In 2004, Lilly Oncology wanted to contribute beyond medicine by addressing an unmet patient need. While cancer was becoming the leading cause of death in many parts of the world, and medical advances continued to evolve, cancer’s emotional toll was virtually unaddressed. We created an outlet to help those affected by cancer express their cancer journeys and cope with the emotional side of the disease. Ten years later, Lilly Oncology On Canvas (LOOC): Expressions of a Cancer Journey is heralded by medical and patient communities worldwide for its power to illuminate the full spectrum of emotions experienced by those affected by cancer and, in turn, help the healing process.

What began as a modest, international art competition that asked patients to submit art and accompanying narratives depicting their cancer journey evolved into: a renowned, multi-national traveling art exhibit with more than 4,000 entries; a centerpiece for advocacy events; a hospital outreach program; an awards program; a social media campaign; and the subject of thousands of media stories, including the covers of peer-review journals. LOOC continues to be a voice for the life-affirming changes that give cancer journeys meaning and a source of education, inspiration and hope for everyone it touches.

LOOC is now a signature campaign showcasing Lilly Oncology’s commitment to the patient.

Highlights

2004: Competition launches; 400 entries; 23 countries.

2005-2007: 100-city tour, including Union Station event featuring Cokie Roberts – 128 attendees 25,000 exhibit views.

2006: Competition; 2,000 entries, 43 countries.

2008-2009: 2008 competition U.S. and Puerto Rico-focused; 600 entries, 20 charity prizes. Regis Philbin hosts awards; LOOC on “Live with Regis and Kelly.” Twitter.com/LlyOncOn-Canvas, www.facebook.com/LillyOncologyOnCanvas launched.

2010-2012:

2010 competition and www.youtube.com/LlyOncOnCanvas launched; 635 entries.

Gold medalist/survivor Scott Hamilton hosts awards; gives newly created Ellen Stovall Award to Katie Couric (2010) for being “advocate for cancer survivorship.”

2012 competition garners 530 entries, bringing total to 4,100. Hoda Kotb wins Ellen Stoval Award

2013-2014: www.pinterest.com/llyonconcanvas and 2014 competition launched. Plans to mark the 10th anniversary with 10 public murals of LOOC art in 10 cities – The Hope Murals Project. Facebook page invites public to choose Hope Murals.

The success of the program can be seen in countless phone calls and social media posts we receive:

“I applaud your choice to express your cancer journey through art. I know that can be very difficult, but very healing.” Katie Couric

“More than 4,000 entries have been submitted; that’s 4,000 stories that have inspired countless touched by cancer.” Hoda Kotb

“If you can just express yourself on some canvas, paint what is going on in your mind, it will relieve some stress…” Regis Philbin

4,100+ entries/ 43 countries; 400%+ over goal

3,000+ exhibits in 200+ cities; 500%+ over goal

Traditional and social media:

1 billion impressions

2,000+ Facebook likes

2,100+ YouTube views

700+ Twitter followers

133,000+ books distributed; 13,000%+ over goal

The results demonstrate how artistic expression of the journeys of those impacted by cancer can create a movement that provides hope, comfort and inspiration 10 years later.