Wings of Hope ~ Hands of Healing
Mays Cancer Center Annual Report
We are deeply grateful to Valerie and Jack Guenther for their vision and generosity to commission the beautiful outdoor art sculpture “Wings of Hope – Hands of Healing” that is erected at the main entrance to the Mays Cancer Center complex. The sculpture is a towering and inspirational symbol of the dedication and mission of the Mays Cancer Center to decrease the burden of cancer in San Antonio, South Texas and beyond.
This impressive work of art — which was designed and created by world-renowned wildlife artist and sculptor, Kent Ullberg — was donated by The Jack and Valerie Guenther Foundation to offer a visual representation of hope and healing for patients and families as they enter the cancer center.
Jack Guenther said the idea for the sculpture came to him and his wife, Valerie, several years earlier during a discussion with the former director of the cancer center. Jack stated, “We thought an institution of this magnitude should have a publicly viewable sculpture representing its mission that would serve as an inspiration to our patients, families, and health care professionals.”
The artist, Kent Ullberg said, “We wanted to honor all cancer patients and the medical profession with the five-foot ‘Healing Hands’ in bronze, out of which emerges the 15-foot sparkling ‘Wings of Hope’ in polished stainless steel that forms a ‘V’ for victory over cancer.”
Dr. Ruben Mesa, executive director of the Mays Cancer Center, shared, “Our patients love the beauty, serenity and symbolism of this masterpiece. We often witness patients and their loved ones taking photos in front of the sculpture. The artwork is a true inspiration of the hope and healing that it represents.”
Jack and Valerie Guenther have been longstanding key supporters and major gift donors of the cancer center since it was founded in 1974. In fact, Mr. Guenther was the attorney who drafted the articles of incorporation for the cancer center and the Urschel Tower is named in honor of Mrs. Guenther’s parents, Charles and Betty Urschel.
