Alexandria, La. – The painting is called “Wading Through Trials.”
And Sylvia Kerry, a Pineville resident and artist in residence at River Oaks Square Arts Center, is sharing it with Rapides Cancer Center for a very special reason.
Kerry is a breast cancer survivor and received radiation treatment at Rapides Cancer Center.
“I wanted to give something back” Kerry said. “I hope if someone is sitting here waiting on an appointment and they are having a bad day, they can sit here, see the painting and find some comfort.”
The painting – which was on display at Alexandria Museum of Art in 2021 - shows a woman wading through an ocean surf, gazing at a sunrise.
“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during the height of COVID,” Kerry said. “I walked with her through that. My grandmother also had breast cancer. When you’re in the middle of it, you’re wading through wave after wave of disappointment. But you can also look toward the sunrise.
“I think people forget that cancer is not a death sentence anymore.”
Kerry also credits the Rapides Cancer Center staff for helping her keep a positive outlook during treatment.
“I love Dr. Ellipeddi and Dr. Beard. I was so impressed with both doctors,” Kerry said. “They had studied my files and were ready to start treatment. The entire staff here treats you like family. They all have a positive attitude and are full of hope.”