The BirthPlace at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles and the Lakeland Health Foundation, Niles, introduced a new infant recognition program that allows parents to not only honor their new babies, but also to help other babies and their families for years to come. The program’s centerpiece is the recently unveiled Cradle Quilt Recognition Wall, a mural made up of glass squares that will serve as permanent artwork at the entrance of the BirthPlace.

“The BirthPlace is one of the key reasons our Niles hospital is such a special place,” said Dr. Loren Hamel, president and CEO, Lakeland HealthCare. “Each day, the BirthPlace team makes a difference in the lives of parents and their babies. The Cradle Quilt will be a constant reminder of the miracle of birth and the part the BirthPlace staff played in bringing these babies into the world.”

Family members or friends may purchase a square on the quilt to designate for inscription of a baby’s name and birthdate. The new baby’s family will be notified of the gift through a personal letter. In addition to being featured on the Cradle Quilt Recognition Wall, the baby’s name will be added to a separate Cradle Roll mural listing of babies born in the BirthPlace. Parents will also receive a personalized baby book that tells the story of the baby’s birth.

“The Cradle Quilt is a beautiful piece of art with special meaning,” said Doug Law, chairman of the Lakeland Health Foundation, Niles. “This project is a way for our foundation to help support ongoing improvements to the BirthPlace, to insure that we continue to provide the best possible care for mothers and their babies. All contributions to the Cradle Quilt and infant recognition program will be used for special projects at the BirthPlace.”

“For our BirthPlace team, every baby born here holds an important place in our hearts,” said Tammy Jerz, RN and manager of the BirthPlace at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles. “It’s wonderful to have the Cradle Quilt here so that families can return to the hospital to see a lasting tribute to these babies.”

For more information about the Cradle Quilt Recognition Wall or other giving opportunities, please contact the Lakeland Health Foundation at (269) 927-5143.