Through a thoughtful donation, Baptist team member Karen Farley showed her generosity is as deep as the ocean. Thanks to her, patients and families at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital can enjoy a colorful, fishy world.
Karen’s idea began brewing when she saw a similar aquarium in another women’s hospital. Architect Earl Swenson designed the space and Karen worked closely with the fish doctor of Owensboro, Ky., who helped guide the whole fishy process. The 500-gallon aquarium is approximately 10 feet long and positioned at a height that is ideal for even a toddler to view.
A Baptist team member for 29 years, Karen, who is the system director for patient safety, is as dedicated to giving as she is to her work and team. “I love children and I wanted to do something for the children, and I wanted to do something for our pediatric facility that would make the child’s experience unique,” she said.
Filled with colorful freshwater fish, the crystal clear tank attracts nearly everyone who walks through the hospital doors. The original fish now have babies of their own, creating a varied population of fish for viewing.
For Karen, it is important to give back to the organization and community, especially in a specific moment. “I think about all the people who are in here during a time of need or uncertainty. The fish are calming to watch. I’d do another one in a heartbeat.”
As the giving campaign unfolds for the new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Karen reminds us just how much one donation can influence countless lives. Whether it’s a fish tank or a pediatric bed, helping change a child’s life begins with a simple idea.
If you are interested in learning more about giving opportunities for the new PICU, please contact the Baptist Foundation at 901-227-7123.
