CHAP; a charitable program with a creative heart

There are many wonderful local charities in the Portland area that do some excellent work. However, there is one that is personally near and dear to me. That is CHAP (Children's Healing Art Project). A wonderful organization that was started in 2006 by artist Frank Etxaniz. Partnering with philanthropist Charlie Swindells, Frank visited children individually at Doernbecher in hematology and oncology.

This artistic organization has brought many children the healing power of art for over ten years. But not only children, adults too. That's where our story begins...
During Nicks stay at the Kohler Pavilion at OHSU, we would only have two things to do; watch tv or play on our electronic devices. Feeling isolated from the world did not do much to ease either Nick's pain of being stuck in bed hooked up to medical devices and given pain meds, or the pain that his parents and I had of watching  him having to go through it. Even with the never ending cycle of nurses and doctors coming in, it didn't help to raise our spirits or make us feel even remotely human. If anything, it alienated both of us.

One day a young woman came in saying she was from CHAP. I was familiar with CHAP cause it wasn't the first time we were introduced to CHAP. After Nicks first surgery, I believe it was the same young lady who asked if we would like to have any art supplies to give us something to do. Both Nick and I, being artist, jumped at the chance. She told us what was available.  I got beads and

Nick working on his sculpture during his second hospital visit

memory wire, and Nick got a sketch book with pencils. On this second visit, Nick got some clay and a sculpture stand to model his up and coming creation, and I got a bunch of beads and memory wire. It was one of the few days in the hospital that Nick felt the urge to get up and do something other than walk or just sit up. That day he and I started our little creations, complimenting each others work as it came along.  That day, even surrounded by medical devices, hospital air, and illness, we felt like ourselves.

Art is a powerful tool. It allows people, especially with illness to either express their internal struggle, or to escape for a while and create something beautiful. CHAP understands this and thanks to their in-hospital programs, many children and even adults get a chance to forget their worries and create! CHAP doesn't just visit OHSU and Doernbecher. They also have art programs with Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center and the Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic.  They even have an art club outside of the hospitals for children with medical challenges. And its free! If there is ever a local charitable orginization that knew the healing power of art, its CHAP. I hope and pray that they continue with their work, bringing joy and creativity to all who need it.

Nicks sculpture finished

If you would like to learn more about CHAP and help them with their artistic mission, go to their website at:
https://chappdx.org/

Also as a reminder; The Lewis Support Foundation is still trying to get themselves up and running. The dream is to not only help give support to those with cancer, but to help other orginizations like CHAP. To do that we need to obtain a business license and get our name out there in the Portland community. Even if you could donate a dollar, it gets us a step closer to achieving the dream that Nick had desired. You can donate at:
https://www.gofundme.com/the-lewis-support-foundation

Thank you, and fight the good fight.