Cancer survivor helps make O’Fallon a destination for ‘Doors of Hope’ campaign
O’Fallon City Administrator Walter Denton knows firsthand about what hope means to cancer patients.
As a cancer survivor, he knows of the journey and is involved with several non-profit organizations, so helping to put O’Fallon’s Downtown District on the map for the American Cancer Society’s “Doors of Hope” campaign was something he wanted to accomplish.
The Downtown District of O’Fallon is one of 42 locations in the bi-state region and only one in St. Clair County to display artist-designed doors, which were installed last week. The artwork is now located in front of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce office at 116 E. State St.
“I am a cancer survivor and am involved in several organizations that raise money for cancer research and support — American Cancer Society, Swim Across America, Sarcoma Foundation. I serve on the American Cancer Society St. Clair County Board of Directors and when they were looking for door locations in the metro-east, I arranged for the door to be placed in the Downtown District. I thought it would be a good location to raise awareness for the Hope Lodge and would be an attraction to bring people to the Downtown District who are visiting the various doors around St. Louis,” Denton said.
The Society has partnered with 42 local artists to create the doorways, which tell the stories of cancer patients’ journeys from the Alton Riverfront to the Blue Owl restaurant in Kimmswick, Missouri. Metro-east locations include Gateway Center in Collinsville and the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison. Such St. Louis attractions as Busch Stadium, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Union Station, Cherokee Street and The Hill are spots for the Doors of Hope.
The doors are part of the Hope Is Home initiative, representing what each guest experiences at Hope Lodge in St. Louis and patients’ unique path to wellness.
About Hope Lodge in St. Louis
Hope Lodge, which is located at 4215 Lindell Blvd. in St. Louis, opened in 1995 and provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. It has 44 guest rooms for those traveling to St. Louis for cancer treatment. But it is more than just a place to stay — it’s a nurturing community that provides a supportive environment where guests can share meals, participate in activities, or just relax in their own private room.
A new Hope Lodge is currently being constructed next door, with 42 new guest suites. ACS is hoping to raise $1 million for the new place.
“A door is a symbol of a journey, a transition or metamorphosis. These are the same feelings that many cancer patients and their families experience on their quest for wellness. A door is also a symbol of our city welcoming guests to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in St. Louis to be a part of our community during their time of treatment and care,” an ACS spokesman said.
People can visit all 42 doors and vote for their favorite. A map can be downloaded on this website: https://www.hopeishome.org/42-doors-of-hope/visit-the-doors.
Edwardsville man produces art in O’Fallon
The artwork and the story behind it, as well as information about the artist, is available on the website. The winner will have the honor of their work being displayed at the new Hope Lodge. Voting is now through Oct. 31.
The door in front of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber office is called “Belle and Bravado,” and was installed July 9. It is designed by artist Steve Hartman, who lives in Edwardsville and is a creative director in St. Louis.
Hartman said he was inspired by his godparents, who each battled cancer.
“I am inspired by my life’s experiences and by those who have influenced me growing up. There are those who we spent time with who were brave and beautiful simultaneously, and my godparents, Jim and Mary, were just that to me. They were brave and beautiful during my youth with them, and they stayed brave and beautiful throughout the battle with their respective cancers. It is a reminder to me how to handle what life brings you, especially during the ugly and scary times,” he said.
More about artist Hartman, how to donate to cause
Hidden messages can be found in some of the doors, and it depends on what angle the sunlight hits the artwork.
“No hidden messages in mine, sorry to say,” Hartman said.
Hartman is one of the few artists representing the east side of the St. Louis metropolitan area. In addition to his day job, he runs a small art gallery with three friends inside the Sacred Grounds Cafe in Edwardsville.
“They were asking for artists, and I agreed to be one of them. When there is any opportunity to use my creativity to give back to the community, I try,” he said. “It’s not always easy for artists to donate their time and creativity for everyone who asks, so we need to be selective. This was an opportunity to honor my godparents and to help get my name out there as a fine artist, as well. It’s such a great creative campaign.”
ACS is requesting people upload pictures to social media platforms and tag them at #42Doors #HopeisHome.
“We also encourage you to donate to help us raise money to keep the Hope Lodge free for cancer patients,” a spokesman said.
To donate, visit https://www.hopeishome.org/.
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 1:00 PM.