Tracy Lynch was treated for stage 3 breast

cancer. After six rounds of chemotherapy, she received radiation therapy at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.

• The hallway Tracy walked was long and lonely, bare and bright-white. She found herself longing for a distraction—something to take her thoughts away from the negative and away from her fears.

• Thinking of how something as simple as her children’s artwork could brighten the walls and the thoughts of patients, Tracy came up with an idea . . .

Hallway of Hope Team

• Tracy Lynch

• Meg Helsley, Breast Oncology Program Coordinator with HDH’s Cancer Center

• Shaila Toro, HDH Associate Administrator

• Ron Buchanan, HDH-Forest Director of Engineering and Maintenance

• Mike Gettings, Art Specialist for HCPS

The Hallway: Before

The Hallway: Today

Goals of the Program

• To DISTRACT patients, even if just for a few moments, and help them forget about the reasons they are at the hospital.

• To bring their thoughts toward the HAPPY and HOPEFUL.

• To allow HCPS students to see that THEY CAN HELP patients and patients’ families; that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

How You Can Help . . .

• Ask your students to contribute a piece of art to the Hallway. The theme of each piece should be “What Makes Me Happiest.”

• Discuss the project, its goals, and how your students can make a difference.

Guidelines

• Artwork due to Mike Gettings: November 12• 12” x 18”• Horizontal Format• No 3D/Collage• Artwork should be happy, bright, and contain little

white space.

• Guidelines and a letter to parents and students are available today (in hard copy) and on the Art Department Website.