Survivors Pavilion and Plaza

Cancer survivors and their families will have a new gathering place in Boise thanks to a $1 million grant awarded to City of Boise by the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation. The grant will help pay for the construction of a cancer survivor park/plaza, shelter, restroom and parking lot in the east end of Julia Davis Park (see the Boise City News Release for more information).

Depictions of the Survivors Plaza artwork common to each of the 24 existing Cancer Survivor's Parks in the US. While Boise's Survivors' Plaza will have the same artwork, the pavilion design will be in line with what was already designed for the east end of the park.

From the RA Bloch Cancer Foundation website:
The second greatest correctable cause of cancer mortality (smoking being #1) is relating death and cancer. Many have been brought up to believe that a diagnosis of cancer means automatic death. Some believe that treatments are worse than death. When they are diagnosed, they give up and do not try to fight.

Thus the idea of a Cancer Survivors Park. It not only encourages current patients to fight, but subconsciously gives healthy people, who know they will never get cancer, the will to fight when they are subsequently diagnosed. Normally parks memorialize the dead. This is a tribute to the living. It is there daily - continuously - to give the same message, "Don't equate death and cancer". Each person who passes is be subconsciously reminded and gains strength from it's various components.

Three fundamental elements are paramount. First is a sculpture as a focal point. Created by the renowned Mexican sculptor, Victor Salmones, it is eight life-size figures passing through a maze depicting cancer treatments and success. It is placed in the most visible point in the park for passers-by because it needs no explanation. People can walk among the figures, touch them, walk through the maze and generally visualize themselves being helped. It is very moving.

The second element in the park is a "Positive Mental Attitude Walk". This is an area that a person can stroll through, meditate and read some 14 plaques; 4 are inspirational and 10 are specific suggestions on fighting cancer.

The third factor is a "Road to Recovery" with seven plaques explaining what cancer is and basic actions to successfully overcome the disease.

Other than these three components, each park is totally unique, being designed to complement the local environment. It wants to make a magnificent showing to the passer-by. 97% of the American population does not have cancer, knows they will never get it, has no interest in the park because cancer only happens to the other guy. However, 40% of the people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. By passing daily and seeing the beautiful structures and the sign, Cancer Survivors Park, individuals will realize when diagnosed that there is a possibility of surviving and hopefully will try to fight rather than give up. Only 3% of the population has cancer and will be interested in spending time in the park. Therefore, the impression to the casual passer-by is far more important than the interior finish.