Going the distance for art in the healing environment
Contact: Sarah Bello
Chris Laman, CMH’s vice president of strategy, has decided to ‘go the distance’ for the BuildCMH Expansion Project. Laman will run an ultramarathon on Sept. 16 in Central Oregon, raising money for the CMH Foundation along the way.
Laman plans to run the Mountain Lakes 100, a 100-mile race. Funds raised will be used by the CMH Foundation to purchase healing art from local creators for CMH’s expansion hospital.
Laman was inspired to do the fundraiser by two of his colleagues, Randy McClelland and Dr. Aaron Brown. McClelland skateboarded for 24 hours to raise money for art in the hospital expansion. Dr. Brown completed a 180-mile bike ride in England to raise funds for Lower Columbia Hospice.
Laman previously worked as CMH’s director of Pharmacy and Cancer Care Services. In that role, he and McClelland helped bring new artwork to the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative ahead of its opening in 2017.
“My experience in the Cancer Center has made me acutely aware of the impact art can have on a patient’s comfort level, and having that level of comfort eases anxiety and puts them in a better position to receive care,” Laman says.
Laman expects the expansion will need significantly more art than what was purchased for the Cancer Center. CMH will commission local artists to create unique pieces for the hospital.
“The hospital has been so committed over the past 15 years to work with local artists,” Laman says. “We will purchase the art from local artists, so it goes back to the community.”
Laman’s run will begin at Olallie Lake, then continue toward the Pacific Crest Trail, where most of the run will be held.
“I’m very excited to do something I love and have it support the BuildCMH Expansion Project and our patients,” Laman says.
To pledge a donation, visit columbiamemorial.org/ultramarathon/. Any amount per mile can be pledged.
