Garden of Hope
“Open the Gates”
Shannon Cancer Center’s Garden of Hope
At some point in our lives, we may face a difficult challenge that requires us to rely on Faith, Hope, and Courage to overcome. For many, receiving a cancer diagnosis can be that challenge. Our promise is to make a positive impact on this journey by providing as much compassion and professional care as possible.
The Garden of Hope was created in 2012 as a result of one patient’s journey. A hardworking farmer and proud rancher, Pops was struggling to be inside the clinical environment during his cancer treatments. He was heard to say one day, “Isn’t there a bench outside for me to sit on while I take this juice?” The planning stage began!
The Garden of Hope opened in September of 2012 and became a unique and inspiring space for those receiving cancer treatment. When the new Shannon Cancer Center was built in 2023, plans began to relocate the Garden of Hope into its new space so it could continue to be enjoyed by patients and their families.
The Garden of Hope, situated outside the Shannon Cancer Center, is a unique healing space adorned with stunning symbols of tribute, enriched by foliage, flowers and shrubs. The garden serves as a therapeutic peaceful environment for patients and their families, offering them a chance to sit and relax, connect with others, and even undergo their treatment therapy outside in the midst of nature’s rejuvenating energy. It’s an atmosphere that guarantees a tranquil and revitalizing refuge, a true sanctuary that promotes healing of the mind, body, and soul.
As patients enter the Garden through “Hope’s Door”, their eyes will be drawn to the curved rock walls mixed with metal slatted beams that sway rhythmically up and down contributing to the garden’s energy which in turn gives rise to hope. Once inside, our patient is greeted by a serene white marble Angel named “Hope”, whose infectious spirit is lifted by the movement of its surroundings while quiescently residing over places to stop and sit, and offers the blessings of the garden.
Along the path, there are private, peaceful places to take in the surroundings. The soft sound of trickling water fills your senses as it flows over a substantial boulder that plays host to frisky birds and sunbathing geckos finding respite in the water pools and cool shade of a mighty oak. The petrified pieces of wood atop the boulder were carefully selected by the patient, whose memorial it represents.
Around the first corner one is greeted by a softly painted metal sculpture, depicting winding plant stems with butterflies on board the three organic stems representing “Faith, Hope & Courage.” The butterflies represent a patient as they journey through their cancer treatment. The top most prominent butterfly adorned with colored glass has reached its final determination flying freely to its future.
The garden’s path leads beyond to the “Cross of Mini-Crosses” which was created by symbols of friendship and love. Visitors can sit and reflect in prayer while enjoying the peaceful retreat as they notice the sweet dove resting above.
Finally, the path continues to wind around to the northeast corner to a joyful tribute named “Joy” residing in front of a curved rock wall that leads to “Nana’s Gate” and the garden’s end.
A Place Where Hope Lives
Patients will also be able to sense the garden’s peaceful atmosphere through large windows inside the treatment center where the garden’s beautiful landscape and tributes may be viewed. Patients can move freely about the center, and in and out of the garden through the exquisitely adorned and welcoming “Hope’s Door”.
Inside the Oncology Treatment Center, patients are surrounded by a serene, comfortable and peaceful environment with lots of special care, where they can allow themselves to relax and escape their worries for just a little while.
Hope’s Door
Represents the memory of Hope Wilson Huffman by her husband, James Gordon Huffman, and their two daughters, Grace Wilson Huffman and Virginia Lynn Huffman. Hope Wilson Huffman was born in San Angelo, and graduated from Central High School and then from The University of Texas. Hope was keenly interested in politics and worked for many high-level campaigns. She was very active in the community and volunteered her time with a number of organizations, including the Humane Society of Tom Green County and the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Hope was also an avid land conservationist and loved being outdoors. She possessed a zest for life and generosity of spirit that brightened the world for all around her, and those who were privileged to share in her love and affection will forever hold her close in their hearts.
Hope’s Door features an art nouveau design by Treva Boyd. This design enhances the calming, therapeutic atmosphere of the treatment facility, providing patients with a connection to the Garden of Hope. It allows them the opportunity to seek solace in the open air while still receiving their treatment.
Art Nouveau features an organic design that can be both balanced and asymmetrical, embracing lines and curves that beautifully incorporate nature and plants. With this picturesque style, we strived to evoke the awareness of a peaceful, open-air environment, inviting visitors to walk through and experience our wonderful garden creation for themselves.
Inside the tranquil treatment room, patients can see a lovely Lotus Bloom as the focal point of Hope’s Door. The lotus symbolizes inner strength and holds significant meaning in various religions. It is considered one of the most sacred plants because of its unique journey: it emerges from the water, follows the movements of the sun throughout the day, and then closes back up to return to the water.
A delicate Dragonfly lands on a vine, delivering a message of change, transformation, and new beginnings. It epitomizes happiness, good luck, and the courage to embrace rebirth, as it begins its life in water. Its significance encourages us to shed our old selves to make way for the new.
The Butterfly rests a bit higher on a vine across from the dragonfly, representing the magical transformation of a caterpillar. This metamorphosis embodies rebirth and transformation, illustrating how we must look within ourselves to dissolve old forms in order to rebuild and evolve. It emphasizes the importance of surrender and trust as essential components of growth and renewal. More importantly butterflies symbolize hope and bravery, signifying that positive change is occurring and that protective forces are watching over us to ensure a graceful transition. They encourage us to navigate our transformations with confidence. Initially, a caterpillar cannot foresee what lies ahead, but it heeds its secret call to go inward, allowing rebirth to unfold. This process exemplifies the self-determination needed to ultimately take flight and be free.
The top border features a Bird, which symbolizes the connection between humans and animals. Birds in art often express themes of flight, hope, and dreams. They embody both the human and divine spirit through their ability to soar freely, linking the earth, sky, and water. Birds can represent our souls, as well as wisdom and the power of thought. They have been portrayed in many religions and classic paintings. Paired with their visual beauty, they make heavenly music and hold the secrets of the universe (’a little birdie told me’).
We invite you to discover the Garden of Hope through “Hope’s Door.”
Gate of Courage
Given by Dr’s. David and Dinah Cummings in tribute to the courageous patients and providers who have walked this path – yesterday, today and tomorrow. David Cummings, M.D. is a Medical Oncologist at Shannon Cancer Center. He has been caring for patients and practicing in the field of cancer medicine for over 20 years. As an integral part of Shannon’s Oncology Department, who better knows the path patients walk than one of their hopeful healers, and the spouse he goes home to each night. He is married to Dinah Jane Cummings, Ph.D., who is a Professor at Angelo State University and Regional Director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health. This beautiful gate’s delicate scrolling allows privacy, yet a peek at the garden from the outside.
Angel of Hope
Pollyanna and F.L. “Steve” Stephens have gifted this beautiful angel sculpture to San Angelo, friends, and citizens, with love and prayer. This exquisite marble angel was carved in the 1800’s in France and now, promisingly presides over the Garden of Hope. The angel’s inviting demeanor almost urges visitors to share their daily burdens. If it could speak, it might convey the Stephen’s message from Romans, “Be joyful in hope, patient in tribulation, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12.
Red Cardinal Bench
Given by Mayfield Paper Company, the red cardinal bench celebrates the amazing life of Deanna Mayfield who was a power house in a small package, and who always supported her beloved country while wearing red. The red cardinal bench reminds us of Deanna’s patriotism and love for this country and all her endeavors to improve our community and state! She had a positive outlook and contagious smile which she said was the best medicine to have around! It also honors the staff of the Shannon Oncology Center. Mayfield Paper, founded in San Angelo, Texas, in 1945, is honored to contribute to community health.
Teardrop of Pavers
Carefully placed stones lead to a teardrop of pavers, some of which are engraved. These engraved pavers were donated by friends and loved ones of patients that have been treated by Shannon Cancer Center. While subtle in its design, the teardrop carries a significant secret for the garden. Teardrops are multifaceted, much like our emotions; we experience them during times of disappointment and anguish, but we also feel them in moments of joy, happiness, and love. Only the bearer understands why their tears are summoned.
Pop’s Place
This special place was designed and donated by Treva Jeter Boyd in memory of her dad, H.R. “Pops” Jeter, who was a storyteller, tireless working farmer and rancher, and a creative inventor. He loved his Angus cattle and his Rocking J Ranch. As a man of the land, he had a huge appreciation of our water sources and protecting them, hence the fountain to remember him by. Pops was an avid reader about agriculture and wildlife, and enjoyed driving country back roads, thrilled at “putting the hammer down”, and held the land speed record while hauling a huge tractor atop his trailer, behind a Dually pick-up! Pops was a happy man who didn’t want to talk about his troubles and enjoyed visiting with folks he didn’t know. He was well-liked and well-known in the best counties. Sometimes a prankster, one who performed a hand-spring on his birthdays until his 66th, and, his tickle box would easily turn over when he enjoyed a good tale. Pops mostly loved his wife’s infamous hot rolls and cherry pies.
“Joyas voladoras” (Flying Jewels) The Hummingbird Bench
In memory of Glenna, by Doug and Mary Eakman, honoring Glenna Vaughan Williams is this very special crescent shaped bench adorned by humming birds…Joyas Voladoras (hoyas bo-la-dor-as) or Flying Jewels to complete its description. Upon arrival to the Americas, the Spanish attached this name to a small bird feverishly flying faster than the eye could see around beautiful flowers. In January 2003, the Eakman family suffered the loss of Glenna to breast cancer. Glenna was only 46 years old when she was taken by this disease. She was an extraordinary person that loved life and much like a hummingbird, seemed to be in constant motion. We hope this bench will provide a spot in front of the flowing fountain for slowing down a bit, but that it will also be a reminder to keep flying, always!
Sturdy Oak Tree
In honor of Nancy’s fight against cancer, a tree of hope stands tall and proud in the garden. This sturdy oak, donated by Jimmy Powell and his late wife Nancy, not only provides shelter and shade, but also serves as a home for birds, adding their melodious chorus to the peaceful ambiance as it casts its evening shadow upon the rock fountain. Nancy’s wish was to have something representing her fight, and this tree does just that. What could be more peaceful than to watch a tree as it stretches and bends in the wind, while birds jump and fly among its branches. To be a tree or plant growing here in West Texas, takes a great deal of courage and strength to endure. An appropriate description of Nancy…she was sturdy, courageous, beautiful and an example for us all! It is a tribute not only to Nancy, but also to the dedicated doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to treat and encourage patients every day. Jimmy, Nancy’s husband, is a well-respected rancher, investor in the Concho Valley, and an advocate for education.
Faith, Hope & Courage
This sculpture was donated by Ellen Lassetter in memory of her husband, David Lassetter.
David was always a goal setter, but when he was diagnosed with cancer his goals changed from job-filled daily and weekly responsibilities to longterm significant family benchmarks. He lined the edges of the mirror in the bathroom with sticky notes listing more important things he wanted to accomplish. Being around to see his sons participate in high school sports, attend their proms, graduate, and enter college were important goals for him and probably kept him alive much longer. He met these goals by having faith that God would see him through his ordeal, hope that his treatments would help him be present during important family times, and being courageous enough to fight with all his might! He loved to fish and made sure during his well periods he took both sons to the coast as often as possible. To this day Andrew and Adam find joy in fishing and memories of their dad. David was a leader for The Hearst Corporation’s division of Associated Publishing. When individuals he was training got discouraged, he would encourage them to “throw it in the backseat and go on down the road.” He lived by his motto.
In the original Garden of Hope, a mosaic of a cancer ribbon made of kiln fired butterflies was donated by O.L. and Dorothy Schuch, and J.O. and Mary Dell Lane. It was forever secured to the brick wall surrounding the Garden at the former Shannon Oncology Center. Since it could not be removed, the butterflies adorning this sculpture were inspired by them and our way to honor them in the new Garden. Butterflies are a sign of hope, and as they fly upward through the winding stems of the sculpture, they signify a patient’s journey during treatment. The top most beautiful one has reached the end of its journey as it has either been healed or moves on to the future whatever it may hold.
The Making of “Faith, Hope & Courage”
The sculpture was donated by Ellen Lassetter and designed by Treva Boyd. It’s one thing to come up with a sketch on paper, but entirely another to translate the original concept to a 3-D model and then interpret it to a computer drawing. Sharon Flippin of AdArt DeSigns has that brilliant experience and talent. She and her husband, Gary, have over 45 years of experience in the sign and graphic design industry. They both worked tirelessly on the sculpture, sanding, painting and working to stabilize it for transport.
Sharon and Treva have worked together on projects involving the Garden in its original location. Sharon has had her own personal journey with cancer giving her a unique perspective of the emotional and healing impact that the Garden of Hope can have on cancer patients and is always the first in line to give a helping hand for the benefit of others. Sharon was able to interpret the original concept in such a way that the talented Justin Ahler of J&T’s Welding could utilize it with his plasma cutting machine. He cut three straps of metal about 10 feet tall each and took the straps to Wendland Manufacturing. After brainstorming with Devery Baker and Terry Shelton, they ran the 3 strips through their huge plate roller machine which curled and gave them their shapes.
Back at J&T’s, Justin, Sharon and Treva determined how to intertwine the strips to create the basis for the sculpture and where to secure them to the metal base. Justin welded them in place with the assistance of Dennis Miller, Kaleb Bannert and Trace McCrea. He cut out holes along the base plate for future bolts to be added when securing the finished piece to a concrete base at the hospital and then set out to stabilize it further to keep it from swaying by welding several braces in place.
Included in the original concept were curving leaves of metal coming up from the base which not only added to the esthetic of the overall piece, but acted as additional stabilizers as well. The next step was to cut out butterflies using the specs from Sharon sent to Justin’s plasma cutter. After the butterflies were cut, the job of locating them around the sculpture was determined so that they could be creased at the wings and welded in place.
It was amazing to watch young Justin utilize his ingenuity and creativity to construct such a magnificent piece of art! After all the butterflies were welded, Sharon and Treva painted the entire sculpture and added colored glass to the top large butterfly, and a seal coat was added to keep the sculpture from rusting. The final stage was to transport the piece to Shannon Hospital and bolt the sculpture with its metal base to the concrete slab for its final resting place in the Garden of Hope.
Our thanks to all those who contributed monetarily and were involved in the design and initiation of this beautiful piece, all without asking to be reimbursed knowing who it would represent, how it would be enjoyed and the many cancer patients it would impact. We are indeed blessed to live in such a community with those who are influenced by God, and who generously pay it forward.
This is so much more than just a sculpture. The machinery and tools used to create it and the diverse group of people that came together to design and build it, could not have accomplished this beautiful art without the grace of God. We pray you will be touched in a profound way by its presence in the Garden as we pass this on with love in our hearts.
A Cross for Kevin
Is dedicated to the memory of R. Kevin Housley by his family, Mona & the late Robert D. “Bob” Housley, Cindee Housley Woods, Sam Housley and Symphony Tomme Fischer, Vicki Layman, Jessica Housley Chesshire and Christopher Housley. Remembering Kevin’s joyous laughter makes us smile still today. He showed us that helping hands can touch so many lives. He lived and loved without reservation and we will always adore him. Kevin was always ready to walk with us, be by our side, stand behind us, and now, lead the way. Since Bob’s passing in 2020, Kevin’s cross has a sweet dove perched on top, which symbolizes Bob and epitomizes their relationship. This stunning, grand, iron cross made of smaller crosses is representative of Kevin’s faith and embodies his life. The smaller crosses were donated by his close friends some showing their initials. It will continue to patina with age and grow in beauty and remind us of his many gifts. We’ll remember Kevin as he lived.
“Les Trois Gardiens”, the three guardians, represent the white boulders resting in front of Kevin’s Cross, for Bob, Mona and Vicki, and are a powerful inspiration of how their family shared life and loved one another.
Joy
Mike Boyd dedicated this piece to his mom, Leta “Joy” Culp Boyd, who was known for her infectious smile, energetic step, and quirky little laugh. She took great pride in her two grandsons, and four great-grandsons, and always seized the opportunity to “brag” about them; she never forgot a special occasion to send them a note and slip money inside a card. Joy loved following pro-sports and college games, and her colorful enthusiasm spilled over onto the boys and their sports. She always encouraged them to approach everything with the same passion and determination that she had. Despite her height of only 5’6”, Joy was a dynamite basketball player in high school and college, which inspired an artistic rendition of her in the garden. Her legacy continues to encourage others to reach for the heavens, just like Joy did!
Nana’s Gate
Remembering Beverly, this gate was donated by Jeff, Cari, Cameron, Avrey and Jansen Curry in honor of Cari’s mother, Beverly “Nana” Clark. Beverly fought a valiant two-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was best known for her influence on our community’s children while working at the First Baptist Montessori and at Sierra Vista’s Mom’s Morning Out. She was known as “Mrs. Beverly” to those children, “Nana” to her grandchildren and “Mom” to her own children. Nana’s Gate protects the final boundary of the Garden of Hope, and as it is constructed to allow a soft breeze through to find its way around the rest of the garden to the beginning, we are reminded that there is no end, just anew beginning.
Bistro Tables
These essential places to sit with family or friends, share a meal with a companion, or play a game of checkers, or just read a book while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the garden while receiving treatment, were graciously donated by First Financial Bank, Sendero Drilling Company, and The Bank & Trust.
The Garden of Hope serves as a testament to our love for one another. We are a caring community, neighbors that come to the aid of others with our love and generosity. The garden was created as a lasting legacy to individuals and families through their gifts of donations and support for not only those they love, or have loved and lost, but all who have been touched by cancer. We invite you to join us as we come together to celebrate this special place for cancer patients in San Angelo and the Concho Valley, rejoicing together for this lasting place of hope; The Garden of Hope.
The Garden of Hope is made possible through contributions from individuals and families. Donations for teardrop pavers and replanting seasonal flowers may be made with “Seeds of Hope” through Shannon Cancer Center.