A Myrniong artist has added a colourful touch to a community-sponsored $50,000 Ballan cancer treatment unit.
Liz Blizzard, who knows all too well about travelling long distances for cancer treatment and waiting for hours at hospitals, has donated her oil painting of Lake Eyre to the Ballan Medical Centre’s day infusion unit.
Ms Blizzard’s late husband battled bowel and myriad other cancers for many years, travelling to and from Ballarat for treatment.
“I think this is a happy painting – it’s got bright colours,” Ms Blizzard said. “And it might be a little bit contemplative – I’m not sure. Maybe it can be.
“When you’re sitting there you can look at it and wonder what it is. It makes sitting here for, sometimes, hours … pass the time a little bit more.”
The medical centre’s chief executive Wayne Weaire said the “generous donation” was a testament to the “proud partnerships” that kept the clinic alive.
“How do you create a great space for people who may have to go through treatment that’s not so great?” Mr Weaire said.
“And then all of a sudden Liz’s generosity to us … I was standing [in the day infusion unit] and thinking how much of a difference it makes to a room.”
The painting is on loan to the medical centre for the next three years.
