Cancer Survivors Park
A place of serenity and inspiration.
The Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park is only the second of its kind in Canada. Established in 2008, this 4.5 acre green space is a calm, welcoming area for cancer patients, survivors, their friends, and families.
Explore the features of our park
There are several areas in the Cancer Survivors Park,
each offering a different perspective on the cancer journey.
A sculpture called ‘Cancer: There is Hope’
Created by the renowned Mexican sculptor, Victor Salmones. The piece features eight life-size figures passing through a maze depicting cancer treatments and success.
A ‘Positive Mental Attitude Walk’
This is an area that visitors can stroll through, meditate and read through fourteen plaques featuring words and suggestions inspired by Richard Bloch.
A ‘Road to Recovery’
Here, there are seven plaques explaining what cancer is and includes some basic actions to assist in recovery.
The Mary Eagan Healing Garden
This garden was donated by Terry Eagan, himself a cancer survivor, in memory of his wife Mary who lost her battle with cancer. The Healing Garden features a fountain that runs off into stones – these are the Stones of Hope.
The story of the Stones of Hope
Local broadcaster Gord McDougall was one of several people to attend the park’s groundbreaking ceremony. It was a tough day for him, as he had recently learned that his long-time friend had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Gord took some time to wander the grounds, considering what lay ahead for his friend.
During his walkabout, Gord picked up four stones. He gave one to each of his circle of childhood friends, including his dear friend who was dealing with her diagnosis, and kept one for himself. He intended them to be a symbol of hope, something tangible that told her they were always with her. The group vowed to visit the park together to return the stones once their friend was cancer-free.
Several months later, as the park was about to open, Gord and his friends made a visit to return their stones. Their friend was a survivor.
So moved by this story and the hope these four stones brought to this group of friends, the Cancer Foundation decided that this same hope had to be available to anyone who visited.
Today, when you visit The Cancer Survivors Park you will see the Stones of Hope at the base of The Mary Eagan Healing Garden. Visitors are invited to take one of these polished stones – for themselves or to share with a loved one – so that a piece of the park can inspire hope during their cancer journey. There is only one catch – you must also return the stone when it has served its purpose so that someone else can take it through their journey.
