A symbol of hope for CRCC’s cancer patients was unveiled at the inaugural Cancer Survivor Day in June 2004. The aluminum-sculpted Lowcountry oak tree was named “Hope That Grows.” It is proudly displayed in the lobby of CRCC.
The sculpture was created by Robert Sadlemire. Each leaf was hand-cut and carefully placed to replicate a living tree. Each participant at CRCC’s annual survivor day is given an opportunity to place his or her name, date of diagnosis and type of cancer on a leaf to be placed on the tree.
When the project started, the tree was designed to hold a set number of potential leaves with only seven branches and smaller branches reaching out. The response to being a part of Hope That Grows has grown beyond expectations and beyond the tree.
Today there are 350 survivor names inscribed on the leaves. In 2009, new branches will be added to the tree which will allow for an additional 200 leaves.
This small tree has turned into an ever-expanding symbol of hope for our patients and their families. Where there is now this one tree, we hope to one day see a forest.
Contact us to find out more about Hope That Grows.