Nature can be a powerful force of healing and peace. It can quiet the mind, rejuvenate the spirit and promote rest and recovery for the body. Many of our hospitals have healing gardens for patients and their families so they can experience the benefits of nature close to where they’re receiving care. Now an effort is underway at Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area Cancer Center to add its own healing garden, and team members are pitching in to fundraise for it.
Aurora Bay Area’s nursing shared governance team held its second annual Cancer Survivor Walk in June and raised nearly $2,000 to support a new healing garden. A significant part of the total raised came from one team member, Karen Johnson, who was so moved by the effort that she generously offered to match gifts up to $500.
"It has been a joy to work in cancer care for over 11 years. The struggles our patients share with me have been heartfelt. We have a beautiful view of the woods and fountain as many varieties of birds flit around the feeders. Our tom turkey never disappoints as he defends his honor pecking at his rival in the window,” shared Karen, a massage therapist at the Cancer Center. “Nature plays a necessary role balancing, energizing, and healing our souls. We all look forward to the beauty of our own healing garden."
The garden will enrich the healing journey and further opportunities for social interaction and private contemplation in a relaxed outdoor environment suitable for reflection, meditation, and restoring mental and emotional health.
The event was meaningful for many who attended, including Nicole Swanson, Vice President of Nursing at the hospital. The team partnered with hospital volunteers to offer tribute luminaries in honor or memory of loved ones to donors who attended the walk.
“An unexpected cancer diagnosis hit close to home for my family this year, and it has certainly felt like a roller coaster we are ready to get off. Being able to come as a group and support those who are on their journey toward being healthy was very emotional and impactful for the whole Swanson family. We also saw many who were paying tribute to those who have lost their battle,” she said. “Through raising funds for the healing garden, our nursing shared governance team is making an impact in the lives of so many that are touched by such an emotionally and physically draining disease. On both a professional and personal level, I am so proud of this group – and grateful – for their compassionate efforts.”
How you can help
Healing gardens and many other programs and services are only possible because of the generosity of donors like you. You can make a difference for people battling cancer by supporting the new healing garden at Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area. To learn more, please contact Jenna Robinson at jenna.robinson@aah.org.