Press Release – SAN FRANCISCO (December 15, 2017) — Nancy Ballard, the founder of Rooms that Rock 4 Chemo (RTR4C), a nonprofit organization devoted to redesigning cancer treatment rooms to create inspiring environments for those touched by cancer, announced today the release of her new book Rooms That Rock 4 Chemo – A Story. A Toolbox. The book details the work done by RTR4C to transform cancer treatment facilities, specifically chemotherapy rooms, into hopeful environments to assist in the healing process, and acts as a toolbox for others to follow in the organization’s path.
“My hope is that this book inspires individuals of all backgrounds to utilize the mechanics of RTR4C in their own communities and to bring more beauty and comfort into cancer treatment centers across the globe,” said RTR4C founder Nancy Ballard. “I believe that environments matter when it comes to cancer sufferers. I’ve seen it firsthand: the beautification of treatment rooms helps to promote hope and happiness in the darkest of times. I want the world to know that art heals.”
RTR4C believes simple solutions are the key to success in creating beautiful and inspiring treatment centers. The organization partners with interior designers, volunteers, local vendors, and sponsors to create updated treatment rooms in hospitals and outpatient facilities. Since its inception in 2011, RTR4C has transformed more than 177 rooms in 20 facilities across the US and El Salvador – impacting the experiences of over 550,620 cancer patients per year.
Recently, RTR4C partnered with Home Depot, Cutting Edge Stencils, and Rxhibition to transform seven rooms at The Global Cancer Research Institute in Gilroy, California. Previous projects include the transformation of 17 rooms at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar, Calif., 14 rooms at Saint Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco, 27 rooms at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, W.Va., seven rooms at the Cancer Institute of San Salvador in San Salvador, El Salvador, four rooms at The Cancer Center at Aria Health in Philadelphia, and 13 rooms at the UC Barrett Hospital in Cincinnati.
The book, published independently by Ballard, can be purchased on Amazon or on Ballard’s website.
About Rooms that Rock 4 Chemo
Rooms that Rock 4 Chemo (RTR4C) is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating positive, healing and uplifting spaces that spiritually, emotionally and physically support those dealing with chemotherapy. In collaboration with interior designers, volunteers and local vendors, RTR4C transforms physical spaces in facilities providing chemotherapy. As the hospital environment changes from sterile and drab to healing, lovely and soothing, the positive impact of emotional well-being, comfort and hope in patients’ lives is monumental. The rooms provided by RTR4C are accomplished by working together with facility operators, volunteer professional designers, the local community and sponsors to create new physical surroundings for patients and their families. For more information, visit www.roomsthatrock4chemo.org.
