Quincy Cancer Survivors Celebrate Hope at Garden Event

Cancer survivors in Quincy, Illinois, will gather at a garden next month to celebrate their strength and remember those still fighting.

Quincy Medical Group and the QMG Foundation are hosting "Hope Grows Here" on Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Frericks Gardens and CoffeeHouse. The free event honors National Cancer Survivors Day and welcomes anyone who has faced a cancer diagnosis, along with their families and supporters.

Attendees can enjoy sweet treats from The Sugared Apron and choose between planting a succulent or selecting a mini bouquet to take home. Survivors will also sign commemorative ribbons that the QMG Foundation will hang on a tree at the QMG Cancer Institute, creating a lasting symbol of hope for current and future patients.

Judy Venvertloh, a cancer survivor who has attended before, shared what the day means to her. "It's a special day for me," she said. "I am not only celebrating my survival from cancer but also honoring those I know who are currently battling cancer or have faced it in the past."

Why This Inspires

Community celebrations like this create healing spaces where survivors can connect and share their journeys. While medical treatment saves lives, gatherings that honor resilience and offer mutual support help survivors thrive beyond their diagnosis. The simple acts of planting a flower and signing a ribbon become powerful reminders that hope grows strongest when nurtured together.

Frericks Gardens and Coffee House will offer a specialty drink during the event, with proceeds supporting the QMG Foundation Oncology Patient Assistance Fund. This fund helps patients cover costs during treatment, removing financial barriers to care.

The event is open to everyone in the community, whether they've personally faced cancer, supported a loved one through treatment, or simply want to celebrate survivors. Registration is not required.

For more information about "Hope Grows Here," contact the QMG Foundation at 217-222-6550, ext. 3410.