A 183-foot-long concrete wall at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest has been transformed into a vibrant mural, offering reflection and relaxation for patients, hospital visitors and staff.

The completion of the mural, located in a recently refurbished courtyard outside the Kasych Family Pavilion, was celebrated Sept. 9 by Lehigh Valley Health Network. At 11 feet high, the mural offers over 2,000 square feet of beauty and serenity.

“The great passion, commitment and artistry around this mural project could not have resulted in anything less than what we see here today,” said John Pierro, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for LVHN. “This mural is a monument to compassion, to peace and healing.”

The mural was painted by four artists from Freehand Murals over several months, ending in August. The same artists were involved in a wall and ceiling mural in a burn unit operating room at LVH–Cedar Crest seven years ago.

Nurse anesthetist Jill Krystofinski, CRNA, Lehigh Valley Anesthesia Services, was a tireless advocate for both the operating room and healing garden murals.

“There are so many to thank for us getting to this day, including hospital officials and burn patients,” said Krystofinski, who works on the LVH–Cedar Crest burn unit. “The healing garden will bring strength to patients, families and staff members. It is a beautiful place to nurse the soul. It says your community loves and supports you, and that’s the most beautiful gift of all.”

Former burn patient Leo Woelkers of Moscow, Lackawanna County, also spoke at the mural presentation. “We hope all patients here at Cedar Crest, including burn patients, along with staff and visitors, find peace and hope and solitude in this place,” he said.