(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - A garden being built at the Ketchikan Medical Center in memory of a pioneer aviator will provide patients and visitors with views of the water and mountains, and the many helicopters, floatplanes and boats that pass by each day.

The Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the Ken Eichner Healing Garden will be Monday April 13 in the Ketchikan Medical Center’s Four Seasons Café at 4:00pm. The public is invited to attend.

Ken Eichner touched a lot of lives in Southeast Alaska. He participated in many rescues and medivacs in remote areas and was known for his generous spirit and dedication to the community. His family honored this commitment with a gift to PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center Foundation in his memory. Their donation provided the resources for the outdoor garden space.

When completed in May 2016, the Ken Eichner Healing Garden will overlook Bar Harbor and the Tongass Narrows. It will be located between the existing inpatient-care wing and the new building with access from the Four Seasons Café. Portions of the garden will be covered by glass awnings making the space usable year round.

“We are so grateful for this important gift. We know that time spent outdoors in the fresh air and natural light is crucial for both the healing process of our patients and the well-being of the family members and caregivers who are supporting them each day,” said Chief Administrative Officer Ken Tonjes. “The Ken Eichner Healing Garden will provide a wonderful place to be outdoors and is sure to be of immense therapeutic value.”

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org/ketchikan

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Ketchikan, Alaska

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