Testimonials
More Praise from Oakland
I want to personally thank you from my heart for your special work. Your artistic work is fantastic and more, your mission of Hope is revealed in your talents.
Many patients and families will view your work (and already have) and marvel about your depiction of our area. Finding hidden images is fun, I've done so myself and if for a moment or two a patient or other loved ones can reflect differently, then your job has accomplished a lot.
Thank you so much for what you do and have done in Imaging at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland. It is appreciated very much.
-E. James Grosskopf, Vice President, Operations, Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland
The Life of a Sonographer
I arrive at work each day and spend 40+ hours per week in a small, darkened room with no windows. I have done so for more than ten years.
This is, in no way, a complaint!
In fact, I am extremely proud and fortunate to be able to say that I work with some of the most remarkable doctors, technologists, and patients in the world.
Not by design, but by chance. It is at times like this that I remember a quote from my childhood, "God looks after children and fools". I have always thought of this quote fondly because it has reinforced within me the belief that I am, and always will be, twice blessed; that someone has always looked out for me and will guide me upon the right path and destination my life should take.
This is my way of explaining to you how I came to work at Children's Hospital in Oakland. I have truly been blessed twice. I have found a home and good people with whom to share it.
The down side is that, during the winter months, I could go days without ever seeing the sun. I leave before sunrise and arrive home after dusk. That is, until recently!!!
Lately, I have found myself gazing at the water and watching the sun reflect off the blue waves. I see children flying kites with unfettered joy while another child, not too far away, blows bubbles while perched on an outstretched limb within a circle of trees.
Everything is as it should be. You can hear the wind rustle through the trees, hear children laugh, and feel the sun's warmth as you gaze upward toward the blue sky.
If you look carefully, you can see a hot-air balloon just a little to your left, piloted by a group of renegade zoo animals - off for an afternoon adventure. You can even see the Golden Gate Bridge and Fairyland within one grand, panoramic view from the grassy, well-mowed lawn.
What I have just described is, in fact, the new mural along the southern wall of our Diagnostic Imaging Department on the 2nd Floor. This mural happens to be located just outside the ultrasound room where I work.
I thought something may have been a little off when I saw Snow White and one of the seven dwarfs maneuvering a small sailboat in the middle of the lake. However, being originally from California and having lived in the Bay Area most of my life, it didn't really seem that far a stretch.
I wish to thank all of the people involved in making this window to Lake Merritt possible; not only for myself, but for everyone who enters our department - those who are sick and need a little lift in their spirits. They are here because they don't feel very well and are in need of the art of imaging: MRI, Ultrasound, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Fluoroscopy, or X-rays.
The artists that created the mural for our department donated their time and energy to make this mural possible. They gave of themselves to make a differeence.
... and it does!!!
Every time I walk into the hall, the beat of my heart and my steps quicken; my duties become just a little bit lighter; and the corners of my mouth curve up just a little bit more than they had the day before.
My thanks to Pat of Child Life Services, "Splashes of Hope" (Heather, Sandy and Diana), and everyone involved in making this mural possible.
I should note that Splashes of Hope is a non-profit organization of mural artists who paint comforting scenes for patients and clients in hospitals, healthcare, and social-service facilities.
If you care to contact these generous artists, call: 631-424-8230 or e-mail them at info@splashesofhope.org. Their web site address is: www.splashesofhope.org.
Sincerely,
-Larry Villagran (RDMS, CRT), Diagnostic Imaging Dept., Children's Hospital Oakland
Richmond University Medical Center
The murals have brightened the walls of our pediatric unit. The children and the parents love looking at them as they walk up and down the halls. They have commented on the fact that they are such beautiful scenes of Staten Island. The children love looking at the ceiling tiles as they are transferred in their stretcher to a test or the OR. The front door is so welcoming and coorful. Staff from throughout the hospital have commented on its beauty. Thank you for all of your hard work.
-Kathleen DiMauro, RN-BC, MS, IBCLC; AVP Women & Children's Services
Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, Massachusetts
Thank you for making our House a home. The beautiful mural adds life to a rather drab area and brings much happiness to our special kids and to everyone who sees it.
-Jennifer Putnam, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, MA, June 2010
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Children use the murals as a distraction tool during procedures. They look for things within the mural as they are waiting to be seen in our clinic. One little boy was fascinated with the mural of the cars on the West Side Highway and would count the cars over and over again with his dad as he waited, I think that helps to keep this child focused and entertained as he waited.
-Sonia Lugo
Northport VA Medical Center
...thanks to you and Spalshes of Hope for the absolutely gorgeous murals you created and donated to the Veterans at Northport VA Medical Center's Community Living Center.
The murals bring beauty, color and joy to the veteran residents in the living center and often evoke very favorable comments.
Knowing the murals were by artists, some of them children, especially for the residents at Northport means so much [to] the veterans' families and staff.
You and Splashes of Hope have touched the hearts of everyone in the Community Living Center and we will always remember your thoughtfulness, generosity, and patriotism.
Again, thank you so much!
-Mary Gallagher-Seaman, RN
New York Hospital Queens - Inpatient Pediatric Unit & PICU
The murals have made such an impact on our inpatient pediatric unit and our PICU. I see families walking around just to look at all of the different scenes that we have on our walls. Children have fun with the images, we have a bear as our theme for our pediatric unit and they count how many bears they find. Children and families that were here before we were renovated are amazed at the transformation. Queens is a very tight knit community and they have such amazing diversity and places within it. While the murals were going up, staff and patients became very involved in the project and it was wonderful because they really understood the process and at times were able to participate with them. At this time, in my opinion Pediatrics has the most beautiful unit in the hospital.
-Alisha Rappaport, Director of Child Life
LBJ Hospital Pediatric Unit Houston, TX
Dear Heather,
Thank you so much for traveling to Texas to splash LBJ! We truly enjoyed working with you, Diana & Sandy. The nursing staff in Pediatrics are thrilled with the murals. The walls and unit are much brighter & friendlier thanks to your talents. We look forward to working with you again!
Gratefully, Lacy
Harris County Hospital District Foundation
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Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect
Date: February 23, 2010
"There are few words that can properly convey our thanks for your splendid cooperation and work on behalf of the children and families that come to the Child Advocacy Center of Nassau County. Those words would have to include: inspiring, beautiful, exquisite, playful, fun, comforting, happy, warm and safe.
But even those words are lacking. So, although they are quite common, there are just two words that neatly sums up what is in our hearts and minds: thank you.
The generosity of both the Framingham Foundation and Splashes of Hope will be a living experience for all those lives that the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect touches and we will be forever in your debt.
Again, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of CCAN, and the children and families we serve, thank you for making their lives better.
Sincerely,
Cynthia G. Scott, Executive Director
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Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Naples FL
"Now that everyone has had a chance to view the mural, we appreciate it even more than expected. Our residents and children stand and look at all the details-- you can't take it all in quickly. It lightens hearts and widens little eyes.
We are thankful you approached us about this project and that you didn't give up on finding sponsors. Your artistry and perseverance are awesome. Thank you so much!"
Marci Sanders, Director, The Shelter For Abused Women & Children
Sponsors: Catherine & Russ Brown, Southwest Airlines, Benjamin Moore & Co.
Mural Artists: Catherine Brown, Heather Buggee, Sandy Romano
Special assistance by Gil and Becky