Monday, January 2, 2012

Cancer Survivors Park & Sculpture


On the edge of the Country Club Plaza is the Cancer Survivors Park with this sculpture by Victor Salmones.  Richard and Annette Bloch's Cancer Foundations is devoted to helping others stricken with cancer.  There are 24 parks located throughout the USA and Canada, each have this same sculpture.

In March, 1978, Richard A. Bloch was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and told that he had three months to live. He chose to fight for his life and was declared cancer-free two years later. For the remaining twenty-six years of his life, Dick and his wife, Annette, devoted themselves to helping the next person with cancer have the best chance of beating it.  Dick passed away in July, 2004 of heart failure.  The R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation continues the mission under Annette’s leadership.

10 comments:

Teresa said...

Imagine that! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
I love these kind of stories. so inspirational and a great bronze trio.

Birdman said...

I have not seen this before.

Kate said...

This is an amazing story!

Sharon said...

We have one just like this in Phoenix. I think I pictured it on my site back in 2008. What dedication.

Randy said...

That looks just like the one in Phoenix. I think there should be one in every city.

Taken For Granted said...

I've know many cancer survivors, and a few who died. What a great theme for a park. Love the sculpture. Thanks for the pictures.

Halcyon said...

An interesting series.

Jack said...

Great photos of a great and inspiring sculpture. I read the paragraph about Mr. Bloch. That is an uplifting story. Thanks for telling us about this foundation.

Anonymous said...

Never heard of these... but what an encouragement to those stricken...

Gunn said...

Nice and interesting, both the art and the good work they have been doing!
I like the small photo too!:)