Rooftop Renovation underway thanks to funding from Unite in the Fight

Food insecurity and poor mental health might not be your first thought when you think of factors that can lead to an increased risk of cancer, but both can lead to higher rates of obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption, anxiety, depression, and stress.

Malcolm Bevel, PhD, a member of the Cancer Prevention, Control and Population Health team at the Georgia Cancer Center has spent the last few years working on providing fresh grown vegetables to those in need in our community. He began with his HARVEST-HD Hydroponic Garden in the lobby of the GCC’s M. Bert Storey Research Building, but now he wants to bring the gardens closer to patients.

“Studies have shown that gardening with flowering plants can increase mental health, and gardening with healthy produce can increase food access. However, the Rooftop Garden has fallen into a state of disrepair. We’re changing that,” said Bevel.

On the second floor of the Outpatient Clinic, outside the infusion suites, is a rooftop garden that has seen little attention over the past few years. Thanks to funding from Unite in the Fight Against Cancer, Bevel has already started work on the garden with the help of Ebony Tree Farms, Studio Farmer’s Incorporated, and other local farming partners.

Unite is an annual community celebration honoring all who have been affected by this disease, while raising funds for patient-centered programs. Unite 2024 funded thirteen programs to improve the lives of our patients and staff here in our community.

Bevel plans to turn the abandoned space into a beautiful garden that patients and staff can visit in between appointments and can also view through the large clinic windows while undergoing infusion treatments.

The renovation plans include: removing and replacing all damaged planters and plant life, removing current vines from all trellis sites, updating the wooden furniture and windchimes so they are usable, update the soil, and installing five aeroponic tower gardens to replace the larger planters that were removed.

Once stage one is finished, Bevel will move to stage two which will focus on the gardening aspect of his plan. He and his team plan to plant and tend to a garden with tomatoes, lettuce, boy choy, bell peppers, and much more. He hopes patients can be involved in tending to the garden if they wish, giving them the opportunity to improve their mental health by participating in a low-stress activity. Produce that is produced by the garden will be distributed in the lobby of the clinic, allowing patients to have access to fresh produce.

“Patient experience is one of the top priorities of GCC, and this presents us with a unique opportunity for improving their experience and building a deeper connection with the community we serve.”

If you would like to learn more about this program, follow us on Facebook to be kept up to date on it and the other programs funded by Unite in the Fight Against Cancer. Unite in the Fight Against Cancer will be held on May 3, 2025. You can find more information by visiting our website and Facebook event page. We encourage all to join us in support of all who fight against cancer every day.