The Tree of Life: A Beacon of Hope and Healing
Tree of Life Sculpture Brings Hope to Patients at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Artist Janet Austin collaborated with patients and staff at RUSH to create a new sculpture, The Tree of Life, for the lobby. Cut into the leaves are messages of hope in the 10 most common languages spoken at RUSH, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Polish and others.
“I wanted everyone to feel seen and included,” Austin explained. “There’s something powerful about reading words of comfort in your own language.”
A Symbol of Nature and Healing
The 11-foot-tall steel sculpture includes birds, a rabbit, a butterfly, and other small creatures to reflect nature and deepen the emotional connection for viewers.
Austin hopes the sculpture offers comfort and a moment of peace to patients and their families.
“This tree represents hope, strength, and support from the cancer center and loved ones,” she said. “It’s an engaging way to encourage people on their healing journey.”