Local Hospital Plants Vegetables for Cancer Care

YORKTOWN, N.Y. - Myra Marsocci will enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of her labor this week as Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Cancer Center unveils its new “Seeds for Health” garden.

A Yorktown horticulturalist and co-owner of the local company Shades of Green, she helped design the herb and vegetable garden that will be used to not only nourish the hospital’s cancer patients, but also educate locals on the importance of eating healthy.

"When I heard about the project, I thought better than sending money would be my contribution as a garden designer," Marsocci said. 

Marsocci, joined by Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, a non-profit farm and education center in Pocantico Hills, built the garden which will officially open on Wednesday, April 25.

“I tried to think about who will be using it, so I designed a perimeter of raised planters for the people who are in wheelchairs or have trouble bending down,” she said.

Paths around the garden were also constructed to be wide enough to accommodate classes and wheelbarrows. There is also a fence to keep animals out.

“The garden is constructed to stick around all year, not just during peak vegetable seasons. It’s something the hospital can be proud of,” she said.

In addition to Marsocci’s contribution, students from Peekskill Middle School will be providing some of the seeds that will be planted in the garden.

The “Seeds for Health” garden is just one way Hudson Valley Hospital Center will participate in Breastcancer.org’s new health campaign “Think Pink, Live Green.”

On April 25, renowned breast cancer oncologist Dr. Marisa C. Weiss will unveil the garden project and speak about healthy choices. She has been a frequent guest on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s TODAY, CNN’s medical features and The Dr. Oz Show.