Healing Garden at Smilow Cancer Hospital

On the seventh floor of Smilow Cancer Hospital is an outdoor healing garden for patients and family members to enjoy, complete with trees, shrubs, plants, a small stream and benches.

The Healing Garden at Smilow Cancer Hospital is part of our commitment to patient and family-centered care; and a recognition of nature's healing qualities.

The sights and sounds of our garden can reduce anxiety and stress and have a restorative effect on the physical and mental health of our patients. Spring, summer and fall are wonderful times to visit the garden. And in the winter, the stone floor is heated to melt the snow, so those who are able to brave the cold air can still enjoy the scenery.

Hand-painted rocks offer messages of hope and caring in Smilow Healing Garden

The rocks project was originally launched by a Smilow volunteer in 2018 as an offshoot of the Kindness Rocks Project, a national campaign whose motto is: “one message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life.” Upon the request of several patients, the project was revitalized with donations from community volunteers and hospital employees.

The intent is to spread kindness and encouragement to patients, caregivers and staff.

Visitors to the healing garden are encouraged to take one or two rocks to share with a patient, caregiver or anyone in need of support. Painted rock donations are welcome and will help replenish the garden’s inventory as needed.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind when creating your masterpiece:

• Rocks should be sized to fit in someone’s palm. Large rocks cannot be accepted.
• Rocks should have a smooth surface such as river rocks.
• Keep the rock messages family friendly (think song lyrics, famous quotes etc.).
• Messages should be uplifting, hopeful, and encouraging, and should not contain religious references or undertones.
• Please take your time creating your message. These rocks are intended to be meaningful keepsakes, so we encourage a focus on quality rather than quantity.

While rocks will be available at additional Smilow Cancer Hospital locations throughout the state, at this time they can only be accepted at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven. Please contact YNHH Volunteer Services at 203-688-2297 to arrange a donation.