Rooted in tragedy: The story of the children’s hospital tree

Using archival footage and first person accounts from the people who were there, we went back over 20 years to tell one of this year’s most heartfelt stories — the tragic plane crash that took the lives of Art Hardy and Debbie Matthei, two beloved members of the neonatal transport team…

Rooted in tragedy, the massive tree that towers in front of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia has grown to represent the dedication and sacrifice of the two members of the neonatal transport team it was planted to memorialize.

This is the story of Art Hardy and Debbie Matthei, told by those who knew them. “To those who knew and loved them, their memory will never grow old.”

What makes the Children’s Hospital of Georgia a leader in pediatric care?

For one thing, it’s our belief that family comes first.

It’s giving children the love and attention they need to heal. It’s helping parents and loved ones find hope in their darkest hour. It’s using the tools we’ve been given to make miracles happen every day. For 20 years, the Children’s Hospital of Georgia has been helping kids live their very best lives. That’s something to celebrate.

Celebrate With Us

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Written by
Arthur Takahashi

Arthur Takahashi is Digital Media Coordinator at Augusta University. Contact him to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at 706–446–5128 or atakahashi@augusta.edu.

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Written by Arthur Takahashi

Jagwire is your source for news and stories from Augusta University. Daily updates highlight the many ways students, faculty, staff, researchers and clinicians "bring their A games" in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state of Georgia.

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