On the evening of September 26, Marshall hosted a special celebration to honor the completion of the Janet Nachtman Cancer Healing Garden at the Marshall Cancer Center, a UC Davis Health affiliate. What was once a bare dirt field has been transformed into a serene and beautiful garden, the result of years of planning, planting, and a true community effort.
The Healing Garden was made possible through countless volunteer hours and the generosity of donors to Marshall through the Marshall Foundation for Community Health (MFCH), who shared a vision for a place of peace and restoration. At the center of the garden stands a striking steel pergola, designed and created by Marshall’s Chief Ambulatory Officer, Jonathan Russell. Glass art pieces, commissioned through a generous gift from Terese Clusiau in honor of her late father, Patrick Clusiau, who received his cancer treatment at Marshall, bring color and meaning to the space. These thoughtful touches reflect the spirit of giving and creativity that shaped the project.
Approximately 60 guests attended, enjoying light appetizers and beverages while surrounded by the tranquil setting of the Healing Garden. Entertainment included a moving sound bath experience by certified sound practitioner Catrina Lessley and harp music by Judy Phillips, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection. Both services are offered without charge to patients undergoing treatment thanks to generous donors.
The garden honors Janet Nachtman, a longtime El Dorado County resident and wife of former Marshall CEO Frank Nachtman. Janet passed away from cancer in 2003. Her vision and passion to find a better pathway for cancer patients laid the foundation for the Cancer Center itself. The Healing Garden continues her legacy by offering patients undergoing transfusion and chemotherapy a therapeutic space to view and enjoy.
Kat Olah, Marshall Infusion Center Charge Nurse, shared, “This garden brings peace and comfort to our patients and their families. It symbolizes hope and healing, giving patients a sense of calm during some of the most challenging times of their lives.”
Mindy Danovaro, Executive Director of MFCH, said, “You can feel the love and care that went into every detail of this garden. It reflects the generosity of our community and honors Janet’s vision while bringing strength and comfort to the patients we serve.”
The Janet Nachtman Cancer Healing Garden is a place where community spirit, volunteer dedication, and Janet’s enduring vision come together. It offers beauty, comfort, and hope for patients, families, and all who walk through its paths.
Marshall Foundation for Community Health is a catalyst for a healthy community, raising funds to support Marshall and health programs that benefit the people of the Westen Slope of El Dorado County. For questions or to make a donation, please call 530-642-9984 or email Kara Sather at ksather@marshallmedical.org.