A symbol of hope and triumph over cancer
In 2022, while recovering from breast cancer, with the support of my strong husband, we planted a Cancer Victory Garden like in WWII.
I wanted to breathe in the fresh air and find healing in nature. I was quite sick then with treatment and could only help steer my husband to assist in planting cut flower seeds. I had lots of Sofa & Netflix time healing to search the internet for seeds! It started as a small cut flower garden, but soon blossomed into something much more meaningful.
The garden brought so much joy and comfort to my life that I decided to share its beauty with others. Each time I visited my doctor's office, I would take several flower arrangements with me, spreading love and encouragement to other patients. My doctor, Dr. Deborah Villa, suggested writing letters of love and hope to accompany the flowers, and that's when the idea truly blossomed.
Gardening became a healing process for both me and other patients. Watching the flowers grow gave us hope and a sense of progress.
So, I continued the fight against cancer by creating a cut flower healing garden that offers flowers to patients and survivors at no cost. Survivors joined in to plant and work in the garden, alongside community supporters.
How the garden grew
Our small garden produced over 150 flower arrangements. With the help of donors, vase collectors, and floral designers, we expanded and remodeled it to grow even more flowers, and built a workbench and a garden shed where seedlings are grown and survivors gather for coffee and support.
Our first-ever Cancer Victory Garden Party was a huge success, with survivors, caregivers, and supporters planting hundreds of seedlings. We aimed to fill over 300–400 vases, provide arrangements for events by UCLA Oncology and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, and offer free Flower Arranging classes to patients and caregivers.
Blooms in bright shades of orange, magenta, white, bronze, and our famous Signature Flower, the Pink Sunflower. Our Signature Event featured Mexican cuisine and wine with Ali Rush, Advanced Sommelier and owner of 15 Degrees C. Donations support the garden, survivors, classes, weekly arrangements, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
This Cancer Victory Garden is more than just flowers; it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and love. Together, we are sowing seeds of healing and compassion.
Please join us on this journey of hope and make a difference in the lives of those touched by cancer.