ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 14 > Iss. 3 (2026)
Credentials Display
Kelly Allen, MSOT, OTR/L MFA
Abstract
Margaret Petersen, theater artist and assistant stage manager of the Grand Rapids Ballet, is featured in the cover art for the Summer 2026 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The self-portrait photograph depicts Petersen standing cheerfully on a terrace, dressed as an orange “safety cone” holding onto an IV pole. She takes in some fresh air as she receives her chemotherapy medication at the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillion. Donned in orange coveralls and a modified hat topped with a small traffic cone and the word SAFETY emblazoned across the front, it is the costume she created to wear to her chemotherapy appointments that followed hospitalization due to seizures. Through the occupation of costume-making, Margaret transformed a clinical environment into a space for humor, creativity, and self-expression. Raised in a family that valued curiosity, art, and exploration, she developed a rich imagination that would later help her endure circumstances beyond her control. Margaret’s story demonstrates how play, imagination, and meaningful occupation can serve as powerful tools for adaptation, helping individuals navigate trauma, illness, and recovery while preserving identity, participation, and hope.
Recommended Citation
Allen, K. (2026). Setting the Stage for Surviving Cancer. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 14(3), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2670
