Inside the Institute, December 20, 1996

Artist's creations help commemorate the 50th"

(caption) Ann Christensen, a local artist with strong ties to Dana Farber

Take 13 colorful works of art, add a 50th anniversary theme, sprinkle helpful information about events throughout and the result is the 1997 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund calendar.

The calendar features reproductions of oil paintings created by Ann Christensen, a local artist with strong ties to Dana-Farber. Her late husband, musician Reeve Little, was a patient at Dana-Farber. Although the years during her husband's treatment were difficult, Christensen has the highest praise for the doctors, including Ken Anderson, M.D., and "Tak " Tavorian, M.D., the nursing staff of 14-west and the numerous other Dana-Farber staff whom she, her husband, their son Christian Little and other family and friends encountered during his treatment. In turn, she knows her husband had a positive influence on those he met at Dana-Farber.

"If you were at Dana-Farber when Reeve was there, chances are you talked to him (or he talked to you) and loved him," says Christensen. "His nature was infinitely expansive, loving and generous. In dealing with the challenges of leukemia he was inspirational in his courage and grace."

Her experience as the family member of a patient led Christensen to another role - Dana-Farber volunteer. She has worked in the Blum Resource Center one day a week since it opened this year, serving as empathetic listener and guide to the Center's resources for patients and family members. The role is a good match, says Christensen, because she knows the frustration and fear patients and family members feel when they want to understand the disease and treatment. "They usually come to the Center nervous, frustrated or just sad," says Christensen. "It's rewarding to see that the information I help them find truly does have a positive effect when they realize they have some control over their situation."

Her connection with Dana Farber made Christensen quite willing to share her work to help commemorate the Institute's 50th anniversary. Paintings featured in the Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund calendar reflect scenes mostly from New England, although a few were inspired by California terrain. In describing her work, Christensen says, "Color is my force."

A graphic designer for 25 years, Christensen studied painting at the Museum School in Boston in the Late 1980's. Her work is shown periodically at galleries in New England, Kansas City, MO, and Mendocino, Calif. Anyone interested in Christensen's work can call (617)492-0331.

The generosity of an institute trustee has made it possible to provide a complimentary copy of the 1997 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund calendar to all Dana-Farber staff members as a special 50th anniversary gift. A limited number of calendars are also available for purchase at the Friends Corner Gift Shop on the main level of the Dana Building.

by CW