UKIAH, Calif. – Getting a cancer diagnosis is not easy to hear.

Thankfully, there is hope – hope that can be found through the experience of others, those that have already gone through the journey.

The Inspiration Wall at the Cancer Treatment and Infusion Center (CTIC) at the Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center (UVRHC), celebrates these stories of hope.

The display, beautifully framed by tiles created by local artist Jan Hoyman, features portraits and quotes from eight individuals whose journey will inspire others.

The Jan Hoyman Studio specializes in hand crafted tableware, one-of-a-kind wood fired pottery and custom tile murals.

Angle Slater, RN patient nurse navigator at the CTIC, said the Inspiration Wall is a nice addition to the center.

“Cancer patients are faced with overwhelming questions, appointments and treatments. This wall is like a ray of sunshine!” Slater said.

“As a nurse, I have witnessed what my patients and their families go through. It’s a difficult journey. That’s why we want to honor their strength and courage. And we hope that this inspires others to keep pushing through in their fight against cancer,” said Slater.

Gwen Matthews, chief executive officer of Ukiah Valley Medical Center, agreed. “Cancer should not be fought alone.  Our own patients have shared their personal desire to come alongside of others traveling down that same path. The Inspiration Wall, represents the very essence of hope – it gives you the faith that you too can overcome, that you will make it, and that better times are ahead.”

Survivor and CTIC volunteer, Judy Rawles, whose portrait on the Inspiration Wall displays the quote “I fought a giant and won,” said it was an honor to be featured on the inspiration wall.

Rawles, a stage IV colon cancer survivor who now volunteers at the center, said she enjoys showing patients the display.

“When you go through cancer, you are faced with so many emotions and it’s hard to have a positive outlook,” she said. “This wall helps to show them they are not alone, that there are people who know exactly what they are going through.”

Mother and daughter, Lynn and Dominique Chevalier, both cancer survivors were honored that their own experience might inspire others. “Having gone through cancer, my daughter and I feel it’s an honor, and a privilege, to be part of this. We hope it provides inspiration to those going through treatment.”

The wall is the last installment to the state-of-the art CTIC that opened in July 2014 at the UVRHC. 

It is part of the overall goal of providing an environment that promotes healing; from the pictures on the walls to the big windows that provide gorgeous views of the Mayacamas Mountain range.

Located at 260 Hospital Drive, Suite 207 in Ukiah, the CTIC provides comprehensive cancer care services and also offers the Focus on Healing Program, designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their families living in Mendocino County affected by cancer.

The program’s mission is to complement medical treatments by providing physical, mental and spiritual healing through nutrition education, art, movement and music therapies, and other healing programs.

To learn more about the services offered at the center and the Focus on Healing program please call 707-463-7627.