The third floor of North Fulton Regional Hospital got a little bit brighter this week as a new painting was hung. But unlike the traditional artwork that hangs throughout the hospital, this painting holds special meaning as it honors the life and memory of a brave woman who courageously battled cancer.

Courtney Cook was a member of the Young Adult Cancer Survivors of Atlanta. This group of more than 50, 20- and 30-somethings is comprised of cancer survivors, whether in treatment or out, who gather socially. During these social interactions, members of the group grow close and form strong bonds based on their common fight. Last year they experienced a loss when Courtney, as well as her friend and fellow group member Tara Swigart, lost the battle.

“This was the first time we had lost anyone,” said Jennifer Potter, founder of the Young Adult Cancer Survivors of Atlanta. “We wanted to find some way to honor these ladies who had become our friends.” The group decided to raise $500 to obtain a piece of artwork, to be completed by them, from the Foundation for Hospital Art. Then remembering that Courtney had spent a great deal of time at North Fulton Regional Hospital, the group started work securing the space for it to be placed.

During her battle with neuroendocrine carcinoma, a type of Carcinoid Cancer, Courtney remained vibrant and positive. She participated in various Relay for Life walks and never allowed her cancer to define her. She spent much of her time at North Fulton Regional Hospital, many times returning to the same room multiple times. By her side every step of the way were her parents, Keith and Melody Cook.

“One day when Courtney was laying in yet another hospital bed she just sighed and said, ‘Oh, if we only had some pretty pictures to look at!’ This would mean so much to her knowing that there is a pretty picture up now,” said Melody Cook. In fact this ‘pretty picture’ is made even more special because of the actual design. Not having any prior knowledge about Carcinoid Cancer, the members chose a painting that depicts two zebras.

“When we selected the painting we had no idea that the ribbon for Courtney’s cancer was zebra striped,” said Jennifer Potter. “We were stunned when we realized we had chosen a painting with so much significance.”

The painting now hangs on the 3rd floor of North Fulton Regional Hospital on a wall outside the elevator and family waiting area, brightening not only the wall itself, but also the hearts of those that are blessed to pass by.

North Fulton Regional Hospital (NFRH), part of Tenet Georgia, is a 202-bed, acute-care hospital located on Highway 9, Alpharetta Highway, in Roswell. Opened in 1983, NFRH serves
North Fulton and surrounding counties through its team of over 1000 employees, 400 staff physicians and 200 volunteers. NFRH is a state-designated Level II trauma center and provides a continuum of services through its centers and programs, including neurosciences, orthopedics, rehabilitation, surgical services, bariatric surgical weight loss, gastroenterology and oncology. The hospital is fully accredited and also is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.

For more information about the various quality programs and services at North Fulton Regional Hospital, call 770-751-2500, or visit www.northfultonregional.com.