#United States #City of Hope #Laguna Beach #Reimagine Well #Spiritual Care

A New Era in Spiritual Support for Cancer Patients

In a groundbreaking initiative, City of Hope Orange County has partnered with Reimagine Well to unveil a pioneering multi-faith spiritual care center designed specifically to serve cancer patients and their families. This innovative center aims to provide a soothing and sacred environment that addresses the spiritual needs of those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment.

Merging Technology with Spiritual Care

Named the Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center, this unique facility is an architectural marvel that integrates technology for a truly immersive experience. Patients can choose from a variety of sacred environments—from chapels to nature scenes—using an intuitive touchscreen interface. Within seconds, they can find themselves 'transported' to a serene space that resonates with their faith or personal spirituality. This seamless integration of high-definition projections, spatial audio, and multi-sensory elements fosters a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and solace.

Roger Holzberg, Co-Founder of Reimagine Well and a creative visionary with a history at Walt Disney Imagineering, was instrumental in bringing this project to life. As a two-decade cancer survivor, Holzberg's insights into the emotional and spiritual needs of patients played a crucial role in creating a safe haven for healing.

Addressing Diverse Spiritual Needs

The center was created based on feedback gathered from patients and their families. By surveying them with the question, “If you feel the need for prayer and you could be in any sacred space, where would you go?”, Reimagine Well ensured that the designs would reflect the diverse spiritual landscape of Orange County.

Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it is a sanctuary for patients and families during some of their most difficult moments. She noted, “The Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center is a sacred space, intentionally created to reflect the rich spiritual diversity of Orange County.”

A Focus on Holistic Well-Being

This center is more than just a room; it represents a significant shift in how healthcare is approached. By recognizing that optimal health encompasses not just the body and mind but also the spirit, the dual focus on spiritual and medical care can lead to more meaningful healing experiences. The inclusion of a Tranquility Room further caters to patients who require more privacy and wish to connect with faith leaders without distraction.

Roger Holzberg echoed this sentiment, stating, “For City of Hope to recognize how important it is to give patients and families a way to return to their sacred places—within the walls of a hospital—is extraordinary.”

About Reimagine Well

Founded by Roger Holzberg and Leonard Sender, MD, Reimagine Well seeks to utilize imagination, technology, and education to ease the patient journey from diagnosis to well-being. Alongside designing the spiritual care center, Holzberg is committed to advancing healthcare through creative storytelling and patient-led initiatives. In addition to his role at Reimagine Well, he teaches Healthcare By Design at CalArts and previously served as the Creative Director for the National Cancer Institute.

Conclusion

The opening of the Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center marks a new frontier in holistic cancer care, one that acknowledges and nurtures the spiritual needs of patients. By fostering an environment where healing transcends the physical, City of Hope and Reimagine Well are setting a precedent for future healthcare facilities. Through this innovative partnership, they hope to mitigate the emotional turmoil associated with cancer and promote overall well-being in a way that resonates deeply with individuals and their families.