Highland Unveils Plans for Healing Garden
Monday, June 3, 2013
Courtesy: Clark Patterson Lee
Highland Hospital unveiled plans for a healing garden and recognized the family of Linda Maxion, a patient who inspired and supported the project, at a ceremony this afternoon. The garden will be built near the main lobby to give patients and their families an area in which they can reflect, meditate and get fresh air or exercise.
In collaboration with the hospital health care team and administration, Maxion recognized the need for a relaxing, accessible outdoor space for patients. She was a patient on Highland’s East 5 Unit several times between July 2011 and April 2013. Prior to losing her battle with cancer in April, she donated $200,000 for “Linda’s Garden” through the Maxion Family Charitable Fund of Rochester Area Foundation. Maxion and her husband of Canandaigua also worked closely with Highland on the 3,300-square-foot design.
“Linda was very committed to providing this type of facility,” said Bob McMahon, Linda’s husband. “It meant a lot to her to get out of her room and get fresh air in a quiet, thought-provoking environment.”
Bilal Ahmed, M.D., Associate Chief of Medicine, and Don Marlar, the Highland Chaplain, have long supported the creation of a healing garden on the hospital campus.
“There is a growing awareness in the health care community that these types of environments have pleasant, stress-reducing characteristics,” Dr. Ahmed said. “I think this development project will have a profound impact on the health and well-being of our patients and families and will go a long way in defining our commitment to the patient- and family-centered care ideals.”
The project will cost a total of $300,000. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2014.