A butterfly mural was unveiled Friday at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s cancer unit, honoring patients and their families.
The mural was created by patient Susan Kressel, who spent 70 consecutive days at the hospital earlier this year for acute myeloid leukemia and received 150 blood transfusions during her stay. “When I was in the hospital room I heard a voice, a spirit, say, ‘You’re already healed. You’re here for the people who are going to cross your path,’” Kressel said.
While hospitalized, Kressel painted personal tributes for the care team, including a painting of a staff member’s dog. Cancer unit manager Colleen Coulehan invited her to create the butterfly mural for the family room, a space where families can relax, play cards, talk, and discuss care options, including hospice. The butterflies symbolize hospice care and hope for patients and families. “I’ve been waiting for two years for you to show up because I had a dream about this mural,” Coulehan said…