NICU Staff

NICU Senbazuru | Paper, string, beads 2023

This project began as a request by the organizing artist to the Neonatal ICU to create a Senbazuru or 1,000 folded origami cranes.  In Japanese culture, there is a belief that folding a thousand cranes can bring about health and luck to an individual.  The intent of this project was to provide a creative and cathartic way for staff to usher in wishes of health and luck to themselves as healthcare professionals, and to the patients and families of the NICU. 

    Within 2 weeks of requesting help with the senbazuru project, the NICU folded over 1,531 cranes!  RNs, PCAs, UCAs, PT, OT, managers, doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and environmental services all pitched in and impressively exceeded the requested 1,000 count.  It perfectly illustrated the amazing collaboration and teamwork found within the NICU and the resilient nature of a team that has been through a pandemic together.

    One thousand of the cranes were divided to construct 2 mobiles. The use of bold colors and animal silhouettes is a nod to the whimsical and nature-focused interior aesthetic found at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.