CLEVELAND – The future free-standing cancer hospital at University Hospitals Case Medical Center will offer patients not only advanced cancer care but a beautiful, life-affirming healing garden. Funded by a generous $2.75 million gift from the Schneider family, the healing garden will help patients and their families cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.
Robert and Cindy Schneider are making the donation in memory of Robert’s parents, Albert and Mary Schneider, who both died of cancer. “Cancer has touched our lives in a significant way and we wanted to fund these healing gardens for University Hospitals’ new cancer hospital to help patients cope with the rigors of treatment,” says Robert Schneider, former owner and CEO of Patio Enclosures, Inc. “I have always had a strong interest in gardening – as did Bob’s mother, and I believe in the positive, therapeutic impact that gardening can have on a person,” says Cindy, “so we are very excited to designate this gift for such a wonderful component of the new cancer hospital.” Cindy Schneider is a cancer survivor and both Robert and Cindy are members of the University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center’s National Cancer Leadership Council. This Council is comprised of volunteer leaders – both locally and nationally – who serve as advocates for the Ireland Cancer Center.
The Schneider Healing Garden will offer patients a mentally and physically restorative retreat within the new 150 bed cancer hospital and outpatient cancer care facility. Plans for the 300,000-square-foot cancer hospital include spaces for solitude, reflection, private discussion, exercise and meditation all while providing state-of-the art treatment in a disease focused multidisciplinary setting.
“Cancer affects every aspect of a patient’s life and the Ireland Cancer Center combines the science of medicine with a cache of therapies designed to enhance the mental and emotional well being of our patients,” says Stan Gerson, MD, Director of the University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center, as well as the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The Schneider Healing Garden will be integral to the Ireland Cancer Center meeting its full potential in providing compassionate care.”
Robert Schneider’s late father, Albert, co-founded Patio Enclosures in 1966. Robert took over his father’s ownership interest in the company after his father passed away from cancer. The Macedonia, Ohio based company has grown to be the largest manufacturer and installer of sunrooms in North America.
“We are truly grateful to the Schneider family for their generosity and understanding of the importance of patient-centered care, addressing both the clinical and emotional needs of the patient and their family,” says Fred C. Rothstein, MD, President and CEO of University Hospitals Case Medical Center. “The Schneider Healing Garden will embody our vision for the cancer hospital to provide that unique environment, which brings together state-of-the-art cancer care with patient-focused services.”
The free-standing cancer hospital is part of University Hospitals’ Vision 2010 strategic plan, a $1.2 billion, five-year strategic plan. Vision 2010 also includes building a new eastside hospital at Chagrin Highlands, as well as renovating and expanding University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Emergency Department and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Cannon Design of St. Louis, Missouri, is the architectural firm for the cancer hospital. Healthcare is a cornerstone of Cannon Design and the nationally renowned firm has designed some of the nation’s most prestigious cancer facilities.
“Our vision for the design of the healing garden at the Ireland Cancer Center is to create a quiet refuge that invites patients, staff, families and friends to enter; separating themselves for a time from the stress of life,” says Michael Felton of Cannon Design, principal-in-charge of the cancer hospital project. “We will work to create an environment that appeals to all of the senses through use of colorful and aromatic plants and landscaping, water in fountains or streams, and through the introduction of shading devices to create a variety of lighting levels from filtered to strong light. Our intent is to create a unique and memorable contemplative garden space easily accessible to those using the hospital.”