Even a pandemic could not stop the “Tree of Life.” Beginning in 1987, the large evergreen tree on Lankenau’s campus lawn has been lit annually in honor of those who have worked to keep our community healthy, both within the hospital and across the area.  This year, utilizing a virtual format, the “Tree of Life” will shine once again, celebrating Lankenau’s service to its community.  Its honorees will be “Lankenau’s Heroes,” the health care team that has worked tirelessly on behalf of patients and their families.  This year, for their commitment and caring, we salute them.

The “Tree of Life” has a storied history.  The name is symbolic of Lankenau’s efforts to serve the community by bringing life into the world, preserving health, and ministering and healing to people who are sick.  The tree, located on the main drive leading to the hospital, is decorated with lights representing donations made in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one, friend, or colleague to express appreciation or to commemorate an occasion, such as the birth of a child.  The names of those who give are listed in a Memorial Book, located in the archives of Lankenau Medical Center, forever remembering their gifts.

The “virtual” lighting of the “Tree of Life” will take place on Monday, November 30, at 6:30 pm.  Those in the MLTV Main Line Network viewing area can watch it on Verizon/Comcast 21 (Radnor) and Verizon 34/Comcast 99 (Lower Merion/Narberth).  Those who are not in MLTV’s viewing area can watch at www.mainlinehealth.org/lankenautreeoflife.  The program will also be replayed throughout the holiday season in various venues, and donations will be accepted throughout the holidays as well.

To make a contribution/donation in honor of someone and our “Lankenau Heroes,” please mail your check to: Women’s Board, Volunteer Office, Lankenau Medical Center, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA 19096.  For more information, please contact the Volunteer Office of Lankenau Medical Center at 484-476-2139 or email Wo************@ml**.org.  All proceeds are used to enhance patient care at Lankenau Medical Center.