"Richard & Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Plaza" Top 5 Page for this destination Chicago Off The Beaten Path Tip by deecat

While walking into Grant Park on a sunny September afternoon, my friend Mickey and I came upon Richard & Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Plaza. There was a plaza at the entrance which read:

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells. It is the most feared disease in America, because it is not understood, even though it is not the largest killer. If we understood caner, we would not be as afraid of it. It is estimated that the average individual has a wildly dividing cell six times a day. The immune system recognizes this, kills it, and we never know the difference. When the immune system lets down, even temporarily, and these dividing cells get established to the point that the immune system cannot control them, we have cancer."

I was amazed that on one bronze plaque, one could learn so much about cancer.

Chicago is only one of about 22 cities all over the United States where a Richard & Annette Bloch Cancer Survivor Park is located. Chicago's park is called a plaza and is located on Lake Shore Drive in Grant Park. It is one of the largest of the cancer survivor memorials to date. It is highly visible also. All the Northbound traffic on Lake Shore Drive can see this memorial.

There are two giant granite columns that are over 40 feet tall with a wrought iron entrance. There is a division of paths that form the "positive mental attitude walk, and this walk contains 16 giant vases with a series of steps to the computer which is supposed to have interactive information. Sadly, that computer is broken. I think this area is greatly in need of renovation and better care.

It seems that few people know about this area, and that is too bad because this is a beautiful area, a great and inspiring walk, and lovely architectural wrought iron features.

All of the Richard & Annette Bloch Cancer Survivor Parks/Plazas Have the following:

1. A focal Point

2. A Positive Mental Attitude Walk

3. And Must be Highly Visible

I'm pleased that we experience this plaza, and I do so hope that it is on the list of improvements for Grant Park.