Chalk it up to boredom. That’s what Patrice Hoerster says led to her fascination in chalk art.
“It was July 4, 2023,” she recalls. “I ventured out into my driveway with a little chalk and drew a Happy Fourth of July message for anyone who would pass by my house. When I went to share the greeting with all my Facebook friends, I stumbled across a page for sidewalk chalk, and what I found there was mesmerizing!”
What started out as a simple form of entertainment grew into a full-blown hobby.
“I mustered courage to take my art to public places, calling my projects ‘sniper art.’ Nothing too complex so I could get in and out and leave a happy surprise for whoever walked by next.”
Several times, folks passing by would express delight in her drawings – comments that would bring her joy because her art was bringing someone else joy. So, Patrice started finding more ways to share her gift – providing birthday greetings for family members, leaving motivational messages for triathlon participants at the local YMCA and welcoming worshippers at church with inspirational illustrations. However, it still wasn’t quite enough.
“As 2023 came to a close, I asked myself, ‘How can I give purpose to this passion?’ Back on Facebook, there was a lady who routinely shared her art outside oncology clinics in her community, and I thought, ‘That’s it!’ As a HER2 breast cancer survivor myself, I set out to see if any of the oncology clinics here in Greenville would be open to the idea.”
It wasn’t long before she was connected with our team at Bon Secours, who was more than excited to take Patrice up on her generous offer. Now, she is helping bring inspiration and hope to our patients at the Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center!
“I remember sitting in the waiting room, looking around and seeing faces filled with exhaustion, fear and uncertainty,” Patrice explains. “I know what it’s like to have to depend on others for transportation to treatments. I know the frustration of feeling the physical limitations of daily activities because of side effects of treatment or lingering lifelong issues, such as lymphedema. Now that I am far on the other end of the last of my treatments, I can appreciate the simple things that bring joy in unexpected places.”
Her first masterpiece, a little bird on a cherry blossom branch, made its debut on our property on April 15, 2024. However, it wasn’t the last. Each time Mother Nature decided to clear her canvas with a bit of rain, Patrice always came back with new drawing ideas. She adds that each chalk she did this year meant something to her and she trusts the heartfelt messages were conveyed to everyone else.
“It was a special treat in October when I celebrated my own cancer journey by chalking the pink ribbon to recognize breast cancer awareness month,” she adds. “As I worked, I was blessed to share a few words of encouragement with a lady headed in for treatment. It was the first piece that I signed with my name and my own pink ribbon with a ’14’ inside to celebrate my own journey. I hope that others were able to sign their name, too.”
In addition to the St. Francis Cancer Center, Patrice has been busy chalking in the Greenville area community at Chalk the Walk events, one of which was a fundraiser for Calvary Home for Children. She also chalked a tribute to the lions at the Greenville Zoo and for the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas this year.
“I wish I could chalk every day, but I’m learning patience,” Patrice shares. “We hit those weeks of brutal heat that kept me indoors. Then, we had some weeks of endless rain and now we are in the season of shorter days.”
In the meantime, though, Patrice hopes everyone enjoys the images that she has shared along the way. She looks forward to continuing to minister through chalk in the weeks and months to come.
“Thank you so much for allowing me to color your world with hope and encouragement! It has been a wonderful year of blessings you have given me by allowing me to share my chalk inspirations.”
This holiday season, we are celebrating by spreading the good news! Read more grateful stories, like this one, that feature our team members, patients and the wonderful communities we are blessed to serve.
Also, learn about the cancer care and oncology services we provide at Bon Secours.
