Making even brush strokes and selecting just the right crayon aren’t typically part of the course of treatment for patients fighting cancer.

But in the pediatric treatment area at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, it’s an essential part of Tuesday and Friday morning routines.

  • Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has new Pediatric Visual Arts Programs
  • Free classes are Tuesday and Friday mornings for ages 2 to 22
  • Patients undergo treatment while exploring their inner artist

"They're just pure amazement," said patient Matthew Eggers, a nine-year-old and aspiring artist. "You can make almost anything you want."

His cancer is currently in remission, but once a week he's back for acupuncture treatment. During that time, he escapes thanks to the Pediatric Visual Arts Program.

"It gets me out of a jittery mood where I don't want to do this anymore,” Matthew said. "I forget all about it. I can move my hands and I can make anything that I want."

Patients as young as two and up to 22 are welcome to join the free classes.

"They can bring their IV poles in and we work around it,” said Ginny O’Brien, the program’s manager. “I see is, what I call a healthy distraction. It builds self-esteem and it gives them a choice."

When undergoing treatment, kids and their families don't get many of those. Meghan Benimoff knows that all too well. Her son Desmond, 5, is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

"He has calmed down a little bit when he's painting,” she said. “He's a very active little boy, so it gives him something to focus on instead of all of the pokes and stuff he's getting while here."

It also gives Desmond a chance to make fun memories with mom during a not-so-fun time.

"He has to be here for treatment, so it just gives him an outlet for his creative side," Benimoff said.

The program is made possible by Joe and Kathy Curatolo.

"We think, with what the kids, the parents are going through, it's not a journey they signed up for, they can use all the inspiration they can," he said.

It's an effort that hits very close to home.

"My wife Kathy was diagnosed when she was 16; we've been married over 35 years. She's a survivor," he explained.

The Curatolos hope their story and each brush stroke shows parents and kids there is life after cancer.

As Matthew has learned, anything is possible.

"Any age and any size can make art," he smiled.