In 2014, Mathew Carulli, a young teenager from Perth, Australia, lost his battle with leukemia. Despite the tragedy of his passing, Mathew’s legacy will endure through the construction of a special bridge that will provide hospitalized children with easier access to fresh air and nature.
The Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge, a brightly-lit pedestrian walkway adorned with decorations, will connect Perth Children’s Hospital to Kings Park. This bridge will offer patients, families, and hospital staff a safe passage across a busy road, granting sick children the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and the beauty of nature.
Initially conceptualized by Mathew himself, his parents now serve on the board of the PCH Foundation, advocating for the bridge’s construction since 2012. Thanks to a 6.3 million dollar funding commitment from the PCH Foundation, the project is set to become a reality.
Gratefully acknowledging support from the state government, donors, and Mathew’s parents, PCH Foundation chairperson Ian Campbell expressed his appreciation, highlighting the Carullis’ dedication to honoring Mathew’s vision.
“Since Matthew’s passing after a long fight with severe illness, his parents have continued to push for the concept he helped come up with,” he said. “So Steve and Shelly, I’m glad we’re here today. For Matthew.”
Read: Hospital Grows Organic Rooftop Garden
The Benefits of Getting Outside
For hospitalized patients, spending time outdoors and breathing in fresh air can have numerous positive effects on their well-being. Interacting with natural elements like trees and flowers has been shown to improve mental health and aid in the healing process. Exposure to natural light can also offer benefits, including the synthesis of vitamin D, which may promote overall health and mood enhancement.
Studies have indicated that patients who spend time outdoors may experience reduced pain, stress, and reliance on pain medications. Nursing professionals, such as Linda Ferro-Chartrand, recognize the value of outdoor exposure in patient care, offering a sense of respite and an escape from the hospital environment.
Read: Hospital Runs a Socializing Pub In Their All-Male Dementia Wing To Prevent Sundowning
Next Steps
The Rainbow Bridge is slated for completion by the middle of the upcoming year, generating excitement among hospital staff and officials. Health Minister Roger Cook looks forward to the bridge’s positive impact, envisioning the joy it will bring as patients transition from the hospital to the serene surroundings of Kings Park.
“Imagine the opportunity for that boy to go on his wheelchair across this beautifully colored and designed bridge, into the trees and the park-scape just opposite…that sense of wellbeing, that’s what we’re trying to capture here.”
Keep Reading: Scientist who helped develop new drug for ovarian cancer donates all profits to charity
