I bring up Christmas trees for a couple of reasons. The Foundation supports multiple Christmas trees, one outside, one in our Hospital lobby and one in our Outpatient Treatment Center lobby. We decorate the one on the outside to remind us that even at a hospital — where almost no one would prefer to be at the holidays — there is always help and hope and community.
Lights of Life
The Christmas tree inside our Hospital lobby has another story. The Foundation has sponsored the Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support group at GVMH for many years. This group is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for families who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, stillbirth or in the first few months of life:
Every December, the Foundation hosts a Lights of Life Ceremony where people may purchase a star ornament to hang on the tree to honor loved ones and their memory.
Holiday Cheer
In ourOutpatient Treatment Center lobby, the tree is located near the door to welcome people as they enter GVMH and to serve as a reminder of the generosity, joy and magic of the holiday season.
Making community
Are Christmas trees part of healthcare? Of course they are, because community is part of our collective wellbeing. Stronger communities are healthier communities. When you support the GVMH Foundation, you are helping us create opportunities to help one another through education, technology and one-to-one support.
Sarah Duncan
Director of Foundation
Stewardship and Development
