Generosity makes Andrew Love bloom

The Sakura flower (Japanese Cherry Blossom) is recognised as a symbol for fragility, grace and short-lived beauty and is the inspiration behind Barwon Health’s latest wall installation.

Barwon Health Foundation recently unveiled the piece by local artists Cinnamon and Rowan Stephens – made from individually formed metal Sakura flowers in the shape of a heart – within Andrew Love’s Supportive Care Centre.

The flowers represent donations made by supporters who have helped fundraise for ProjectLove – the appeal that has raised over $3 million for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

Barwon Health Foundation Executive Director Jill Moodie said the installation would complement the Supportive Care Centre that provides comfort to many patients each week.

“The Supportive Care Centre here at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre is a place for patients to relax and wait in
between appointments or take part in the many of the support programs and activities,” she said.

“Having this beautiful installation provided by the community will give the outdoor area here a lovely lift. Further to
this, every flower represents a donation that has helped the Andrew Love Cancer Centre redevelopment begin.”

Mrs Stephens said three types of steel were chosen for effect with the symbolic flower representative of life.

“Life is fleeting, we must appreciate every moment. The three types of steel have been chosen for their different aging patinas. Bunched together they have a beautiful presence, with the copper, stainless and mild steels creating a beautiful colour pallet,” she said.

“The Sakura Heart installation was designed around the Andrew Love heart symbol being embraced by the branches of the Sakura tree.”

ProjectLove construction has now commenced and the redevelopment, which includes the Chemotherapy Day Ward and Pharmacy, is expected to be completed early next year.

Many of the flowers have been engraved to remember loved ones or recognise survivors. Flowers can still be
purchased for $25 at the Barwon Health Foundation by calling 4215 8900 with all donations going towards the Andrew Love Cancer Centre.