Claremont Artist Donates "Hope"

Painting has been a source of expression and joy for June Berger, a 72-year-old Claremont resident, for many decades. A graphic designer and branding professional of more than 30 years, she is now a fine artist inspired by her faith.

“My faith roots make me want to illustrate what I know of God as He is revealed in Old Testament and New Testament scriptures,” says Berger. “The artist in me wants to create something beautiful and interesting ... abstract enough that you can see what you want to see and draw your own conclusions!”

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, June dedicated one of her stunning pieces, “Hope,” an oil, acrylic and gold foil painting, to The Robert & Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center (Cancer Care Center) at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC).

It is prominently displayed outside of the Medical Oncology office where it can be admired by the many dozens of patients and visitors who pass by every day. Just as she dreams of all her pieces, June hopes that patients of the Cancer Care Center will see its beauty and take meaning from its named chapter and verse, Romans 15:13, which states:

“May the God of hope fi­ll you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Besides its passage, its dedication was also inspired by her own journey with breast cancer in 2018.

It all started during a walk with her husband. June tripped off a curb, leaving her with pain in her left knee, soon diagnosed as a torn meniscus.

In preparation for knee surgery to repair the tear, June underwent a pre-operative physical with her primary care doctor. During the exam, her doctor felt a lump in her breast, leading to a mammogram, same-day callback for an ultrasound and biopsy.

She was soon diagnosed with Stage 2A estrogen receptor-positive (ER+ & PR+) breast cancer. Thankfully, the cancer was caught in an early stage of development, giving her more viable treatment options.

June quickly sought the expertise of Lori Vanyo, MD, FACS, general surgeon and Medical Director of the Cancer Care Center, for a lumpectomy, a procedure that removes tumors and cancerous tissue from the breast.

She then underwent radiation therapy - five days a week for six weeks - at the Cancer Care Center under the guidance of Sri Gorty, MD, radiation oncologist and medical director of radiation oncology. She recalls that every day after one of her treatments, she and her husband Michael would stop by Bardot, a restaurant in the heart of the Claremont village, for a treat as self-care.

After completing her treatment, June took some time to rest and was back to her usual schedule of pilates in just four weeks.

“Carpe diem – seize the day,” she says. “I still have that philosophy.”

Though she remains in remission, June still comes to the Cancer Care Center for follow-up visits with Dr. Gorty and Dr. Vanyo.

It was during one of these visits that she thought of her artwork, “Hope,” and how it could bring light and love, and hope, of course, to those still fighting their battles with cancer.

With swirls of calming colors and pastels, and delicate, brightly painted butterflies – a symbol of transformation and beauty – fluttering around the canvas, “Hope” expresses calmness, strength, resilience and a warm embrace needed by so many of our patients and families undergoing a cancer diagnosis.

June also donated bookmarks with the same design, so patients can take a little piece of “Hope” home with them.

June paints a new piece entitled “Carpe Diem” Psalm 118.24 / “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” To learn more about June’s artwork, visit junebergerart.com.