Catherine Brown splashes the GKTW teen room with style
KISSEMEE, FL: Give Kids the World Village “Where Happiness Inspires Hope”
“You and your team not only brought your talents and enthusiasm, but you also brought a sense of imagination and the vision needed to make these works of art become a reality.”
-Give Kids The World Village
Thanks to the Splashes of Hope Gala 2012 honoring Man of The Year Christopher Wright, Funding from the Floor helped us splash this special facility where Wish children stay when their wish is being granted to visit the attractions in the Orlando area.
GKTW Chef in the Gingerbread House wanted to be a gingerbread surfer dude riding an orange popsicle
Russ Brown and Sandy Romano splash the Teen Game Room at GKTW
The Dream Team from left to right: Russell Brown, Catherine Brown, Brian Fiedler, Sandy Romano, Heather Buggee and Diana Fogarty
Artist Diana Fogarty gives out monkey puppets wherever she goes!
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Benjamin Moore Paints: Exclusive products for Splashes of Hope
“Splashes of Hope delivers hope…”
“Splashes of Hope delivers hope with color and whimsy, and artistic expression that allows those most in need to be transported, mentally and emotionally, to another place, another world, one populated by beautiful things from nature, fairy tales and beyond. Benjamin Moore is proud that the Splashes of Hope murals are delivered to those in need with our paint, that walls and doors are transformed with our colors.”
-Eileen McComb, Direcctor, Corporate Communications, Benjamin Moore Paints
MINEOLA, NY: Splashes of Hope artist Diana Fogarty said, “This mural is my way of creating the world’s largest thank you card in appreciation to the exceptional care my father received at Winthrop.” Painted in loving memory of John Fogarty
The Fogarty family with Winthrop President John Collins
Regarding Winthrop University Hospital Hoag 3 Elevator Lobby: “The ‘window view’ of this painting is meant to open up the walls of the hospital to provide patients and families with a peaceful view at what can be a very difficult time,” Splashes of Hope artist Catherine Brown said. Painted in loving memory of Marjorie Buddenhagen
John Collins, President and CEO of Winthrop University Hospital says, “We are sincerely grateful to splashes of hope for bringing these murals to our Hospital. They have already begun to bring comfort and hope to our patients and their family members.”
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OAKLAND, CA: “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
FLUSHING, NY: 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
HOUSTON, TX: LBJ Hospital Pediatric Unit Houston, TX
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
BETHPAGE, NY: Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect
“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
NAPLES, FL: Shelter for Abused Women & Children
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
-Marci Sanders, Director, The Shelter For Abused Women & Children
“Truly fortunate to have been “Splashed” again…”
“We at Little Flower consider ourselves truly fortunate to have been “Splashed” again. The lovely, colorful and serene paintings recently hung in our infirmary are absolutely lovely. They fit perfectly in terms of size and in setting a tone for an ordinarily busy, place frequented by the children and youth in our care.
Often the youth are in less than good mood when they have to go to the infirmary. Now as they enter the building they are met by beautiful sea scapes and other pleasing and calming scenes. Kudos and many thanks to the artists and to Splashes of Hope for brightening our children’s environment! ”
-Grace Lo Grande, Executive Director, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York
“…their thoughts/wishes were heard and transformed into this mural.”
“Wow. I wish you could have been here for the women’s group today. They were overwhelmed and SO impressed with the mural. They could not believe how you integrated every one of their thoughts and wishes into this beautiful image of what their recovery means to them. They had…just lots of excitement about how their thoughts/wishes were heard and transformed into this mural. We are SO excited.”
-Dr. Laurie Harkness, Director, Errera Community Care Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare, September 2008
“We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to have your organization Splash our hospital.”
“The murals created by you and the Splashes of Hope artists will help to ensure that a specialized unit, such as the Children’s HeartCenter, is also a friendly and comfortable place for young patients and their families. Your gift, through the creativity, generosity and imagination of all the Splashes of Hope artists and your sponsor, will provide not only an uplifting and brightened hospital space, but endless comfort, reduced stress and joy to all of our young ill and injured patients. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to have your organization “Splash” our hospital. Your generosity will touch the lives of many young patients—heroes bravely facing the serious illnesses and injuries that challenge them on a daily basis.”
-Hazel Tull-Leach, Executive Director of Development, University New Mexico Hospitals, August 2008
We know the benefits of art therapy and the power of the arts to heal.”
“We know the benefits of art therapy and the power of the arts to heal. Since its inception in 1996, Splashes of Hope and its dedicated group of volunteers and artists have worked to create beautiful, therapeutic murals in hospitals that help patients during their treatment, healing and recovery. I thank founder Heather Buggée for her vision and determination that enabled the organization to grow from its beginnings at one hospital to its work today receiving mural requests from facilities throughout theUnited States and the world.”
-Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Senator, July 2007
“When I look at this mural of my road to recovery I feel so tranquil.”
“When I look at this mural of my road to recovery I feel so tranquil. It gives me hope that on my way to sobriety I will accomplish it with no pain. I feel I’m looking ahead at my future of complete serenity, peacefulness and fulfill[ment], that I have accepted my disease for my lifetime, but I can now not let it take over my life. And all along my road to recovery no matter how long it takes, God will be with me, like footprints in the sand.”
-Patient, Addiction Services, Eastern Long Island Hospital, 2005
You cannot imagine all of the compliments you work is receiving from staff, families, patients and visitors.”
“You cannot imagine all of the compliments you work is receiving from staff, families, patients and visitors. Your train was painted in such a way that the youngsters think that it is looking directly at them, and as a result, they talk to the train. /Because their attention is drawn to the wall, they concentrate less on their treatment. It has reduced stress, crying and the fear that children naturally fell when entering a treatment room…You can be assured that every day you help brighten the lives of our youngest patients.”
-Maureen Desimone, Vice President, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, 1997
“…it made a world of difference for our kids and staff.”
“When Splashes of Hope worked its miracles on just a few of our walls in out Pediatric Ambulatory Area it made a world of difference for our kids and staff. The little exam room that you transformed with your paints and brushes continues to elicit big toothy smiles and wide eyes from everyone who enters.”
-Kim Tempesta, Administrator, Department of Pediatrics, Nassau County Medical Center, August 1999
NEW YORK, NY: I want to thank you for participating with us on Thursday evening May 31 at the Ronald McDonald House. The children just loved having their faces painted and loved the monkey and we loved being out together on that beautiful terrace on a beautiful night. Liz and Jessica did such a great job!
As the staff said they loved the “vibe of the evening” and the families said an evening such as this was means so very much to them.
Again a big thank you.
With warmest regards,
Ilene Mandell
Manager, Medical Outreach Make-A-Wish Metro NY
BROOKLYN, NY: HeartShare
“As an Artist and a Licensed and Board Certified Creative Arts Therapist I have always appreciated and valued art, and the ability to create it.
On behalf of all the staff, clients of the Bensonhurst Family Services Program and the Intensive Prevention Program for Adolescents/ Creative Solutions for Families Program and visitors who will enter into our reception space we thank you.
The mural created by Splashes of Hope in this space will help to provide a calm, welcoming space for our clients.
Respectfully,
Robert Grant, LCAT, ATR-BC
Clinical Supervisor
PATCHOGUE, NY: Mercy Center Ministries
I want to thank you and Chestene and the artist Doug Reina for giving us the beautiful scenery board for our Blue Point House. It is going to look and match perfectly in the room and will be a conversation piece for many years to come for the residents, staff and any visitors who see the house. You know firsthand how wonderful these scenes make their beholders feel. Mercy is blessed to have a friend in Splashes of Hope. Wishing you all the best of the Holiday Season, and peace and health in the new year!
Briana Taylor, LMSW
Executive Director
LONG ISLAND, NY: VIBS Family Violence & Rape Crisis Center
The artwork that Splashes of Hope created truly transformed the space. A once cold, sterile, unfriendly room is now a beautiful, warm place for survivors to receive care. The artwork also provides relief for the staff caring for the patients. Your time and dedication to our program will never be forgotten.
-Pamela C. Johnston, Executive Director
RICHMOND, VA: 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 Richmond University Medical Center
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