Foundation dedicates 'All God's Children' mural

A mural honoring “All God’s Children” was dedicated during a ceremony Thursday at Western Baptist Hospital.

The Western Baptist Hospital Foundation commissioned Paducah artist Kijsa Housman to create the mural that benefits Western Baptist children’s healthcare programs and services, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Parents, friends and corporate partners may sponsor artistic elements on the mural, including a crystal apple ornament, named in honor of a child; apple crates or buckets, birds, bees, squirrels, butterflies and rabbits.

“The Western Baptist Hospital Foundation believes that ‘Every good and perfect give is from above’ (James 1:17),” said Laurie Latham, director of Western Baptist’s business and fund development. “We are blessed to receive your gifts to enhance and improve the healthcare for All God’s Children. The mural serves as a living testament to these gifts.”

Housman included a growth chart and some hidden features, including worms and caterpillars. “The mural is interactive,” Housman said. “So many elements in this mural are about healthy growth.”

Neonatologist Edward O’Neill, M.D., said the NICU is an important resource for the community. “We want to thank the foundation in helping get the NICU started,” Dr. O’Neill said. “The biggest contribution the NICU provides is keeping families so close to home.”

Pediatrician Kayla Mason, M.D., Western Baptist pediatric section chief, said the NICU is important for everyone in the community. “This is a great service to our community,” Dr. Mason said. “If you have a child or grandchild in your future, this NICU is important to you.”

For more information on the mural, contact the Western Baptist Hospital Foundation at WBHFoundation@bhsi.com or phone (270) 575-2871.