At some point in our lives, all of us are touched by cancer in some way—whether through our own diagnosis or that of a loved one. The advances in science and medicine are helping more people recover, and the dedicated work of doctors, nurses, and countless health care professionals makes an enormous difference. But nature, too, has a unique role to play. It offers a place to simply be, a sanctuary amidst the whirlwind of appointments, treatments, and emotions.
The Garden of Hope and Healing is designed to extend that solace not just to patients but to their families, support networks, and the entire health care team who dedicate themselves to the care of others.
A collaborative vision
This project, like all of our Sacred Places, is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Garden of Hope and Healing was designed with input from the Bryan Health community, neighboring residents, local nonprofits, and other stakeholders. It features native plantings, a labyrinth, and a walking path that encircles a grove of trees, creating a space that encourages reflection, fosters hope, and provides a sense of calm. It is a place where the healing power of nature can be felt in every leaf and petal.
During the dedication ceremony, Alden Stoner, CEO of Nature Sacred, shared the following:
"Nature offers solace. It offers hope. It offers a place to simply be, amidst the whirlwind of appointments, treatments, and emotions. This Sacred Place, this 'Garden of Hope and Healing,' extends that solace not just to patients, but to their families, their support networks, and to all those who serve here – the doctors, nurses, and staff who dedicate themselves to the care of others. The true beauty of nature lies in its ability to offer comfort and respite to all, without distinction."
Inspiring future healing spaces
The Garden of Hope and Healing is not just a beacon for Omaha but a model for other health care institutions across the Midwest and beyond. It is a vivid reminder of the powerful role nature can play in our health and well-being. We hope this Sacred Place will inspire other hospitals and health care settings to consider how greenspaces can be integrated into their environments, offering all who visit a moment of peace and a chance to reconnect with nature.
As we dedicate this Sacred Place, we’re reminded of a quote from a journal entry left in another hospital’s Sacred Place: “Here, in this garden, I found a quiet moment to breathe, to hope, and to heal.”
May this Garden of Hope and Healing offer similar moments of connection, reflection, and renewal to all who enter. We extend our deepest thanks to Paul and June Schorr for their extraordinary generosity and vision and to the April Sampson Cancer Center for trusting Nature Sacred to guide this process.
For more information about our work and Sacred Places across the country, visit www.naturesacred.org.
