When Shirley Roberson was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, she was not willing “to let things take their course.”
With a background in health sciences–she had once wanted to become a nurse–this mother, grandmother and graphics designer was determined to take an active role in her own care and was fearless in asserting her right to be seen and heard as a “whole person.” Once when a young resident entered the examining room, too busy talking to greet her with respect and hear her concerns, she famously told him to “go sit in that blue chair. While sitting in the blue chair, you must not talk. You must listen.” And throughout her nine year battle, she continued to advocate for listening, hope, community.
Shirley’s blue chair has become our guiding light, a reminder of how important it is to acknowledge the dignity of every individual, to listen and really hear what patients are sharing about their lives and hopes. And like Shirley, we believe that it is only through listening that healing can come to patients, clinicians and the health system itself.
In honor of Shirley and the 12 million individuals impacted by serious illness, we are launching The Blue Chair Initiative to ensure that every person’s voice–especially those who are underserved and under-resourced–is heard and respected.
Donate to the Blue Chair Initiative
