Danny's Garden Honors Florissant Child and Brain Cancer

Among the 12 major types of childhood cancers, leukemias and cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for more than half of the new case each year.

That's according to the National Cancer Institute; which also said on average, 1 to 2 children develop the disease each year for every 10,000 children in the United States.

Danny Franck was one of those. He lost his battle with brain cancer in February, but recently students, families, and staff at his former school, Robinwood Elementary, did something to create a legacy for the 12-year-old. 

The Ferguson-Florissant School District, along with members of local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, a local Home Depot and school district and community leaders, gathered on Sept. 7 to dedicate a special school garden in honor of Danny.

More than 200 were in attendance at the dedication ceremony at the school.

“Danny was the embodiment of what we hope for every child who comes to our school,” said longtime Robinwood teacher Molly Harris. “He was an inspiration to all of us.  

"‘Danny’s Garden’ will serve as a daily reminder to all who pass through our halls of his amazing spirit.”

Girl Scout Troop 3015 designed the garden. Members of Boy Scout Troop 713 designed and constructed a bridge and picnic tables for the garden. 

The Home Depot-Cross Keys store in Florissant donated all of the materials for the garden and it upkeep; while current and former Robinwood students, staff and their families volunteered to construct Danny’s Garden.