Thousands to Create Mural Launching National Community Art Movement Honoring Those Touched by Cancer

Lilly Oncology On Canvas Celebrates 10 Years of Cancer Journeys Shared with 10-City Hope Murals Project

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May 29, 2014, 09:25 ET

CHICAGO, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Annual Meeting, one of the largest gatherings in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, brings together more than 25,000 oncology professionals from May 30 through June 3 to share the latest research in the fight against cancer. In recognition of National Cancer Survivor's Day on June 1, this year's meeting will provide a platform not only for scientific exploration, but also for artistic expression: ASCO meeting attendees are invited to join together to bring a caregiver's artistic interpretation of her sister's journey with lung cancer to life in the form of a public Hope Mural.

The Hope Murals Project. (PRNewsFoto/Eli Lilly and Company) (PRNewsFoto/Eli Lilly and Company)

Lilly Oncology On Canvas Celebrating 10 Years. (PRNewsFoto/Eli Lilly and Company) (PRNewsFoto/ELI LILLY AND COMPANY)

National Coalition For Cancer Survivorship. (PRNewsFoto/Eli Lilly and Company) (PRNewsFoto/ELI LILLY AND COMPANY)

The Hope Murals Project marks the 10th anniversary of the Lilly Oncology On Canvas Art Competition, which invites all residents of the United States and Puerto Rico who have been touched by cancer to express — through art and narrative — the life-affirming changes that give meaning to their cancer journeys. The Hope Murals Project brings 10 murals based on the inspirational art from past competitions to 10 cities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Marking the official launch of The Hope Murals Project, oncology professionals will come together at ASCO to create the mural using a "paint-by-number" process, making the mural a permanent tribute to and show of support for those touched by cancer.

"Through The Hope Murals Project, we are striving to build a nationwide community connecting everyone touched by cancer," said Newt Crenshaw, vice president, Lilly Oncology, and a cancer survivor. "That's why we developed Lilly Oncology On Canvas 10 years ago as a way for people to share their stories through artistic expression. The Hope Murals Project brings their art to life, honoring their journeys and creating a lasting tribute to those who have been touched by cancer."

The subject of the mural being painted at ASCO is "Creating a New Universe," a 2010 Oncology On Canvas^SM competition entry by Chicago resident Gloria Cichy. In the artwork's accompanying narrative, Cichy describes her sister's transformation from darkness to light during her journey with lung cancer: "My sister floated in a dark atmosphere of fear. She lost her hearing, her job, her memory, her control, herself. Then, slowly, her health improved. She moved from uncertainty into a brighter world. She resides today in a universe of family, hope and gratefulness, full of unique treatment avenues and fresh hope for cancer patients."

Each of the 10 works to be transformed into Hope Murals is chosen through public vote on the Lilly Oncology On Canvas Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LillyOncologyOnCanvas). Recently, the first mural was completed in Anaheim, Calif., by attendees of the Oncology Nursing Society's 39^th Annual Congress, and was permanently installed at the Anaheim Central Library.

Join The Hope Murals Project in Your Community – #hopeforward
You can connect with others in your community and beyond to honor the journeys of those touched by cancer through The Hope Murals Project in two ways: (1) Follow The Hope Murals Project during its 10-city journey on Twitter (www.twitter.com/LlyOncOnCanvas) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/LillyOncologyOnCanvas). You can use the #hopeforward hashtag on both sites. (2) Vote today on the Lilly Oncology On Canvas Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LillyOncologyOnCanvas) for the artworks you want to see transformed into Hope Murals across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Additionally, check out The Hope Murals Project on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/LlyOncOnCanvas) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/LlyOncOnCanvas). For more information on The Hope Murals Project, visit www.lillyoncologyoncanvas.com.

August 15 Deadline for 2014 Oncology On Canvas Competition
The 2014 Oncology On Canvas art competition marks the program's 10^th anniversary. The competition presenters, Lilly Oncology and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), invite all residents of the United States and Puerto Rico who have been touched by cancer to express — through art and narrative — the life-affirming changes that give meaning to their cancer journeys. Those with cancer, as well as their family members, friends, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, are invited to participate. Information on the competition, including official rules and a downloadable entry form, is available at lillyoncologyoncanvas.com. You may also call 1-866-991-LOOC (5662) or e-mail [email protected]. Entries for the 2014 competition are due August 15, 2014.

About Lilly Oncology
For more than fifty years, Lilly has been dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines and support to people living with cancer and those who care for them. Lilly is determined to build on this heritage and continue making life better for all those affected by cancer around the world. To learn more about Lilly's commitment to people with cancer, please visit www.LillyOncology.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and http://newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels.

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