Season of Hope

Maria’s Field of Hope is in full bloom this week. The iconic sunflower field planted by the Prayers from Maria Children’s Cancer Foundation at the corner of Chester and Jaycox Roads in Avon is in full splendor.

First planted in 2014, the field brings encouragement to our community like never before in this year of pandemic-related shutdowns and cancellations.

The field was begun 7 years ago at a time the Foundation was looking for an impactful way to share its symbol, a sunflower, with the community. It was suggested by a board member at the time to consider planting a sunflower patch that would bring public attention to the tragedy of children’s cancer and enhance the Foundation’s fund-raising efforts for medical research.

The idea was shared with the Jacobs Development Group, which owns the land, and the project was launched.

Each summer since, the Field of Hope has attracted thousands of visitors. Some come for photos at this amazing locale. But others come for prayer, reflection, meditation or to pay respects to the children and families who have endured the tragedy of glioma and other cancers. Today, among the blooms, you will find notes of remembrance tied to the stems of many sunflowers, and also photo placards in loving remembrance of children who were lost.