When Kimberly Wiley first walked the halls of the Presbyterian Hospital’s neonatal ICU, she sensed something was missing.
A little more than a year ago, the walls were stark — nothing unusual for an intensive care setting. Staff and visitors concerned with life and death matters, she recalls, probably weren’t thinking about decor.
Today, Wylie’s photographs embellish the walls of Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, including the once-empty NICU space — portraits of newborns, infants, children and families, each backed by a story of hope and survival. She donated what she values at $75,000 in photography to the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation because she wants people to know “miracles do happen.”
Foundation staff recently threw an unveiling party for Wiley and her crew, including studio co-owner Jessica Sikes.
“It wasn’t until then that I realized the project’s effect on the doctors and nurses,” Wiley says. “They all told me what a great gift it was … I hope it reminds [the staff] of the importance of what they are doing — they are saving lives everyday.”
Lake Highlands residents Russell and Desiree Scott, whose premature twins Mia and Victoria were born at Presbyterian Hospital, say the exhibit gives hope to families with dangerously premature children.
“Not everyone is allowed into that part of the hospital,” Desiree says, “but it’s there to remind those who really need to see it there’s hope.”
