Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Leukaemia Project Foundation (LPF), has launched the maiden edition of its art and photo exhibition dubbed “Cells in Color”.
The competition, launched at a well-attended event at the British Council in Accra, seeks to use art as a form therapy for Leukaemia patients while also creating awareness and raising funds to support them.
LPF is calling for entries in photography and paintings in Four (4) categories: 8-12 years, 13-19 years, tertiary students and professionals categories.
Participants can submit multiple entries per category (photography or painting) at www.lpfartex.com and by visiting the LPF art exhibition social media pages.
At the end of the competition, which runs from December 2018 to March 31, 2019, the selected entries will be displayed at an exhibition and the pieces subsequently distributed to cancer units across the country.
Addressing the gathering of health professionals and pupils of selected schools in Accra, president of the Leukaemia Project Foundation, Gerard Osei Boakye, elaborated the essence of art in the lives of leukaemia patients.
“Art offers a beautiful escape for these cancer patients who are mostly without hope. That’s why doctors often encourage patients to take up drawing.
“It’s therapeutic in many ways than we know and that’s why I think this project is essential.”
In a short presentation on leukaemia, Dr. Yvonne Dei Adomakoh, Head of Haematology Department at the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital, said although deadly, 80% of leukaemia patients have the chances of surviving the disease.
She however warned against exposure to certain pesticides, which have the potential of causing leukaemia.
About Leukaemia Project Foundation:
Leukaemia Project Foundation was set up in 2008 by a Leukaemia survivor and two doctors.
The Foundation is working tirelessly to attain its main goal of constructing a permanent specialist center for leukaemia patients at the Korle-Bu, which will reduce the cost and burden on suffering patients and families who otherwise have to fly abroad for better treatment or healthcare.
The Foundation, over the years has made several donations to children, adults, men and women, all of whom have suffered leukaemia.
About Leukaemia:
Leukaemia is cancer of the blood. It affects all the blood cells – red cells, white cells and platalets which subsequently cannot function well.
The white cells are more affected than the the others – they become abnormal and increased. That is why it is called “leuk-aemia”. In Greek “leuko” means white and “haemia” means increase in blood.
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Citinewsroom.com/Ghana/2018