 The foundation will no longer sell memorial bricks after that date,
in anticipation of the start of construction in the spring of a $145
million expansion of the hospital. The expansion will include a new
surgical suite with six new operating rooms and construction of
three additional stories that will add 114 private patient rooms at
the hospital's main entrance.The inscribed bricks are part of the
hospital's Centennial Brick Walkway. They memorialize deceased
employees, employees' family members and community members as well
as celebrate births and recognize milestone achievements in the
hospital's history.
Before construction begins, the current inscribed bricks and any
bricks purchased before Dec. 14 will be carefully stored and
reinstalled in a location yet to be determined in a design that's
suitable for the medical center's new design and the walkway's
significant purpose, said Elena Kezelis, the foundation's executive
director.
"We recognize the emotional history this walkway represents,"
Kezelis said. "We will ensure these bricks will be treated with
respect and reinstalled carefully and that our new memorial program
will continue to provide tribute to an individual's loved ones and
recognize the very rich history of Memorial."
The Centennial Brick Walkway has been a part of Memorial's
entryway since 1997, when it was established to celebrate Memorial's
100th anniversary.
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Inscribed bricks are installed on behalf of the foundation in
conjunction with the passing of an employee or an immediate family
member of an employee through the Gift of Remembrance program.
The Gift of Remembrance program will not cease. However, Kezelis
said, the foundation will memorialize these individuals in a manner
other than through the purchase of an engraved brick.
The foundation staff will evaluate suitable alternatives to
ensure the best solution is found, Kezelis said.
To purchase a memorial brick before Dec. 14, visit
MemorialMedical.com/MMF or call the foundation at 217-788-4700.
[Text from file received from
Memorial Medical Center]
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