Arts in Medicine

Marilyn Hundleby
Dr. Marilyn Hundleby is a clinical psychologist and Director of the Arts in Medicine Program in the Department of Psychosocial and Spiritual Resources at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Hundleby began her work with the Cross Cancer Institute in 1990, when she was asked to facilitate supportive therapy groups for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Her greatest challenge in the beginning was to find effective ways to help these women express the complexity of their thoughts and feelings upon hearing the words "You have cancer." Observing the diversity and uniqueness of each person's experience, Marilyn began with simple "stick-drawings" and visualization techniques as a means of helping these women identify and verbalize their feelings. As her work continued, Marilyn experimented with more and more creative activities as a way to help individuals tap into their own healing power. Today, the Arts in Medicine program she developed offers more than 30 classes each year, which are attended by over 500 cancer patients, their family members, oncology staff and caregivers.

Sherry Abbott
Sherry Abbott was just thirty years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Her prognosis was not good and she was told that she probably had about three months to live. Today the medical profession enthusiastically proclaims that Sherry's rare form of cancer has been cured.

Through her personal experience with cancer, Sherry developed a passionate involvement with the Look Good Feel Better program sponsored by the Canadian Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association. In the early years, she played an instrumental role in the start-up phase of the program in Canada. Then, in 2002, she acted as national spokesperson for the Look Good Feel Better 10th Anniversary Tour across Canada. Today Sherry works to raise funds and awareness in support of women's cancer care.

Arts in Medicine Workshops and Presentations

A valued aspect of Sherry's life has been for her to share her cancer experience with others who have been diagnosed with and are living with the disease. With Marilyn's professional knowledge and skills as a clinical psychologist, coupled with Sherry's personal cancer experience, the duo make a dynamic team. They are passionate about their work with Arts in Medicine and are always keen to help those who are seeking to take their cancer experience in meaningful new directions. They felt it important to create the book Cancer and the Art of Healing to encourage people whose lives are touched by cancer so they too may embrace the benefits of emotional and spiritual healing. Both Marilyn and Sherry believe that Arts in Medicine can be a bridge to healing and well being, and that creativity is the catalyst to self-discovery.

Marilyn Hundleby and Sherry Abbott have made presentations and conducted workshops both nationally and internationally on creativity and the compelling means through which it can be integrated into whole person care. Personal creativity has been incorporated into the provision of care for anyone experiencing a chronic disease. We are continually developing new Arts in Medicine programs and processes. Novel approaches to delivering holistic care are now offered as weekend retreat programs. For more information you may contact marilyn@artsinmedicine.com or sherry@artsinmedicine.com. Be sure to let us know how you are using creativity in healing.