Cancer Survivor Gauntlet

San Diego, California

The Cancer Survivor Gauntlet (our name) is a piece of public sculpture that can be found in several American cities. Richard and Annette Bloch funded creation of near identical Cancer Survivor Parks, each featuring a 3D progression of eight typical cancer patients passing through a series of Dr. Caligari-distorted portals representing cancer treatments. At the start, sickly, scared figures and their supporters enter the square openings. Out the far end, a successfully treated survivor child skips with abandon, hands held by supportive parents.

The concept is a little bizarre, so the syndicate of beautifully landscaped, tranquil parks might not top the list for a picnic lunch or romantic interlude. In San Diego, visitors follow a curving "Positive Mental Attitude Walk" where 14 plaques suggest lifestyle and mental approaches for battling cancer. The main sculpture is at the center of the "Road to Recovery Plaza."

The sculpture, "Cancer.. there's hope," was the last created by the late artist Victor Salmones.