San Antonio, Texas (December 12, 2013) Methodist Children’s Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, today unveiled “Hearts of Hope,” an artwork created by 150 amazing children who are battling cancer, and a source of hope for the thousands of San Antonio and South Texas children treated at the hospital.
The artwork was graciously donated by philanthropist Harvey Najim and hangs in the lobby of the hospital. The children, ages 7 to 16, created the artwork with the guiding hand of local artist Faryl Greller while attending Camp Discovery, a summer camp experience designed just for them and sponsored by the American Cancer Society. With a winning bid of $50,000, Najim purchased the artwork during the live auction at the 2013 Cattle Baron’s Gala, a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
“At Methodist Children’s Hospital, we are making a difference in the lives of children with cancer, and we appreciate the donation of this visual symbol of hope and healing,” said Mark McLoone, CEO, Methodist Children’s Hospital. “When our patients and their parents and loved ones see it, we know it will be a source of strength and inspiration to help them on their cancer journey.” The artwork is hanging prominently in the lobby of the hospital, nearby the children’s emergency department.
“When I saw the picture that was done by children that have cancer, it touched my heart and I realized these kids with cancer still have hope in their hearts that they will survive and are grateful to others who are helping them,” said Najim. “I felt that it really belonged in a hospital that cares for children who have cancer and that it should be prominently displayed so that as many people as possible would have the opportunity to experience the heartfelt healing that is part of this very special work.”
At Camp Discovery, each child received a pre-cut canvas heart on which to express themselves freely and share their individual definition of hope and love. Greller created the group mural, keeping the background black to help showcase each individual piece and to allow the different colors to pop. “My constant concern when working on this mural was to convey the sensitivity, the hope, and the pain behind the cancer,” said Greller. “Each brush stroke the children made is a statement.”
Methodist Children’s Hospital has been at the forefront of pediatric care for the last 15 years. Methodist Children’s Hospital has the only pediatric blood and marrow transplant program in South Central Texas. One of the busiest in the nation, the program brings hope to children with leukemia, sickle cell disease and immunodeficiency syndromes such as SCIDS, (severe compromised immunodeficiency syndrome). In addition, Methodist Children’s Hospital has an inpatient unit devoted to hematology, oncology and transplant services.
In addition, Methodist Children’s Hospital has one of the busiest children’s Emergency Departments in the nation, treating 73,000 patients in 2012.
About Methodist Children’s Hospital
Methodist Children’s Hospital opened in 1998 as the first hospital in South Texas built from the ground up especially for children. The hospital has the region’s largest newborn intensive care unit with 78 licensed beds. Babies and children are transported from throughout South Texas to receive a higher level of medical care not available in their own communities. The hospital has grown to become one of the leading U.S. hospitals providing bone marrow transplants for children. Methodist Children’s Hospital is also recognized for its outstanding emergency department, surgical services, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatric intensive care and pediatric radiology services.
About The Najim Family Foundation:
Established in December 2006, the Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation is aimed at helping children’s charitable organizations in the greater San Antonio area. Mr. Najim used $75 million of the proceeds from an equity partnership transaction to create the Harvey E.Najim Family Foundation.
Recipients of funds will include 501 (c) (3) public charities that provide children with food and shelter, children's education, the medical treatment of children, and other children's charitable purposes in the Greater San Antonio area. (www.najimfoundation.org)