For 10 years, Miriam Little helped connect cancer patients to the resources they
needed on their cancer journey. She had never had cancer herself, but her experience in social work gave her
the tools to help those who had. That all changed in 2023, when Miriam learned she had ovarian cancer.
Now, Little, an oncology social worker, is one of 14 new Faces of Hope portraits and stories on display at the
Harbin Clinic Cancer Center.
The exhibit features black and white portraits photographed by Rome-area photographer Kelly Moore. Each
portrait is accompanied by a brief synopsis of the patient’s Here for the When cancer journey. In addition to
Little, other individuals featured in the exhibit include Holly Avidan, Bonnie Clark, Ben Cohely, Jacob Cohely,
Sarah Emmer, Garry Fisher, Randy Grogan, Tara Hartline, Debbie Hayes, Tammie McConnell, Reggie
Nichols, Lauren Simpson and Carol Yagadics.
“These photographs and stories beautifully capture the heart, hope and care of the cancer experience from the
patient’s point of view,” said Aimee Griffin, vice president of professional services. “From a 22-year-old new
mom to a retired gentleman who plans to travel to see more of the world, these are among the many patients
who have benefitted from the expert, compassionate care provided by Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic.”
Having cancer, Little said, has made her a better social worker.
“Before, I had the skills as a social worker to gather resources and give my patients emotional and spiritual
support. But it is totally different when you go through a situation. It’s not just on paper. It really did change my
perspective and my role as their social worker. Now, I share my experience and tell my patients the things they
can expect. I can connect with them like never before,” she said. “I really feel like I can connect with the
patients who are going through a similar journey.
The Faces of Hope portraits and stories are exhibited on the walls of the first and second floor of the Harbin
Clinic Cancer Center, 255 W. Fifth St., in Rome. This is the third iteration of the Faces of Hope gallery.
“Every patient is special and every cancer journey is unique to the person, and that is why the Faces of Hope
are so valuable,” said Dr. Melissa Dillmon, Harbin Clinic oncologist. “When a patient or a patient family comes
to the cancer center they will see the photos and read the stories of patients who have been in their shoes.
Some of these patients are still undergoing treatment. So, these aren’t surviving stories. They are thriving
stories, and each of them is beautiful, complex and, yes, inspiring.”