Welcome to
Trees of Hope
Outeniqua Oncology have decided to introduce a special addition to the unit – Trees of Hope, as found by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
On completion of either/both treatments, each patient, those who are willing, are encouraged to leave their thumb print on the trees, in forming the leaf bloom-age, giving the tree life.
Herewith, the meanings of each element.
The footprints
The Footprints represent Outeniqua Oncology’s ongoing theme of Creating Hope, Leaving Footprints by celebrating life and legacy, as launched in 2017. In 2018 this project’s footprint became even bigger having the blessing of two of our young mothers and their partner’s permission to share their journeys of being diagnosed with cancer while they were pregnant and adding their two beautiful and healthy daughters (Mila’s -Left and Ava’s -Right) footprints as signatures to this project. No better way of Creating Hope than through the young.
Outeniqua yellow wood tree
A recognizable and native tree, known as the big tree of the forests, with a large supporting stem – representing us as a unit that supports our patients through their entire cancer journey.
The pink ribbon
The flowing pink breast cancer ribbon (most recognizable and used) continues the flow theme of the quote. The other cancer ribbon colours will be represented in the various colours of the thumb prints on the trees.
Cancercare and Icon logos
Together these logos hang by a tie on a single branch, showing the symbiotic relationship of the departments and how chemo and radiation go hand-in-hand.
I am rooted, but I flow quote
This quote, as detailed by a cancer patient, represents the cancer journey of being rooted in the sense of self and finding a strong-hold during the roller-coaster ride of treatments and consultations, while going with the flow in trusting in the knowledge and care of the healthcare professionals, the flow of the chemo IV-drips and all that is given throughout the visits to the Oncology unit.
The thumb prints
Each patient’s thumb print will represent the very life of the tree with varying colours. The opportunity of leaving a mark, and something as identifying as a thumb print, can bring a patient comfort in knowing they are leaving something behind. The number of thumb prints as leaves serves as a striking reminder that no one person is alone in this journey.
Birds
The birds can be seen as a sign of hope, freedom, and a way of reaching heights from such lows. They bring further life to the tree with their chirping and sense of community. Free-flowing.
