Letter: Grandson’s legacy lives on at UI hospital

Thank you for the excellent article about the new University of Iowa Children's Hospital ('UI Hospitals' growth a boon for economy,” June 12).

Our family has had a history with this hospital and the new lights in every pediatric room are named for our grandson, Drew Wall.

Called 'Drew's Lights,” they resulted from his suggestion while a patient there and on the Youth Advisory Committee. The lights are under each patient's control and make their hospital stay more pleasant. Drew was a patient there for over 200 nights, so his suggestion came from his personal experience. Though he is now in Heaven after losing his 5-year battle to osteosarcoma at the age of 16, his legacy continues on.

Ken Cates, chief executive officer of the UIHC, has assured us that each time he gives a tour of this amazing facility, he tells Drew's story. My four daughters (Drew's Mom, Robin, and her three sisters) participated in the Ladies Football Academy June 4 that was started by Mary Ferentz. Not only was it a great experience for each of them (plus over 400 other women), they were thrilled to be able to raise funds for the Children's Hospital. Your coverage of this event also was much appreciated.

Coral Dye

Cedar Rapids