At the Heart of Art
A couple’s generous gift establishes an art therapy program for pediatric cancer patients at Alex’s Place
By Stacey Bomser
Photography by Sonya Revell
Robert and Jodi Flayman established an art therapy program, which offers respite to cancer patients and their families.
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fter touring Alex’s Place, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s pediatric, adolescent and young adult outpatient care clinic, Jodi Flayman was so moved by what she had witnessed that she knew she had to get involved. Flayman, an officer within her local chapter of The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research came home and talked to her husband, Robert, about donating to support the facility.
Recognizing the challenges cancer patients face while undergoing treatment, the couple established an art therapy program, which offers respite to these young patients and their families.
“Seeing the stress and heartbreak that cancer puts on families, we wanted to do anything we could to help distract from that or lighten that burden,” Jodi Flayman said. “To now see the art therapy program in action and the powerful impact it is having on patients and their parents is overwhelming. We feel blessed and grateful to be able to support it.”
The Jar of heARTS Foundation runs the art therapy program at Alex’s Place. The nonprofit organization aims to help children overcome trauma through creative and artistic expression.
“The arts in medicine program has been proven to decrease stress in children by creating a community among the patients, which helps with socio-emotional development,” said Elizabeth Hiciano, founder and creative executive of Jar of heARTS. “This is especially important for pediatric cancer patients, who often spend extended amounts of time hospitalized and undergoing treatment.”
The Flaymans plan to do whatever they can to establish a robust arts program at Alex’s Place. “The more children we can help and the more weight we can lift from these families, the better,” Robert said. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this.”
To learn more about supporting the art therapy program or other initiatives at Alex’s Place, contact Jon Eden. 
Imani Dell and their father, Peter Dell, painting together
