As construction continues around the St. Anthony Regional Hospital campus in Carroll, the St. Anthony Foundation is working toward a much smaller but meaningful update to its reflection garden just outside the hospital’s main atrium. According to St. Anthony Foundation Director Sarah Foley, the “Garden of Grace” initiative began earlier this year with a donation from the Axman family to jumpstart the garden’s overhaul. Foley says the often-underutilized area of the hospital grounds between the atrium and the St. Anthony Nursing Home hasn’t gotten much attention lately amid all the other work happening at the hospital.
Regardless of what has landed a patient in the hospital, Foley says studies repeatedly show spending any amount of time outdoors in an environment like they have planned improves outcomes.
Foley adds they are designing the space to be accessible to nearly anyone who might find themselves in the hospital.
Fundraising for the project is ongoing, and construction is expected to begin very soon. It likely won’t be completed until next spring, but Foley says the concrete will be ready for the “Wave of Light” ceremony on Oct. 15, which is dedicated to local families who have experienced infant loss. According to Foley, the foundation is nearing its fundraising goal, and those interested in supporting the Gardens of Grace effort can reach out to the office directly by calling 712-794-5223 or online at stanthonyhospital.org/give-today.
