Numerous parks and landmarks showcase the power monuments have to turn what would otherwise be empty spaces into places that can define a community. Cancer Survivor Park in San Diego is part of a larger effort by the Richard & Annette Block Family Foundation to transform such empty spaces in a physical manner but to also provide viewers with a message that is about something much more profound.
Cancer Survivor Parks
Richard and Annette Bloch funded the creation of 25 Cancer Survivor Parks. These parks are located throughout North America, each of which features a 3D progression of eight typical cancer patients passing through a series of portals representing cancer treatments.
There are three factors present in each Park. First is a positive mental attitude walk with 14 bronze plaques, four inspirational and 10 instructional. Second is a sculpture of eight life-size bronze figures passing through a maze representing cancer treatment. The five before the maze show fear, hope and determination in their faces while the three after are laughing and happy, representing successful treatment. Third is a “Road to Recovery” consisting of seven plaques explaining what cancer is and basic actions to successfully overcome the disease.
The Cancer Park in San Diego features numerous inspirational quotes amidst sections for seating and gathering. The park is available to utilize for events of all types.
The “Positive Mental Attitude Walk” has 14 plaques that suggest lifestyle and mental approaches for battling cancer. The main sculpture is at the center of the “Road to Recovery Plaza”. On one end, sickly figures approach square openings. Figures move through the opening so that on the other end, a successfully treated survivor child celebrates with their parents.
Located along the southern edge of San Diego International Airport, Cancer Survivor Park in San Diego highlights the kind of transformation that monuments can represent in literal and figurative ways for residents and visitors.
A Legacy of Not Giving Up
While each Cancer Park is unique to the space it was installed, all of these parks are focused on showcasing what it means to fight cancer rather than give up in the face of it. To newly diagnosed patients, it is meant to give hope and courage. To those in the process of fighting the disease, it is meant to give directions and determination. To everyone else, such parks enable awareness and understanding in a way that positively impacts entire communities.
Being located so close to other notable monuments, Cancer Survivor Park in San Diego highlights how such efforts can positively impact a city in the present and future.
