DAVENPORT, Iowa -
Art comes alive for cancer patients and survivors in Davenport.
A national project called Paintfest America made a stop at Genesis West on Tuesday.
"When you're first diagnosed and hear the word cancer, you want to curl up in a ball and cry," said participant Roberta Gimmy.
Just for a moment, the hospital becomes an art studio for the cancer patient.
"When they said 'art,' I said, okay, I'm there," she continued.
The project is visiting 50 states in 50 days.
"It's breathtaking and exciting," said event organizer Carol Kovach.
More than three dozen patients, survivors and staffers are bonding with each brushstroke.
"How much weight did you lose?" Roberta asked a survivor at her table.
And discovering that they have a lot to share.
"I think it helps all of us to talk about it," Roberta said. "I think it's something that needs to be talked about more."
Finished murals will go on display at Genesis Cancer Care Institute, Iowa Cancer Care Specialists and Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities.
A special panel featuring Iowa themes will be seen in New York in the "Stars of Hope" mural.
Each section makes a special statement about art and life.
"Art, color relaxes you," Kovach said. "It takes the tension away."
For Roberta Gimmy and her friends, the finished product sends a powerful message.
"It's easier to know that there's hope because all of these ladies are survivors," she said.
All from cancer, colors and conversations at Paintfest America.
"This feels good," she concluded. "This feels like a part of me."
For more information, http://www.paintfestamerica.com