“I am deeply committed to Baylor and am trying to find meaningful
ways to give back to the organization, especially by expanding the
arts in medicine programming that will support the recovery and
renewal of patients and caregivers.”
– Bonnie Pitman
joined the medical staff. He is a miracle worker,
and I cannot say enough positive things about Dr.
Rosenblatt and the superb care I have received.
Over the years at Baylor I have met many physicians, nurses and technicians who all share a deep
commitment to caring for their patients. The focus
on patient care is extraordinary at Baylor; it’s one
of the great hallmarks of the organization.
I am deeply committed to Baylor and am trying
to find meaningful ways to give back to the organization, especially by expanding the arts in medicine programming that will support the recovery
and renewal of patients and caregivers.
How are you involved in Baylor’s arts and
healing programs?
A few years ago, Edward Agura, M.D., medical
director of bone and marrow transplant at Baylor
Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, introduced
me to Pam Carnevale, director of the Virginia R.
Cvetko Patient Education and Support, and we
have been developing ideas and projects to expand
the use of the arts in medicine, including, continuing art therapy, resources for artists and creating
healing, positive environments for patients in the
hospital. There is so much evidence that art can
make a huge difference in recovery and healing by
reducing stress and providing other positive motivators for patients who have long-term illnesses.
Baylor already has a wonderful music program, and
Pam and I have been working to develop programs
in the area of visual arts for patients and families.
What inspires you?
Connecting people with the arts to foster their
creative spirit a nd hea ling a nd being
compassionate inspires me. After retiring from
the DMA and while recovering from a respiratory infection, I was at a crossroads and looking
for a new way to experience the world around me.
I developed a practice that would support my passions in life – “Do Something New Every Day.”
It is a way to look at the world around you and
make an ordinary day extraordinary. I have been
committed to this practice for more than 1,335
consecutive days. It has led me to meet new people, have new adventures and fully attend to
activities in my life that fill me with joy. Through
the Cvetko Center I have been able to share the
“Do Something New” practice with cancer and
transplant support groups.
What are the most important lessons you’ve
learned through your effort to “Do Something
New Every Day”?
I have learned a great deal through this practice,
especially to be compassionate with myself and
with others and to be grateful for simple things. I
try to acknowledge with gratitude all that I have,
especially the wonderful people who support and
care for me. Other important lessons have been:
do things that give you joy, be kind to yourself and
others, nourish relationships, listen to your body
and be playful. My “Do Something New” practice has a strong focus on the arts, as it is one of
my passions. The workshops at Baylor have opened
new worlds to me as I have met patients and caregivers with chronic illnesses who are seeking ideas
for positive ways of looking at all life has to offer
by doing something new each day!
For more information about the Virginia R. Cvetko Patient Education Center and other cancer initiatives
at Baylor, contact Tim Moore at 214.820.7877 or [email protected].
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