When Words Fail ... Cancer Art Competition Gives Rise to Expression and Hope

Oncology on Canvas(SM) Announces the 2008 Judging Panel and Extends Competition Deadline to July 15, 2008 


INDIANAPOLIS, June 9  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "You have cancer." No doubt, these words have inspired fear, but can they also inspire art? According to the American Cancer Society, art can help soothe the soul and lend emotional clarity, which can be helpful when facing a cancer diagnosis(i). To honor the millions of Americans who have been affected by cancer, Eli Lilly and Company, in partnership with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), is proudly offering the 2008 Lilly Oncology on Canvas  Expressions of a Cancer Journey Art Competition and Exhibition. This third biennial competition continues to provide people in the U.S. and Puerto Rico with an opportunity to express visually, and in narrative, the many emotions and experiences that define the cancer journey.

"When we first created the Oncology on Canvas program, we wanted to provide a platform for people affected by cancer to communicate their unique as well as shared experiences," said Richard Gaynor, M.D., vice president, cancer research and global oncology platform leader for Lilly. "This extraordinary collection of rich and enduring art works is nothing short of inspiring."

2008 Competition Judges

As in previous competitions, the independent judging panel is comprised of individuals who understand the cancer journey and can appreciate its artistic expression. Lilly and NCCS are proud to announce the 2008 Lilly Oncology on Canvas judging panel (in alphabetical order):

  -- Tom Batiuk, syndicated comic strip creator, Funky Winkerbean (developed
     Lisa's Story; story line focused on a character's cancer journey)
  -- Diane Blum, executive director, CancerCare
  -- Anita Chernewski, art director, Oncology on Canvas
  -- Cara Glynn, senior editorial director, Oncology News International
  -- Priscilla Dewey Houghton, non-smoker, lung cancer survivor and advocate
     (wife of former Congressman Amo Houghton of New York)
  -- Corey Langer, M.D., Medical Director of Thoracic Oncology, Hospital of
     the University of Pennsylvania
  -- Mary Lynn Hoffman, program coordinator, Indiana University Simon Cancer
     Center, CompleteLife (oncology support program)
  -- Joel Sartore, award-winning photojournalist, National Geographic
     Magazine
  -- Dan Waeger, NCCS representative and founder, National Collegiate Cancer
     Foundation
  -- Anne Wilson, 2006 U.S. 1st prize winner, Oncology on Canvas




"Oncology on Canvas continues to bring to life the empowering spirit of cancer survivors, and NCCS is proud to play a part in this inspiring and hope driven program," said Ellen Stovall, president and chief executive officer of NCCS.

The 2008 Lilly Oncology on Canvas judges will select the 24 prize winners in the competition. Prizes will consist of money donated directly to a cancer charity of the winners' choice: 1st prize - $10,000, 2nd prize - $5,000 and 3rd prize - $2,500. Additionally, the judges will select the 21 winners from each medium and participant category, with the winners each awarded $1,000 for their cancer charities.

"I am honored to have been chosen as a Lilly Oncology on Canvas judge this year," said Diane Blum of CancerCare. "This competition gives a voice to all those affected by cancer, and provides a measure of hope."

"In the end, Oncology on Canvas is really about life," said judge Anne Wilson, whose photograph "This is Not a Dress Rehearsal" won 1st prize in the U.S. in 2006. "Despite a lung cancer diagnosis, my late daughter Katherine lived life to the fullest and strived for greater lung cancer awareness. My promise to Katherine was that I would continue to advocate and educate for greater awareness about cancer. This wonderful program has helped me keep that promise, and has given Katherine, as well as numerous others, an inspiring legacy."

Art from the 2006 Lilly Oncology on Canvas collection is currently touring the country. To date, the tour has made approximately 250 stops at cancer centers, hospitals, physician offices and advocacy groups, inspiring and lending hope in the cancer journey.

2008 Competition Still Accepting Entries

All entries for the 2008 competition must be received no later than July 15, 2008.  Entries must be original works of art, presented in one of six different mediums: oil; watercolor; acrylic; photography; pastel; and mixed media (any other type of one-dimensional art). Submissions must be at least 12" x 12" and no larger than 17" x 26". There are three participant categories in the competition:  person diagnosed with cancer; health care professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, pharmacist, lab technician, etc.); and family member, friend or caregiver.

For more information about the Lilly Oncology on Canvas Art Competition and Exhibition or to obtain an entry form please call [phone] or visit http://www.lillyoncologyoncanvas.com/ .

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)

NCCS is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country and a highly respected authentic voice at the federal level, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors. For more information about NCCS and its advocacy for quality cancer care, please visit http://www.canceradvocacy.org/ or call 1.877.NCCS.YES.

Lilly Oncology

For more than four decades, Lilly Oncology has been dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that improve the care of people living with cancer. Because no two cancer patients are alike, Lilly Oncology is committed to developing novel treatment approaches. Our quest is to develop a broad portfolio of tailored therapies that accelerate the pace and progress of cancer care. To learn more about Lilly Oncology's commitment to cancer, please visit http://www.lillyoncology.com/ .

Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs.

i.  American Cancer Society, "Art Therapy." Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Art_Therapy.asp. Accessed April 15, 2008.

O-LLY

  (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO )
  (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050921/NCCSLOGO )
  (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041202/OOCLOGO )


http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050921/NCCSLOGO

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041202/OOCLOGO

DATASOURCE: Eli Lilly and Company



CONTACT:  Amy Sousa of Eli Lilly and Company, Office: [phone],

Mobile: [phone], ; or Martin Blair of CPR

Worldwide, Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone],





Web Site:  http://www.lillyoncologyoncanvas.com/

http://www.canceradvocacy.org/

http://www.lillyoncology.com/ 

Copyright