Hero

"Might as well jump, go ahead and jump . . . you won't know until you begin."   - Van Halen / Roth  

“Hero”, now a permanent resident of the Children’s Garden at Greenville’s Cancer Survivors Park, portrays a wise and kindly rabbit perched on a narrow stone wall, depicting both courage and faith in the face of adversity.  His ears, one facing forward and the other facing back, reflect the conflicting emotions of his predicament.  His front feet clinging to the edge, and one rear foot that has slipped off the wall, acknowledge the fear and uncertainty he faces.       

Along with a cancer diagnosis comes all the emotion of fright coupled with the challenge of forging ahead with tough but critical treatment. Like the rabbit that relies on his powerful hind legs for strength, the cancer patient must muster strength from internal courage and faith to begin the journey.

I am honored to have my work installed in the Children’s Garden and to have partnered with Clement’s Kindness Fund for the Children and 7-year-old cancer survivor Braxton Horton for the naming honor. Braxton’s fitting choice of “Hero” is to honor all kids fighting cancer along with their caregivers.  It is my hope that visitors to the park will be inspired and granted the wisdom, strength and courage to take their own leap of faith. 

Greenville’s Cancer Survivor’s Park is located at 52 Cleveland Street in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Its purpose is to provide a space for celebration, learning, healing and hope. It covers six acres and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Clement’s Kindness Fund for the Children is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina and is dedicated to meeting the medical, emotional and financial needs of Upstate families impacted by pediatric cancer.