1,000 Paper Cranes

You Come Together When it Matters.

You Provide Hope and Healing to Others in Challenging Times.

It Takes All of Us.

A one-of-kind art installation tells these inspiring truths to the hundreds of staff members who pass through the halls of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital each day.

It is a gift that Le Bonheur Art Director Linda Hill wanted to offer to Le Bonheur’s health care heroes as COVID-19 began to affect the region.

“When it was obvious that every department was effected by the pandemic, we felt like Le Bonheur Associates needed to know that everyone’s sacrifice was seen, felt and appreciated,” said Hill.

She contacted local artist Hannah Lewellen who brought “1,000 Paper Cranes” to life.

“In Japanese folklore, the crane is a mystical creature believed to live 1,000 years and represents longevity and good fortune,” Lewellen said. “Legend says that when someone folds 1,000 paper cranes they are granted a wish or their prayers are answered, which has widely made folding 1,000 paper cranes a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.”

The names of the nearly 200 Le Bonheur departments were written inside each crane, along with words of hope, strength and acknowledgment. The installation is a small way to visually celebrate and thank Le Bonheur staff working tirelessly to keep everyone safe and healthy during this pandemic.

I hope these cranes remind onlookers that they are surrounded by a flock of strong, like-minded individuals invested in that same red-stitched heart in the Memphis skyline.

“I hope these cranes remind onlookers that they are surrounded by a flock of strong, like-minded individuals invested in that same red-stitched heart in the Memphis skyline,” said Lewellen.

Amanda Linz, MD, a palliative care physician at Le Bonheur, was fascinated by the meaning behind the folding of 1,000 cranes and thankful to work at a hospital that values the impact of the arts in the healing process.

“The symbols of hope, healing and good fortune seem so important to have within the walls of a children’s hospital, and incorporating the colors of Le Bonheur made it even more personal,” said Linz. “I have heard many staff members remark about how they feel it is particularly touching during the pandemic.”