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Work of Heart
Vibrant New Mural for Diamond Children’s Medical Center By Tom Leyde Children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer have a colorful new view from their rooms at Diamond Children’s Medical Center. A 900-square-foot mural by Tucson artist Joe Pagac was officially unveiled by hospital officials in January. The brilliantly colored mural features dolphins, whales, kittens, puppies, animals riding bicycles and other items from nature. It was designed to lift up spirits and bring joy to the children receiving treatment. The mural was a collaboration be146 BizTucson
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Spring 2021
tween the hospital and DPR Construction, the general contractor of Diamond Children’s new pediatric hematology and oncology clinic at 1625 N. Campbell Ave. Painted on the side of an adjacent structure, the mural faces the windows of the new clinic. DPR decided there was a need to curate a mural, said Sarah Frost, CEO of Banner — University Medical Center Tucson and Banner — University Medical Center South. The effort, she said, was “above and beyond” DPR’s contract for the construction project.
Each year, Frost said, about 60 children begin their battle against cancer in Tucson. “We believe the children fighting this deserve the best,” she said. Matt Thrower, project executive for DPR Construction, said the new clinic and mural “is one of the best projects we’ve been involved in.” The company had asked its team of partners to participate in the mural project, Thrower said. “They wanted to be part of this mission to leave something special behind,” he said. www.BizTucson.com