A respite for cancer patients, caregivers and their families.

Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens aspires to create a therapeutic botanical gardens for cancer patients, caregivers and their families, a vision inspired by the memory of Zahava Furer, fondly known in Los Angeles as the ‘flower lady.’” Zahava valiantly battled metastasized Stage 4 breast cancer for six years, following a much earlier diagnosis prior to having children. Her daughter Joy (MS Ed, school psychologist) is the CEO and president of the board of Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens, Inc. Her mother’s courage inspired her to create a sanctuary to inspire hope, happiness and serenity for individuals embroiled in the challenge of cancer, as well as their caregivers and family.

To launch the monumental funding effort for Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens, Joy is spearheading a gala inaugural fundraiser event to be held in the scenic and elegant rooftop space at 46 Howard Street, SoHo, New York on November 17, from 6-10 p.m. (See details below.)

Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens will be much more than just a physical place. In addition to the physical outdoor garden spaces, the gardens will provide numerous resources on-site and off-site, tailored to the needs of individual families, offering emotional support, guidance and respite. Each element of the gardens, from the tranquil pathways and spaces to the vibrant flora, is being carefully curated to provide a therapeutic environment where visitors can connect with nature and experience much-needed interludes of peace.

The proposed location will be in Bergen County strategically positioned near Hackensack University Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering in Fair Lawn, NJ, as a beacon of hope and comfort.

“Programs have been carefully designed to address a gap that exists in current support systems, providing a sanctuary of comfort and assistance where such resources are lacking,” Joy said. “Studies in the Journal of Clinical Oncology underscore the benefits of nature and holistic therapy found in healing gardens.”

“Zahava believed deeply in the healing qualities of flowers and gardens, finding solace in their beauty, even during her most challenging days. It is this belief that guides us as we strive to offer a place of refuge and rejuvenation for those facing similar battles,” Joy added.

Six therapeutic gardens are planned, each with a unique focus: a Sensory Garden designed to engage all five senses, a Healing Garden filled with medicinal plants, a Japanese Garden for peace and reflection including a pond with fish, a Memory Garden aimed at comforting those with memory-related conditions, a Hydrangea Garden and a Peony Garden. The education and resource center will offer programs such as art therapy, music therapy, educational programs, support groups and gardening.

The garden areas and facility aim to foster a supportive community where individuals, caregivers and families can gather, share their journeys and give strength to each other. Zahava’s own support system has inspired the creators of the garden about the profound impact on healing and well-being that such a space can have.

The vision for Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens also extends to hope and renewal. Through educational workshops, therapeutic programs and holistic healing, the combination of garden areas, the greenhouse and the attached Park House education and resource center will help optimize healing and promote building resilience during their battle with cancer. “Zahava’s legacy inspires us to offer more than just a respite from treatment—it’s about nurturing the spirit and fostering hope in every visitor who walks through our gardens,” said Joy.

She noted that exposure to nature and especially to healing gardens and holistic therapy holds multiple benefits: It decreases stress and anxiety, improves mood and positive outlook, increases immune function, provides relaxation and improves sleep.

Sponsorship packages start at $5,000. VIP admission, at $500, is from 6-7 p.m., and includes carving stations, top-shelf open bar, exclusive meet and greet with Moshe Mintz and his band, violinist Stephanie Kurtzman, two raffle tickets and gift bags.

General admission starts at 7 p.m. Early bird tickets are $250 by October 27, and after that, $275, which includes food and kosher wine, dessert and one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets are available for purchase online, starting at $101 for three. There will also be a silent auction.

Currently Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens seeks major sponsors, as the estimated cost for the property, landscaping architecture, classroom/education and resource center is $6 million.

Plant your heart, together with the amazing vision of Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens. To sponsor the gala or to purchase tickets to what promises to be a spectacular evening of culinary delight, music and fun, visit the donation website,

https://zahavasgardens.com/events/inaugural-fundraiser-event/

To purchase Joy’s book, “Anchoring Thru Life’s Challenges,” for $26 plus $8 for shipping visit anchoringchai.com

Zahava’s Serenity Healing Gardens, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity organization.

zahava’s gardens.com