Lilly: Hope Murals Project in Grand Central, “A Balancing Act”

Today's guest blog comes from Jennifer Hill, senior director for Lilly Oncology. As part of her role, Jennifer oversees Lilly Oncology On Canvas and The Hope Murals Project.   Grand Central Terminal is a New York City landmark known not only for its architectural beauty and breadth of marble floors, but also for its bustling travelers, many of whom embody the energy of New York City. On October 23, as the Hope Murals team gathered in Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall to paint the ninth Hope Mural, thousands delayed their travels through the terminal to honor a different type of journey – a cancer diagnosis.   This year, The Hope Murals Project transformed 10 Lilly Oncology On Canvas art submissions into 10 murals across the United States and Puerto Rico to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lilly Oncology On Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer Journey. The 12-by-20 foot New York mural, based on artist Ellen Mayer’s mixed media art submission, “Balancing Act,” was the ninth mural painted as part of the 10-city tour. Mayer’s artwork represents her personal journey with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) diagnosis, a timely reminder of the importance of recognizing stomach cancer this month.   Read on for more about Ellen Mayer and a time-lapse video showing the installation at Grand Central Terminal.