Our childhood cancer and blood disorders unit of Children’s Hospital has been given a bright new face-lift. The recently updated space is now full of warm colors, beautiful paintings, sunlight, and hope.
In 2011, Christian Bryant — a patient at Children’s — was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Christian was a wonderfully ambitious high school senior who brought energy, determination, and laughter to the halls of the department. Upon her passing in May of 2012, Christian’s family formed the Christian Bryant Foundation — with the long-term goal of helping to fund a new children’s hospital.
The Christian Bryant Foundation donated the artwork that completed the oncology center upgrade. “Bailey’s Collection for Christian” was selected from Dave and Pauli’s Art Emporium in Dalton, GA, by Christian’s mother Robyn and sister Bailey.
Bailey’s favorite is a large oil painting of a young girl staring up into a storm of gray and blue, because the girl reminds her of her sister.
The whimsical painting of a little girl resting against an elephant as she gets lost in a book hangs outside of Christian’s old room. And, for some lighthearted flair, the staff jokingly named a painting of a pig lounging in the mud after Pediatric Oncology (Cancer) Physician Dr. Benjamin Avery Mixon.
Along with the inviting new artwork, the upgrade to this ten-bed facility includes wood floors, artful ceiling tiles, new televisions, new bathrooms, and even refrigerators. Larger windows were also added to allow for more sunlight — giving some rooms a riverfront view. Because the kids have dwindling immune systems, there are exclusive play areas and even pressurized rooms that keep the good germs in and the bad germs out. These upgrades, combined with the vivid new look and the compassionate nature of the staff, have made the department a very comforting home away from home for children that need it.
Learn more about The Christian Bryant Foundation here.
