The Jennie Stuart Health Foundation held a dedication ceremony on Thursday, celebrating their new Tree of Life Art Installation and what it symbolizes for the community.
According to a news release, the Tree of Life Art Installation at stands at Jennie Stuart Medical Center as a long-lasing symbol of the community’s commitment to cancer care. The installation serves as the final element of the success of the Foundation’s first capital campaign to benefit the E.C. Green Cancer Center.
JSH CEO Eric Lee says the Tree of Life Fund as a meaningful history with Jennie Stuart Health, going back nearly 50 years to the Howard Stone Memorial Fund. That fund was established in 1976 in honor of Howard Stone, who was a long-serving board member who succumbed to cancer. His family wanted to honor his legacy and ensure others have access to care closer to home.
Since then, generous families, physicians and staff have helped build oncology services and establish a legacy of cancer care excellence in this community. When the Foundation was formed, the fund was entrusted to its care, where it has continued to grow in both reach and purpose.
Foundation Executive Director Sarah Francis says, “Today, the Tree of Life Fund remains dedicated to supporting patients and families of the E.C. Green Cancer Center. It helps families overcome barriers such as transportation and medication costs, funds resources and equipment that enhance treatment, and offers a meaningful way to honor or remember loved ones.”
The art installation includes a sculpture, along with a digital display, and is set to serve as a visual reminder of how philanthropy and partnership can transform patient care.