Kansas City, Mo. ? The first of more than 20 Cancer Survivor Parks built around the country with help from the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation is about to be renovated to make it more inviting and inspiring.

Bloch, a founder of H&R Block Inc., and his wife, Annette, created the original Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park in 1990 at the west edge of Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza. Dominated by an arch symbolizing triumph, it features plantings, benches and plaques.

“This was our first park,” said Annette Bloch, widow of Richard Bloch, whose own experience surviving caner inspired them both to devote their lives to the cause. “I’m proud of it, and I’m proud of Kansas City, so I want to improve it.”

Richard Bloch was diagnosed in 1978 with terminal lung cancer and told he had 90 days to live. But he got a second opinion, decided to fight and survived until 2004, when he died of heart failure.

Plans for the renovation will be celebrated today at the park during the Cancer Survivors Day, a tradition that also began in Kansas City and is marking its 20th anniversary as a national event.

Key to the makeover will be removal of a dark gazebo to create an open space for a large piece of art to be determined later. New benches and landscaping will also be installed.

The idea for cancer survivors parks has spread across the United States and into Canada. The foundation typically gives $1 million to help build the parks in large metropolitan areas.

Each is unique, but all feature the sculpture “Cancer … There’s Hope,” which depicts people emerging from an ordeal.

Vangie Rich, executive director of the Bloch Cancer Foundation, said people often send the foundation photographs of themselves at the sculpture in their area park, alive and smiling in proof that cancer is survivable.