HUNTSVILLE – More than 4,000 children are admitted to the Pediatrics unit at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children each year. For many, the hospital is an overwhelming or even scary place. Thanks to one Huntsville-based company, those young patients will now experience a new space meant to make their stay comforting and fun.
The transformation of the hospital’s fourth floor is made possible by a $500,000 donation from Hometown Lenders through Huntsville Hospital Foundation (HHF). HHF will fund the remaining costs associated with the project.
The renovation, designed by the expert team at Chapman Sisson Architects, includes new flooring, a new nurses’ station, and two revamped playrooms, all featuring a lively under-the-sea theme.
“The goal of this renovation is to breathe new life into the pediatric department and make a space that children can truly connect with and enjoy,” said Martin Sisson, founder of Chapman Sisson Architects. “The subtle underwater theme will achieve this through intentional use of updated colors, materials, textures, and patterns that resemble those found in the ocean. The comforting blues and playful spaces will enhance the hospital experience – both for patients and their families.”
Hometown Lenders’ half-million-dollar gift is one of the largest outright one-time corporate contributions in the Foundation’s history. And for the mortgage brokerage firm, it’s personal. The transformative donation was made in memory of Mary Lee Taylor, mother of Hometown Lenders founder Billy Taylor. The new Pediatrics floor will now be named in her honor.
Mary Taylor and family
“My mom spent her life in service to others,” said Billy Taylor, owner and CEO of Hometown Lenders. “Many times, denying her own comfort and care to ensure ‘the least of these’ and ‘the little ones’ were provided for. I cannot think of a more appropriate way to memorialize her legacy or capture her heart and spirit than to have her name forever associated with delivering the best medical care possible to children.”
“This donation is proof that just one person or one company can truly impact the care of patients from across our region,” said Huntsville Hospital Foundation President Sarah Savage-Jones. “We are deeply appreciative of Billy Taylor and the entire Hometown Lenders team recognizing the healing power of play and joy for our pediatric population. This gift honors family, and it will touch tens of thousands of families for decades to come.”
Media Release/Katie Coppens | Communications Director
Huntsville Hospital Foundation
