Richard Bloch

Co-founder of H. R. Bloch, entrepreneuer and volunteer, Bloch survived lung and prostate cancer and developed a center to help others live with cancer as well.

Mary Pat Gallivan, who knew Bloch and Annette, his lovely wife, sent me this quote from Bloch:

"Hope is as unique with each individual asa finger print. For some it is the hope to make acomplete recovery. But it might alsobe the hope to die peacefully; the hope tolive until aspecific event happens; the hope to live with disease; the hope to have their doctor with themwhen needed; the hope to enjoy today."

Cancer Survivor Park

For the past few weeks, I was in Palm Springs, California. While there visited fascinating nature preserves, walked near awesome mountains and worked on my new book, "The Sixties? Yes, I Remember." But the most fascinating and awe-inspiring thing I saw was The Cancer Survivor Park in Coachella Valley. It was created by J.R. Bloch, the guy who created the tax business. He kicked cancer twice and devoted the latter part of his life providing information to other cancer patients to help them to be long-time cancer survivors as well. Here's a description of the Cancer Survivors Park from Bloch's website:

Rancho MirageLocated on a two-acre strip between Highway 111 and a mountain in the geographical center of the Coachella Valley, this is one of the most attractive and appealing of all the parks. The focal point is a pyramid with the statement: “PYRAMID POWER--It is believed that each basic geometric shape has therapeutic powers, with the pyramid topping the list. A myriad of curative powers have been ascribed to pyramids. They surround their inhabitants emitting psychic energy that causes all sorts of miracles. You are within the form of a pyramid.” A beautiful waterfall comes down the side of the mountain into a peaceful pool containing two of the other six geometric shapes. Three benches created by the outstanding artist, Marlo Bartels, adorn the site. The bronze plaques of the Positive Mental Attitude Walk are framed in heavy bronze and individually illuminated with low voltage lamps.