SOOTHING NATURE
Sponsor Spotlight: Dick Peixoto
“Nature has the power to calm and uplift the spirit, which can help reduce mental and emotional fatigue and lead to better outcomes for our patients, visitors, and staff,” said Dominican Hospital President/CEO Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. "Our Meditation Courtyard provides a calm, restful space for mental rejuvenation.”
Healing Awaits as All Courtyards Are Now Open
W
e are deeply appreciative of the generosity of the more than 650 members of the community who contributed to the Healing Courtyards Initiative. All four gardens are open and transforming the experience of visitors, patients, employees, and physicians. The Nello and Pam Santacroce Meditation Courtyard is designed as a quiet area, to focus on meditation, contemplation, mindfulness, and self-care as part of one's therapeutic approach, or just to simply get away from the inherent stresses in a typical day. A clinging green wall, alongside the relaxing sound of water from a perpetually flowing water wall, promises serenity and calming effects. This tranquil setting is enhanced and inspired by the stunning redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. A very special thank you to Pam Santacroce, former Dominican Hospital board member
8 | FOCUS ON WELLNESS
and current Foundation board member, for naming the garden in honor of her husband Nello. The Dr. Joseph T. Anzalone Newborn Care Courtyard is a place of repose, where new mothers, fathers, and families can find their inner calm—especially after the excitement experienced in new birth. Inspired by nature, this serene, quiet space will provide much-needed fresh air, a place to settle the mind, and a feeling of peace. The Courtyard is a multi-generational spot, as observed in the Celebrating Births and New Life honor wall, where the history of Dominican births and the compassionate care that has touched so many lives from the very beginning can be tracked over years to come. Vonnie Anzalone named the courtyard in honor of her husband’s work and dedication to delivering babies in our community. Randy and Janet Krassow named the Green Wall in the Newborn Care Courtyard and one of our mosaic
