Painting donation to MGH

My Ipswich salt marsh painting was unveiled today at a reception at Massachusetts General Hospital  in Boston, where it will hang on the Blake 6 transplant floor. This painting is my humble way of thanking the lovely and amazing doctors, nurses, etc. — particularly on the Blake 6 transplant floor — who cared for me before, during and after my kidney transplant surgery and subsequent infections. I had a nice, cozy bed there for a total of 22 days over three stays. The staff at MGH are all titans in their medical profession. When it’s eventually hung on the walls of the transplant floor, I hope that this painting, which I have named ‘Radiance’, will bring joy to other transplant patients as they recover from their surgeries. This was such a nice way for them to acknowledge my little gift.. #forevergrateful #MGH

Below is the note I put on the back of my Radiance postcard, which I will keep a supply of in the Family Room on the transplant floor at MGH. I hope it supports and inspires future transplant patients!

Warm greetings, transplant friend—

Transplantation is an extraordinary journey that tests the limits of one’s strength and courage. In addition to commitment and faith, it requires strong mental and physical preparation as well as endurance. But you already know that. If you can endure transplantation, you can conquer anything that you set your mind to. The tough part is over. Now it’s time to let your body heal so your inner radiance and spirit shines through again. Wishing you well as you continue on your own transplant journey.

—Diane Carnevale

Kidney transplant recipient

October, 2018