Why a Former Disney Imagineer Designed a Spiritual Healing Space

In a groundbreaking fusion of cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, a first-of-its-kind spiritual sanctuary has been unveiled for individuals and families navigating the arduous journey of cancer. Designed by a former Disney Imagineer, this immersive center aims to provide a sacred, multi-faith space for healing, reflection, and respite right within a medical facility.

The innovative Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center is a cornerstone of the new City of Hope Orange County campus. It represents a significant shift in holistic cancer treatment, recognizing that healing encompasses not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. The center was conceived from a deeply personal place, born from the experience of its creator during his own medical treatment.

How Can Technology Enhance Spiritual Wellness During Cancer Treatment?

The answer lies in the power of immersive experience. The center’s visionary, Robert Holzberg, is a former Disney Imagineer who helped create the iconic “Soaring Around the World” attraction. While undergoing his own medical treatment, he was struck by the sterile, blank walls that did little to uplift the spirit. This realization sparked an idea: if technology could create a safe place for play and adventure, it could certainly be harnessed to craft a profound space for prayer and peace.

The center features five distinct spiritual environments, each representing a major world faith tradition: a Christian chapel, a Hindu mandir, an Islamic mosque, a Jewish synagogue, and a Buddhist temple. With the simple touch of a button, patients and their families are visually and audibly transported into these serene, sacred spaces. The technology allows for complete customization, enabling specific religious services, rituals, or personal moments of quiet contemplation to be held in an authentic and supportive setting.

Beyond the faith-specific options, the center also offers calming natural environments, such as a familiar California shoreline and a tranquil forest. These non-denominational settings provide a universal place of solace for anyone seeking a moment of calm away from clinical surroundings. A private counseling room is also available for confidential conversations with family, loved ones, or religious leaders.

A Respite for Patients and Caregivers Alike

The impact of such a space extends far beyond the patient. Cancer is a diagnosis that affects entire families and networks of caregivers, who often carry immense emotional weight. The spiritual center is explicitly designed to be a refuge for them as well. This aspect of the design is deeply personal for Holzberg, who reflected on his time caring for his grandmother and the profound need for a shared, sacred experience during such challenging times.

For patients like Todd Kennedy, an eight-year multiple myeloma survivor, access to such a resource is invaluable. He describes the center as a potential sanctuary for moments when anxiety and fear become overwhelming, a place to tap into the faith that has carried him through his long battle.

The future of patient care is evolving to treat the whole person, integrating advanced medicine with profound humanity. This pioneering immersive spiritual care center demonstrates that innovation can be harnessed for deep emotional support, offering a beacon of hope and a sacred space for healing to all those touched by cancer.

Must Know

What is the immersive spiritual care center?
It is a first-of-its-kind facility within a medical campus that uses advanced technology to create customizable, immersive environments. These include spaces for five major world religions and calming natural settings, designed to provide spiritual and emotional support for cancer patients and their families.

Who designed the new spiritual center?
The center was designed by former Disney Imagineer Robert Holzberg, who was a key creator of the “Soaring Around the World” attraction. His personal experience during medical treatment inspired him to apply immersive experience technology to a healthcare setting.

Where is the spiritual care center located?
The Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center is located at the new City of Hope Orange County campus in Southern California. It will be available to patients upon the facility’s opening later this year.

How does the multi-faith aspect work?
The center features programs for Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Buddhist traditions. Patients can select their preferred environment with the touch of a button, transforming the room with appropriate visuals, sounds, and ambiance to support their specific spiritual practice.

Can family members use the spiritual center?
Yes, the center is explicitly designed to serve not only patients but also their families and caregivers. It provides a crucial refuge for those supporting loved ones through cancer treatment, acknowledging the emotional toll on the entire support network.

What non-religious options are available?
For those seeking secular comfort, the center offers immersive experiences of natural environments, such as a peaceful forest or a calming shoreline. These settings are designed to provide universal solace and a connection to nature without a religious framework.