Here is my personal story,
In 2022, while recovering from breast cancer, with the support of my strong husband, we planted a Cancer Victory Garden like in WWII as a symbol of hope and triumph over cancer. 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.
In 2022, our small garden produced over 150 flower arrangements, showing love and kindness to those going through tough times. With the help of donors, vase collectors, and floral designers, we expanded the garden and remodeled it to grow even more flowers. We 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 in 2023 was a huge success, with survivors, caregivers, and supporters coming together to plant hundreds of seedlings. It was a heartwarming sight! I couldn't help but cry as an incredible sense of joy and gratitude filled my heart! We are all eagerly waiting for the beautiful blooms.
Thanks to the generosity of our Donors and the dedication of our community, we aim to fill over 300-400 vases with love and beauty in 2023. We also plan to provide flower arrangements for special events presented by UCLA Oncology and the Heart Cancer Resource Center, supporting doctors and spreading joy. We are also provide Flower Arranging classes for cancer patients through the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and are free to all patients and caregivers.
The flowers are in bloom in bright shades or orange, magenta, white, bronze and our famous Signature Flower, the Pink Sunflower, Will be in bloom in August!!!!
To support our cause and to give all those who planted a evening in the CVG, we have an upcoming Signature Event, a Mexican & Mexican Wine Tasting, on August 10, 2025. Ali Rush, an Advanced Sommelier and owner of 15 Degrees C, will present interesting wines and more! All donations from this event directly support the garden and survivors, providing floral arranging classes, weekly arrangements to cancer patients, and support to patients in San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast and the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fight Breast Cancer.
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, helping each other grow stronger as we face the challenges that life throws our way. Please join us on this journey of hope and make a difference in the lives of those touched by cancer.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Linda Ward, Cancer Survivor, Florist, Gardener, and a true cancer Warrior!
Oh, and by day a Spanish Instructor at Cuesta Community & Lake Tahoe Community Colleges, and Owner of Learn Spanish Fast hoy!
Cancer Victory Garden Creator
https://www.cancervictorygarden.com/
In 2022, while recovering from breast cancer, with the support of my strong husband, we planted a Cancer Victory Garden like in WWII as a symbol of hope and triumph over cancer. 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.
In 2022, our small garden produced over 150 flower arrangements, showing love and kindness to those going through tough times. With the help of donors, vase collectors, and floral designers, we expanded the garden and remodeled it to grow even more flowers. We 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 in 2023 was a huge success, with survivors, caregivers, and supporters coming together to plant hundreds of seedlings. It was a heartwarming sight! I couldn't help but cry as an incredible sense of joy and gratitude filled my heart! We are all eagerly waiting for the beautiful blooms.
Thanks to the generosity of our Donors and the dedication of our community, we aim to fill over 300-400 vases with love and beauty in 2023. We also plan to provide flower arrangements for special events presented by UCLA Oncology and the Heart Cancer Resource Center, supporting doctors and spreading joy. We are also provide Flower Arranging classes for cancer patients through the Hearst Cancer Resource Center and are free to all patients and caregivers.
The flowers are in bloom in bright shades or orange, magenta, white, bronze and our famous Signature Flower, the Pink Sunflower, Will be in bloom in August!!!!
To support our cause and to give all those who planted a evening in the CVG, we have an upcoming Signature Event, a Mexican & Mexican Wine Tasting, on August 10, 2025. Ali Rush, an Advanced Sommelier and owner of 15 Degrees C, will present interesting wines and more! All donations from this event directly support the garden and survivors, providing floral arranging classes, weekly arrangements to cancer patients, and support to patients in San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast and the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fight Breast Cancer.
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, helping each other grow stronger as we face the challenges that life throws our way. Please join us on this journey of hope and make a difference in the lives of those touched by cancer.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Linda Ward, Cancer Survivor, Florist, Gardener, and a true cancer Warrior!
Oh, and by day a Spanish Instructor at Cuesta Community & Lake Tahoe Community Colleges, and Owner of Learn Spanish Fast hoy!
Cancer Victory Garden Creator
https://www.cancervictorygarden.com/