Richard & Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park

 After dropping off some friends at the airport, we stopped at Papago Park to have lunch and take pictures.  It was a beautiful day, since it had just rained.  On our way home, we noticed a sign for Richard & Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park in downtown Phoenix.  We stopped to check it out.  To my dismay, the park was in disrepair, neglected, and vandalized. Some of the bronze plates were missing, and the fountain was not operational (probably due to the homeless).  It had originally been designed to give hope to cancer patients who were recently diagnosed with cancer.  The park was designed to offer hope, instruction, and inspiration to those undergoing cancer. There were three factors present. 1) Was to have a positive mental attitude. 2) Five bronze figures representing fear, hope, and determination. Three bronze figures representing successful treatment. 3) The Road to Recovery, which explained what cancer is and basic actions to successfully overcome the disease.  The bronze statues were created by Victor Salmones as a labor of love.  It is so sad that his work of art was destroyed.

This was a beautiful way to show people that cancer was not a death sentence and there was hope.  It was encouraging and told a story of hope and determination.  That we should never give up, no matter what. I did not even know this park existed.  It was founded by Richard and Annette Bloch after he was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal lung cancer and told he had only three months to live. I thought his story of fighting back and not accepting the diagnosis was very encouraging.  Surviving stage 4 lung cancer is remarkable.

I have met and known so many people who have had different types of cancer and have survived.  I don't think we hear of too many of those stories.  My mom even mentioned the same thing one day. Why don't we hear of people who have survived?  Fortunately, I know many women who have survived breast cancer.  Women who have had either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.  Having been diagnosed with breast cancer myself and being a survivor has led me to want to know more about the disease.

I think it is important to know everything about the type of cancer you're fighting. To have faith and never give up.  I feel Richard Bloch has a fascinating story and can be read on the website for Richard & Annette Bloch Foundation, and his vision for helping cancer patients.  It is so true that knowledge heals, ignorance kills.

Scarlett