2021 News
GREENVILLE, S.C. – January 22, 2021 – Cancer Survivors Park Alliance (CSPA) formally introduced its latest park element, The Welcome Statue, to the Upstate community with a private unveiling with Bill and Jan McCrary on behalf of the William V. McCrary Family. The family’s generous gift represents a significant milestone for Cancer Survivors Park, which made this statue and other parts of the park possible.
The Welcome Statue celebrates the welcoming spirt of Esta McCrary. For those who had the good fortune of knowing her, Esta would instantly put anyone at ease. She passed in 2016 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. To honor her spirt and provide inspiration for all survivors at all stages of the journey, the McCrary family and CSPA commissioned the statue. Being a primary destination for hope and healing, the visionaries behind the design of the park knew the statue should welcome visitors with that same spirit.
The sculpture extends her arm in a graceful welcome to all who visit the park to experience hope, healing, faith and education. CSPA founder Diane Gluck explains, “When you have cancer, you can have all the love in the world directed your way, but strangely you can still feel lonelier than ever. The Welcome Statue is a tangible reminder that you are never alone throughout the cancer journey. There are so many people who understand and are there to help — you just need to reach out and take the first step.”
“Our family is truly amazed by Cancer Survivors Park, and we’ve had a front-row seat to see it continue to evolve,” said Bill McCrary. “It’s our hope that this unique gift to the Upstate will welcome all to the park for many years to come with the same welcoming spirit that we were fortunate to have with Esta and continue in our family today.”
“Inspiration is powerful medicine, and visitors to Cancer Survivors Park have experiences with our park elements that make inspiration possible,” said Kay Roper, executive director of the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance. “Due to the generosity and kindness of donors like the McCrary family, the talent and creativity of artists like the Pates and the ongoing support of City of Greenville, we’re able to enhance the experiences of our facility which can have a lasting impact for those learning to live with cancer, or any life-altering illness or loss.”
The statue was created by the father and son team of Charlie Pate and Charles Pate Jr. “We wanted to create something truly unique that would honor Esta’s spirit and heart.” says Charles. “We created a woman who represents everyone who has battled cancer, offering her outstretched hand in a welcoming gesture that lets the viewer know the intent of the statue – that they are not alone on their journey.”
Though the bronze sculpture weighs more than five hundred pounds, the image is light and uplifting with blowing hair and fabric and weightless dancing on tip-toes. The butterfly pattern on her dress represents a coming to life and floating on the breeze connecting with the history of the butterfly as a symbol for resurrection, transformation and overcoming hardships. This sculpture represents community, offers hope, and celebrates life.
Many additional supporters came together to make this possible. Bruce Royal donated the engineering plan for the base, Kyle Gillespie installed the cut granite, Arbor Engineering is responsible for the landscape base plan around the statue and the City of Greenville will handle maintenance of the element going forward.
“The Welcome Statue conveys a serenity and love that words can’t do,” said Greenville City Mayor Knox White. “The City is grateful to Bill and Jan McCrary and his family for this gift in honor of Esta. So many will learn of her courage and love through this memorial.”
“It is always a privilege when generous souls commission art, especially those pieces that are created with special meaning and purpose,” said Charles Pate. “The Welcome Statue features both and it truly celebrates life. This will always be a loving memorial to Esta’s life and spirit.”
Cancer Survivors Park has been open to the public in downtown Greenville since 2018. It features a unique blend of gathering spaces and natural walkways along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, all dedicated to celebration, learning, healing and hope. Additional elements are planned for unveiling this year. Visitors to the park are encouraged to take pictures with The Welcome Statue and other park elements and tag Cancer Survivors Park on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and LinkedIn).
Cancer Survivors Park Introduces Hero
GREENVILLE, S.C. – February 2, 2021 – Cancer Survivors Park Alliance (CSPA) formally introduced its latest park element, Hero, to the Upstate community.
Hero portrays a wise and curious rabbit precariously perched on a narrow stone wall in the Children’s Garden section of the park. The intention of the artist, Lois Ann Malphrus at Dusty Bronze Fine Art, was to depict both courage and faith in the face of adversity, much like a child’s cancer journey. Malphrus, a native of Greenville, was also the generous donor of the Hero element, inclusive of the granite base.
The cast bronze sculpture features Hero’s ears, one facing forward and the other facing back, reflecting the emotional conflict of his predicament. His front feet are clinging to the edge, and one rear foot has slipped off the wall, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty he faces. Yet his powerful hind limbs remind park visitors that he has the ability to make the jump.
Clement’s Kindness Fund for the Children gave a lead gift to name the Children’s Garden at Cancer Survivors Park in 2017 to honor Dr. William F. Schmidt III, retired medical director of Bi-Lo Charities Children’s Cancer Center.
Cancer patient and Upstate native seven-year-old Braxton Horton, an ambassador for Clement’s Kindness, recently won an online naming contest with the name “Hero” because he says, “I am a hero and all the other kids who’ve been fighting cancer are heroes too!” When he was five Braxton was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma and he has completed active therapy. Additional “heroes” on a cancer journey include the clinical care teams, caretakers, children, family, friends, blood donors and others who support these patients along the way.
“We hope the children will rub his ‘lucky’ back foot for hope,” says Sandra Miller with Clement’s Kindness Fund for the Children, long-time partner of Cancer Survivors Park.
“CSPA is fortunate to have such talent and passion in our community, exemplified by people like Ann Malphrus and organizations like Clements Kindness Fund for the Children,” said Kay Roper, executive director of the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance. “It is a joy to share both Hero and the unique Children’s Garden Space with the Upstate in hopes it will encourage and comfort many.”
Hero is yet another example of how the community can have a role in enhancing the lives of those living with cancer.
2020 Articles
What a year! Amid a pandemic, CSPA was still able to complete many of our 2020 goals thanks to our supporters.
Read our 2020 update.
2019 Articles
Greenville News: Meet 3 childhood cancer survivors who will add a new ingredient to CHOP! Cancer cook-off
An overview of the Clement’s Kindness involvement in the 2019 CHOP! Cancer cook-off.
2018 Articles
December
The Wall Street Journal: The Artsy Southern Town That Wants to Be the Next Portland
The park is an everyday reminder of the power of persistence and the beauty discovered along the path of even the most challenging journey.
July
Greenville News OPINION: CSP offers hope and reflection
The park is an everyday reminder of the power of persistence and the beauty discovered along the path of even the most challenging journey.
Community Journals: A long and winding journey
The path to Greenville’s Cancer Survivors Park mirrors journey of cancer survivors.
Greenville News: Greenville’s Cancer Survivors Park Opens
A park of remembrance, A park of faith.
2017 Articles
July
7 News WSPA: New art project honors survivors, raises money for CSPA
The Butterfly Keeper project is honoring those who’ve battled cancer and helping raise money for the new Cancer Survivors Park in Greenville .
May
The Greenville Journal: First Look at Cancer Survivors Park’s Spirit of Survivorship Bridge
The second phase of the project includes the replacement of what is known as the “cheese grater” metal bridge on the Swamp Rabbit Trail near Church Street and the Chamber of Commerce building.
February
The Greenville Journal: Swamp Rabbits to host Stick-It-To-Cancer night
In support of the Cancer Survivors Park, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits will have a Stick-It-To-Cancer game presented by Bon Secours St. Francis.
2016 Articles
September
The Greenville Journal: Caner Survivors Park breaks ground on second phase
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sept. 27 for the second phase of the $7.5 million Cancer Survivors Park that will connect Falls and Cleveland parks along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
August
The Greenville News: Phase two of Cancer Survivors Park set to begin
Construction on the second phase of Greenville’s Cancer Survivors Park is set to begin after Labor Day.
June
The Greenville News: Cancer Survivors Park announces second CHOP! Cancer event
The Cancer Survivors Park Alliance 2016 CHOP! Cancer event will be Aug. 26 this year and feature community leaders, physicians, lawyers and others facing off in the fundraising cooking competition.
The Greenville News: Partnership honors cancer survivors
A partnership between Upstate advocacy groups asks Greenville residents to nominate someone as part of a celebration to honor cancer survivors. Nominate Your Survivor is a program within Drive to Thrive, a celebration and ball game at Fluor Field home of the Greenville Drive baseball team.
May
Town Carolina:Under The Boardwalk for Cancer Survivors Park Alliance
The Cancer Survivors Park Alliance hosted a magical evening of food, dance, and drink under a candlelit boardwalk to celebrate all lives affected by cancer.
April
The Greenville Journal: Wings over downtown
Spring is here, and butterflies have been popping up all over the place, especially in downtown Greenville. These butterflies aren’t fluttering around flowers, though; they are decorating light poles, private homes and businesses with their metal wings to support the Cancer Survivors Park.
February
Lindsey’s Lights Will Forever Shine
Lindsey’s inspirational story went national with this moving article in the Huffington Post.
Lindsey Motley loses valiant battle with cancer
The Cancer Survivors Park Alliance is incredibly sad to report that Lindsey Motley has lost her battle with cancer. She was such an inspiration to all of us at CSPA, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
The Greenville News: Cancer Survivors Park boardwalk opens
Just in time for World Cancer Day, the boardwalk at Greenville’s Cancer Survivors Park was dedicated Thursday marking the completion of the first phase of the much anticipated project.
January
Greenville Journal: Cancer Survivor Park asks city for more money
Greenville City Council kicked off the new year with a request from the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance for an additional $500,000 to begin the second phase of the Cancer Survivors Park.
Archives
2015
Local Artist Yuri Tsuzuki Supports the Cancer Survivors Park with Unique Butterflies
Greenville Journal: Cancer Survivors Park Nears Early May Groundbreaking
Docs, others compete in cook-off for Cancer Survivors Park
WYFF Editorial: Cancer Survivors Park
CSP Butterflies in Town Magazine
2014
2013
Patients First Board President, Diane Gluck, Receives ACS honor
Spirit Week Unites Two Local High Schools for the Cancer Survivors Park
Cancer Survivors Park Promises Hope, Inspiration
Coverage of “The Blessing of the Grounds” for the park
Cancer Survivors Park Coming to Downtown Greenville
Healing Blooms – Community Set to Transform Riverside Area into Cancer Survivors Park