COVID-19 — for more than 100 years, there hasn’t been a global public health crisis of this magnitude. Because of the far-reaching effects on our community, Eisenhower Health President and Chief Executive Officer Martin Massiello felt compelled to create a memorial to ensure the impact of COVID-19 will never be forgotten.
“The memorial, located near the front of the hospital in an area called Bliss Gardens, sits on a granite circle surrounding one of Eisenhower’s recognizable five stars,” explains Massiello. “At each of the five points within the circle sits a triangle-shaped metal pillar, each one representing hundreds of people who our hospital cared for and lost, and those, who against all odds, survived. They also represent the entire Eisenhower staff, advanced practice providers and physicians who labored day and night with the hopes of saving lives and reuniting families with their loved ones isolated in the hospital. Finally, we wanted to remember the community and our amazing donors who continue to provide us with immeasurable support.
“The other two sides of the pillars bear stars that are laser-cut into the metal, ascending from the bottom to the top, representing the lives of those we have lost,” continues Massiello. “They are lit from within, so at night the stars rise and twinkle with hope.
“I personally want to thank our exceptional staff and physicians for the care and compassion they give each and every day to all of our patients and to each other,” says Massiello. “They and you, our incredibly supportive community, are the stars that make Eisenhower Health an amazing place. Please take a moment and visit the memorial. I hope you’ll find comfort in it.”
If you are unable to visit the Eisenhower Health campus, you can watch a video about the memorial at YouTube.com/EisenhowerHealth.
