DAVENPORT, IOWA (May 21, 2026) — This project is envisioned as a healing and meditative space, a place where individuals can pause and find a moment of peace amid difficult seasons of life. More than a physical gathering place, the work is intended to create an emotional experience, one that encourages reflection, inspiration, hope, and positive emotion.
Created with cancer patients and their families in mind, the installation is meant to provide a quiet refuge from the emotional and physical weight of treatment, uncertainty, and recovery. Through light, color, and atmosphere, the space seeks to reduce stress, encourage calm, and offer moments of comfort and emotional renewal. It is designed to become a place where patients, caregivers, and loved ones can gather, breathe, reflect, and feel supported.
The project will incorporate recognized cancer-awareness ribbon colors throughout the artwork to symbolize and advocate for different forms of cancer, honor survivors, remember those lost, and help raise awareness for ongoing research and early detection. These colors create a powerful visual language that fosters community, connection, and shared understanding among those affected by cancer. By integrating these meaningful colors into the installation, the piece becomes not only a place of healing, but also a visible expression of support, awareness, and hope.
The installation is intended to engage each person differently. For some, it may become a quiet place for contemplation. For others, it may spark inspiration, comfort, strength, or hope. Rather than simply encouraging reflection, the piece aims to briefly transport viewers beyond their immediate circumstances into a place of peace, healing, and possibility.
At its core, the project is about creating an environment that supports the mind and body’s natural ability to heal while fostering connection, community, awareness, and meaningful moments of peace for all who encounter it.
Created by Joel Ryser Hot Glass. Funded in part by: Jane and Terry Francescon, Mary Lind, Pamela and Chris Ontiveros, Ascentra Credit Union, Xcel Manufacturing, and QC Blasting and Coating.
About Cancer Support Community
Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club envisions that everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience. The mission of CSC and its Gilda’s Club partners is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. As a Cancer Support Community partner, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental-health professionals in the United States. Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people impacted by cancer. All programs offered are provided at NO COST to those who participate.
