Lindsey Morris
The journey of cancer is not a straight line. Many of those on the path to treatment might have to circle back to a fork in the road, take a break before continuing, or do a few loops, before they reach the bell at the end.
For many patients of the Georgia Cancer Center’s Radiation Clinic, the bell is symbolic of being ‘officially cured’ of cancer, and they pass on the opportunity to ring it as they feel that completing their radiation treatment is not being ‘cured’. Those who had completed their radiation treatment, only to have to come in for additional treatment, feel disheartened at the distance to the bell.
Traci Talman, a charge nurse at the radiation clinic, hated to see her patients go without a celebratory milestone. She was unsure of what to do, until she visited the Wellstar Kennestone Radiation Oncology office with fellow nurse, Amber Moore, and saw a beautiful mural of a tree whose leaves were the fingerprints of patients that completed their radiation treatment, some with fingerprints on the tree multiple times.
“I believe that just like ringing the bell and celebrating that with patients, the fingerprint on the tree will also be a way to celebrate the accomplishment of completing radiation. A completion of one more part of the patient’s cancer journey,” said Talman.
She, along with Moore, Teddie Lynce, Ashley Gambill, Shannon Williams, Megan Lumpkin, and John Barrett, MD, were inspired by this art, and came together to make it a reality.
“The idea was wonderful, but I wanted our department to have something original, something that felt more established and unique to our space. I wanted the mural to look intentional, as though it was always meant to be part of the building, not an afterthought. Creating something meaningful is exciting, and having the team trust in my abilities to bring something beautiful to life is an honor,” said Lumpkin, the artist for this project.
She worked together with her sister, Abby Edwards, to create something special and unique for their patients. Having been a full-time radiation therapist for 15 years before shifting into a part time role, Lumpkin knew her work would be another way that she could provide care for patients.
“We see patients for weeks at a time, get to know their families, they stay with us long after treatment ends. This project gives us a physical reminder of them long after they have completed treatment. Just as it adds another layer for us, I believe it also offers the patient a meaningful sense to the finality of their treatments. They are putting their final stamp on their journey with us.”
With the mural finished, they knew they would need support from Unite in the Fight Against Cancer to purchase the supplies needed for patients to make their mark. Unite is an annual community celebration honoring all who have been affected by this disease, while raising funds for patient-centered programs. The team submitted a grant to Unite in the Fight Against Cancer, titled ‘GCC Radiation Therapy Clinic Tree’, and it was selected as one of the nine programs supported by funds from Unite 2025.
“Without the support from programs like this, I believe we are missing an opportunity to fully care for our patients. These programs allow us to provide an additional element of support. One that helps bridge the gap between our growing technology, our caregivers, and the patients we serve. They make it possible to care for the whole person, not just their medical needs,” said Lumpkin
If you would like to learn more about this program, follow us on Facebook to be kept up to date on it and the other programs funded by Unite in the Fight Against Cancer. Unite in the Fight Against Cancer will be held on May 2, 2026. You can find more information by visiting our website and Facebook event page. We encourage all to join us in support of all who fight against cancer every day.
