November 25, 2025: — The Cancer Survivors Park Alliance (“CSPA”) will announce Julie Cline as the recipient of the organization’s 2025 Founders Award, recognizing her enduring vision, generosity, and leadership in shaping one of Greenville’s most meaningful community landmarks.
The Founders Award celebrates an individual whose service, philanthropy, and belief in the CSPA mission have reached the highest standard of excellence in advancing survivorship, education, and healing. The award is recognized with a smaller version of the life-sized Blue Heron sculpture that resides in Cancer Survivors Park, both created by local artist, Charles Pate, Jr.
“Julie Cline embodies what it means to be a beautiful person, not just in spirit and presence, but in the way she makes our community stronger and more connected,” said Jeff Giguere, president of the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance. “Her belief in the societal impact of this park began when it was just an idea. What she helped create is a lasting symbol of hope for generations to come.”
Julie and her late husband, David Cline, were among the first to believe in the vision for what would become Cancer Survivors Park and the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance. In 1998, when the concept existed only on paper, the Clines made an initial donation of $20,000 to help launch the project. Soon after, they followed with a transformational gift of $500,000, helping turn a dream into a living space of hope, healing, and connection for survivors, caregivers, and families.
Their generosity is etched into the very heart of the park. The iconic Beacon of Hope is a sweeping 40-foot architectural centerpiece atop the Center for Hope and Healing, known as a symbol of resilience and renewal.
When Julie later funded the permanent installation of state-of-the-art LED lighting for the Beacon, she gave Greenville one of its most inspiring and unique nighttime landmarks. Illuminated each evening in colors that rotate to recognize special events and cancer awareness months, the Beacon highlights the various cancer awareness months as a reminder that light endures and healing is possible. Follow CSPA on Instagram to track the changing schedule of colors and cancer symbolism.
“David and Julie Cline epitomized what it means to have a survivor spirit,” said Diane Gluck, recipient of the 2024 Founders Award. “David once said, ‘If you don’t have someone to follow, then lead others behind you,’ and the Cline’s have certainly accomplished that.”Gluck went on to say, “From his diagnosis of small cell lung cancer in 1997 to his passing on Father’s Day in 2011, he never let cancer limit him. He showed us that there are those who defy the odds and, in doing so, bring hope, courage, and joy to everyone around them. Julie and the entire Cline family should be extremely proud to know that they have created a symbol of hope for all in this community.”
“Thanks to Julie, Cancer Survivors Park is more than a place,” said Kay Roper, executive director of the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance. “It’s a promise—that no one walks alone, that healing happens in community, and that hope has a home right here in Greenville.”
Today, more than two million visitors experience Cancer Survivors Park each year. Beneath the Pavilion and Beacon of Hope lies the Center for Hope and Healing, where survivors, caregivers, and families gather for education, support, and connection—programs that reflect Julie’s ongoing commitment to the values she and David shared.
Julie’s generosity continues to make Greenville a more beautiful place—literally and figuratively. Her legacy is not only reflected in the skyline but in the hearts of those who find strength and peace in the Park she helped bring to life.
