The third floor of North Fulton Regional Hospital got a little bit brighter this week as a new painting was hung. But unlike the traditional artwork that hangs throughout the hospital, this painting holds special meaning as it honors the life and memory of a brave woman who courageously battled cancer.
Courtney Cook was a member of the Young Adult Cancer Survivors of Atlanta. This group of more than 50, 20- and 30-somethings is comprised of cancer survivors, whether in treatment or out, who gather socially. During these social interactions, members of the group grow close and form strong bonds based on their common fight. Last year they experienced a loss when Courtney, as well as her friend and fellow group member Tara Swigart, lost the battle.
“This was the first time we had lost anyone,” said Jennifer Potter, founder of the Young Adult Cancer Survivors of Atlanta. “We wanted to find some way to honor these ladies who had become our friends.” The group decided to raise $500 to obtain a piece of artwork, to be completed by them, from the Foundation for Hospital Art. Then remembering that Courtney had spent a great deal of time at North Fulton Regional Hospital, the group started work securing the space for it to be placed.