GARDEN OF HOPE

Steve Bridges married Teresa Caron in a small ceremony in the Garden of Hope. Steve was a cancer patient who underwent successful cancer treatment at Shands. He and Teresa thought the Garden of Hope was instrumental in his recovery.

The Garden of Hope is a place for patients at Shands Cancer Hospital at the University of Florida and their loved ones to find peace and serenity outside of the hospital. The Gainesville community and Shands HealthCare joined forces to help provide a place to honor survivors, caregivers and people who have been affected by cancer. However, this healing garden could not have been completed without the thoughtful contributions of so many donors who care about the people fighting cancer. We hope you understand that there is still much work to be done, and you can still become part of the Garden of Hope.

This garden is symbolic of the thoughtful quality of care patients receive at Shands Cancer Hospital. Located on the southeast side of the cancer hospital grounds, the garden provides relief to the senses through its use of water, sunlight and natural foliage. As visitors stroll down its intertwining pathways past gardens, trees and a pond, they have time to pause, reflect and heal.

Contributions to the garden include inscribed memorials and tributes on such items as pavers, trees and benches.

Click here to make gift to the Garden of Hope