Artwork brightens up Stepping Stone’s in-patient unit
Moved by Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services’ commitment to offering specialist palliative care to those experiencing the impact of life-limiting illness, two women teamed up to transform the hospice’s walls into vibrant works of art.
Helping others and giving back to the community has always been a passion for Lois Fisher and Sarah Engelbrecht.
They took on a new challenge of passion by brightening Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services’ in-patient unit with a beautiful symbolic painting in the unit’s passage.
In a project that almost took two days, the ladies poured their hearts and souls into it, using colour and imagination to bring hope to the unit.
Their generous gesture brightened the unit’s physical space and the artwork will also bring comfort and peace, especially to the many families who call the Hospice home.
After seeing firsthand the significant impact Stepping Stone brings to their patients and families, the two said this fuelled their determination to create something special.
“To me, this is a symbol of togetherness, which is why we chose this design. The painting highlights the fact that we are all intertwined and that we live until the last moment. And that, to me, is very important. We are united in every circumstance of life, but sometimes we only realise that when somebody is approaching the end of their life,” Sarah said.
With the new surroundings, the staff reported a significant lift in morale after the two also painted the recently established children’s inpatient unit in Raceview.
“We are a group of women who paint together, and we are more on the fine arts. It was the first time we took on a challenge like this and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is always wonderful to give back, and we thought we should do it this way,” said Lois.
“Their selfless act reminded everyone involved that even in the darkest times, there is always beauty to be found and hope to be shared.”
Appreciating the women’s generous contribution towards beautifying the unit, CEO Tersia Burger said, “What an amazing example of the impact two people can have when they combine their talents with a willingness to give back.
“The ladies and members of Tussen Koppies Art Studio have truly brightened up the children’s in-patient unit and the adult in-patient unit. Thank you so much! You are wonderful artists and amazing human beings,” said Tersia.
