Garden Tribute

Since 2003 the Seese-Thornton Garden of Tranquility has provided an outdoor space adjacent to the Duke Cancer Center for meditative thought and reflection.  

Guests are drawn to take a moment of respite as they sit on one of more than a dozen benches, observing words engraved along the Walk of Honor, like “loved,” “supported” and “hopeful.”

The open space also features a variety of trees and seasonal flowers that surround you in beauty. Nestled in the center of the garden is the Tree of Hope which symbolizes the strength and hope felt by those coping with cancer.  

Tribute Bricks: A Commemorative brick create a lasting tribute to a loved one. Bricks are placed throughout the Seese-Thornton Garden of Tranquility along the Rachel Schanberg Walk of Honor.  

Each brick is $600 and can be inscribed with up to three lines of text. Engraved bricks are installed in the fall and spring. Bricks are 4”x8” in size and Caribbean red in color.

A Living Tribute: A living tree is a beautiful way to remember or honor someone who has made an impact in your life. Trees are scattered throughout the Seese-Thornton Garden of Tranquility and are available in different types. Canopy and understory trees range from $5,000 to $10,0000.

A garden stake-plate can be inscribed with up to four lines of text (20 characters per line, including spaces). Stake-plates are black with bronze writing. To purchase a Tribute Brick or a Living Tribute, call the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program at 919.684.4497 or email at cancersupport@duke.edu.