Katherine Cox

After seeing the Art with a Heart in Healthcare Express Your Selfie patient exhibit at the Jacksonville Airport when she moved here last fall to start a year-long service term with National Health Corps Florida, Katherine researched Art with a Heart in Healthcare and decided that it would be a perfect fit for volunteering.

During her time as a volunteer she liked how the patient art requests pushed her outside of her comfort zone. I was asked to draw/paint things that I normally wouldn't think of, and it forced me to grow as an artist. I also love the look on their face when I give them the final product; the children and families are always so grateful, and eager to hang it up in their room. 

When asked about why she want to work with Art with a Heart in Healthcare Katherine explained that spent an extended period of time at Seattle Children's Hospital when she was about 12 years old. I remember feeling very alone and scared, and there were so many doctors and nurses that came to speak with me-- it was overwhelming. However, I remember there was a volunteer artist that came to visit one day, and she drew my portrait as a gift. I remember the calming feeling of having someone draw me, and really listen to me when I was talking. It made me feel human, and not like a sick patient.  

Katherine has now moved back to the Pacific Northwest after accepting a position at Oregon Health Authority as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader in Portland. She will be part of a county-wide wellness initiative taking a systems-approach to creating healthy communities. She hopes one day to fulfill her dream and create a holistic healing center.

Thank you Katherine for sharing your time and talents with Art with a Heart in Healthcare. We wish you all the best for the future.