Belfast Woman Retires After Years Helping Cancer Patients Through Art

Joanne Boal helped cancer patients for almost twenty years. She worked in Northern Ireland for Cancer Focus. Joanne used art and journals to help people cope. Adults, kids, and families benefited from her work.

Joanne helped people express hard feelings. Fear, stress, and anxiety became easier to manage. Art offered relaxation and a sense of well-being. She worked over 17 years.

Her work happened in various places, including hospitals and community centers. Joanne saw patients at Belfast City Hospital. She aided young patients at the Royal Belfast Hospital too.

Joanne said cancer can feel isolating. People need a safe space to share feelings. Meeting others in a similar situation helps. She worked with young kids to older adults.

Creative expression helps people heal. Art helped process cancer trauma, she stated. Joanne felt privileged to work for Cancer Focus NI. Her art brought joy during tough times.

Joanne understood grief and cancer firsthand. Nine years ago, her sister Louise died from it. Louise was a minister and just turned forty. She had a rare type of bone cancer.

Her sister’s loss showed the power of art. Art became an outlet for overwhelming feelings. Louise believed in Joanne’s work and impact. Her sister’s presence stayed with Joanne.

Art therapy has a life-changing impact. Joanne recalled helping a child in the hospital. The girl loved Rapunzel and painting. After painting nails, they drew the princess.

The girl’s mom returned after thirty minutes. She saw a big difference in her daughter. The mom felt like she got her child back. Joanne remembers this moment, illustrating the difference that art therapy makes.

Joanne now volunteers with Larder>East. It is a community food hub at St Christopher’s Church. She helps people experiencing food poverty. She makes tea and offers fresh baked goods.

Pat McClelland at Cancer Focus NI praised Joanne. She recognized Joanne’s positive impact. Staff and clients will miss her. Joanne’s cooking and fashion were memorable.

Her cakes and soups always brought joy. But her passion for clients defined her work. Pat thanked Joanne for her dedication. Cancer Focus NI informed art therapy patients of service changes.

The charity plans to open a support center. They will review the art therapy service.