Katherine Cox
Art with a Heart in Healthcare: Volunteer artist for patients
When Katherine Cox, 12, was a patient at Seattle Children’s Hospital, a volunteer artist came to visit and to draw Katherine’s portrait. The experience was that one bright spot in the young girl’s extended hospital stay and led to Katherine’s present volunteer work for Art with a Heart in Healthcare.
“I remember that calming feeling of having someone draw me and really listen to me. It made me feel human and not like a sick patient,” Cox said.
Cox creates art based on a patient’s request and also creates private bed-side art experiences for children at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
“I just feel good about ‘paying it forward,’” said Cox. “I know what it’s like to be a sick child in the hospital, and I have experienced what it’s like to have someone come and create art for you as a gift and to be present with you. I believe that art and quality time are healing and empowering to anyone. It feels good to be making a difference in the lives of the children and families who were undergoing the terrifying experience of battling a serious illness,” she said.
“We are fortunate to have talented, dedicated volunteers, many of whom have worked with us for more than a decade,” said Christy Power, Art with a Heart in Healthcare’s Program and Volunteer Coordinator. “Our volunteers build nurturing and supportive relationships with every young patient they meet.”
