Drawing Up Brighter Days
Visiting a cancer clinic can be a stark reminder of the harsh realities of dealing with the disease, often marked by a profound sense of uncertainty or dread. It can be a place where optimism is challenged by a heavy and emotional weight. For Victoria “Tori” Davis, a Patient Access Representative at the Danny Talbott Cancer Center at UNC Health Nash, this creates an opportunity to transform the clinic into one that is friendly and welcoming through crafting simple, yet impactful, gestures of hope.
As a dedicated team member with a passion for drawing, Tori has made it her mission to brighten the days of patients and their visitors by creating weekly artwork on the Cancer Center reception desk dry-erase board. For many of these patients, most of whom will make multiple visits to the clinic, the tradition has become a much looked forward to part of their treatment routines.
The drawing board ritual began with Lynn Cash, a beloved former team member who used it to share inspirational quotes. Tori started going in behind her with colored markers to create engaging depictions that went with the quotes. When Lynn retired, Tori decided to keep the practice alive by adding her own quotes, inspired by Pinterest or her coworkers. Over time, her simple illustrations evolved into brilliant, full-scale masterpieces. Today, the drawing board captivates all who encounter it.
“I wanted to do something that would make the patients feel happy when they came into the Cancer Center,” Tori explained. “It can be an emotional experience, and I wanted to give them something that could possibly make their day better.”
Tori’s ability to spread joy through creativity is evident in every composition. Some days patients may see scenes with puns depicting smiling cups of “positivi-tea” or bumblebees telling them to “bee-lieve” in themselves. Other days they may find kind and colorful messages, such as a sunny reminder to be brave, or warm encouragement to keep pushing forward. It’s clear that each piece is thoughtfully planned to resonate with those who see it, making Tori’s works not just fun and beautiful, but also deeply meaningful.
“I stay motivated because I’ve had so much positive feedback from patients,” said Tori. “They will smile, laugh, and say how much they like the drawings. They’ll ask what I’m going to do next, and tell me that they love seeing the new drawings each week. It means the world to me to know the patients care about what I am doing, and that it is making their toughest days a little better.”
Patients aren’t the only ones blessed by Tori’s talents, her coworkers and leaders enjoy the drawings as well. They encourage her to use her gift because they see the positive effect it has. Program Assistant Jamie Adcox states that the board “always brings smiles and laughter” to the cancer center patients.
“We all love Tori’s drawings,” said Patient Access Representative Alisha Rice. “Whether they’re motivational or a funny joke, they are always uplifting in some way. Patients will giggle or say they love them, and take a photo to share with others. Many patients make it a point to see what Tori has recently drawn, and we all look forward to what she’ll draw next.”
The ability to spread hope through a committed and heartfelt effort is not an uncommon one in healthcare. Many seek ways to weave humanity into their work to better serve those who’ve come to them seeking healing and compassion. Tori has notably devoted herself to a unique and much appreciated effort, as one might not expect to find such uplifting artistry at a healthcare clinic. And for a clinic that can be as overwhelming as a cancer center, Tori’s contribution cannot be understated.
“My grandma had cancer several years ago. When I was asked to go to the Cancer Center I did not think twice about it because I knew I needed to be here for her,” said Tori. “One thing that stuck with me as she underwent her treatments was that she appreciated seeing something other than a ribbon as a form of encouragement. So, I try to put myself in the patient’s shoes, and ask: what can I draw that they might be able to focus on instead of what is happening to them? Life is too short not to make a difference in someone else’s life, even if it is just a simple drawing, because you never know how it will impact them.”
Click here to read the original publication in the Rocky Mount Telegram
