Wings of Hope – Hands of Healing sculpture honors cancer patients and providers

For patients, staff and visitors, the drive in to the Mays Cancer Center is inspirational with the Wings of Hope – Hands of Healing sculpture in the circle at the main entrance to the complex.

The striking work of art was donated by The Jack and Valerie Guenther Foundation and installed last year.

Jack and Valerie Guenther are longtime supporters and major donors to the Mays Cancer Center. Mr. Guenther was the attorney who drafted the articles of incorporation for the cancer center back in 1974, and the Urschel Tower is named in honor of Mrs. Guenther’s parents, Charles and Betty Urschel.

The piece was designed and created by world-renowned Corpus Christi wildlife artist and sculptor Kent Ullberg.

Jack Guenther said the idea came to him and his wife, Valerie, years before while talking with the former director of the cancer center.

“We thought an institution of this magnitude should have a publicly viewable sculpture representing its mission to decrease the burden of cancer in San Antonio and South Texas,” said Jack Guenther before last year’s installation. “We decided to commission world-renowned sculptor Kent Ullberg.”

Ullberg said, “We wanted to honor all cancer patients and the medical profession with the 5-foot Healing Hands in bronze, out of which emerges the 15-foot tall sparkling Wings of Hope in polished stainless steel that forms a ‘V’ for victory over cancer.”

A formal dedication ceremony was held in the Fall of 2019 to recognize and thank Jack and Valerie Guenther for their remarkable support and generosity and to dedicate the beautiful and inspiring outdoor art sculpture.



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