“Garden of Hope” to Recognize Those Affected by Cancer

The Cancer Friendship Group at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center is in the process of creating a memorial garden dedicated to individuals who have been affected by cancer.

This grassroots initiative will create a community “Garden of Hope” to be located on the hospital grounds. The garden will be a soothing space where cancer survivors, caregivers, and families can go to reflect, meditate, and get an increased sense of hope, renewal, and restoration. It will feature beautiful landscaping, benches, a brick walkway, and water feature.

According to Carolyn Sutton, Cancer Friendship Group facilitator, the idea for the garden was conceived in 2015.

“The group wanted to develop a space that would allow survivors to plant and grow flowers and have something of beauty, which is consistent with the focus of the group,” said Sutton.

To make the garden a reality for all to experience, the group is seeking financial support, with a goal of raising $50,000 and completing the project in 2017. There are three options for supporting this project, each of which is tax-deductible as allowed by law:

• Make a donation of any amount.
• Purchase a brick paver, either 6”x9” or 9”x9”. The name of someone you
• choose will be displayed on the brick as “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of.”
• Sponsor a bench, the water feature, a large planter, or the cornerstone.

PCH/FMC has funds budgeted for the clean-up and preparation of the ground where the garden will be built. The area is known as the courtyard and is the current home of the PCH cornerstone, which will be relocated to accommodate this project. The area can be accessed from the surgery waiting room and viewed from the hallway connecting the hospital front desk to the inpatient wing.

“We feel strongly that this beautiful garden will be a legacy to all of the individuals and families of Edgar County and beyond whose lives have been affected by cancer,” said Kim Macke, Cancer Friendship Group member and Foundation Director at PCH/FMC. “This garden is reflective of the hope we have for our own lives, our loved ones, family members, and this community.”

Your support for our Garden of Hope is greatly appreciated. For more information, about the garden or the Cancer Friendship Group, please contact Carolyn Sutton at (217) 251-1522 or carolyn.sutton8@gmail.com.

About the Cancer Friendship Group
The PCH/FMC Cancer Friendship Group was formed in 2001 by cancer survivors and their families to provide support, education, and a community of sharing with all lives that have been touched by cancer. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 am in Conference Room B at the hospital. New members are always welcome.