During this special time of year, there are many festive, spiritual, crafty and meaningful events one can attend.  At Springfield Hospital, a wonderful seasonal tradition takes place each year, called “Hearts of Hope”. This annual event provides a special opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who are currently battling, or may have lost their life, to cancer or heart disease.

Beautiful holiday ornaments, handmade by our volunteers, are placed on our Hearts of Hope tree in honor or memory of loved ones. Each year, the Hearts of Hope Committee, composed of Linda Feddersen, Barbara Bye and Ruby Pinders, raise funds through this event to purchase items for the support and comfort of our patients at Springfield Hospital’s Oncology and Cardiology Clinic.

This year’s tree dedication ceremony was held December 4th at the Nolin Murray Center in Springfield, and included caroling, honoring those remembered on the ornaments, special music by Patty Carpenter and Dr. Thomas Davis, and refreshments. This year’s event raised $6,400 for our Specialty Clinic. A long-time member of our Hearts of Hope Volunteer Committee, Arlene Pearson, was also remembered this year. Arlene put her heart and soul into this event for nearly 20 years and passed away earlier this year. She will be missed but always remembered by her HOH friends.

“We thank all of our donors who made this, yet again, a very special event,” says Sandy Peplau, Volunteer Coordinator, Springfield Hospital. If you wish to contribute to this campaign, heart ornaments are still available for a $15 donation.  Please contact Sandy at 802-885-7686.  ###