Cancer awareness garden planned for Beecher
February 21, 2013 9:00AM
Beecher "Ribbon of Hope" Cancer Awareness Garden Committee (front row) Susan Sebastian, Myra Kocsis, Christine Szymanski and Barbara Hodgett; (back row) Scott Wehling, Howard Perry, Michael Stanula and Dean Bettenhausen.
Updated: March 25, 2013 6:05AM
Dean Bettenhausen’s dream to build a cancer awareness garden in Beecher is well on its way to reality.
Bettenhausen and a committee of seven others are raising funds for “Ribbon of Hope,” a place of “reflection and renewal,” for Beecher and its surrounding communities.
The village has set aside land for the garden at the far northwest corner of Fireman’s Park.
Designed by architect Michael Stanula, the garden will be 35 feet in diameter and will feature a 14-foot metal ribbon on a six-sided base engraved with words of inspiration. The structure will be surrounded by steppingstone paths, trees, shrubbery, flowers and benches.
The interactive environment will be a tribute to cancer victims and survivors, offer support to their loved ones, and promote awareness as a daily reminder of the need to find a cure, the committee said.
The “Ribbon of Hope” committee is looking for monetary, material, labor and service donations. All donations to the garden will be used to build and maintain the site.
“The hope of finding a cure is very much in people’s hearts. We all know someone who has fought the fight. I am confident Beecher and its surrounding communities will rally to support cancer awareness and our beautiful garden of reflection and inspiration will flourish,” Bettenhausen said.
To make a donation, contact Bettenhausen at (708) 243-8877.
Staff reports
