Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital has served Memphis since 1952. Le Bonheur means “happiness” in French. The following historical information was taken from the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital website.
“Le Bonheur’s charitable roots date back to 1923, when a group of women began making clothes for underprivileged children living at Leath Orphanage in Memphis. As Le Bonheur Club membership grew, so did its commitment to children. Soon, the Club began attending to the health care needs of children in the orphanage. By providing transportation to doctors’ appointments, women of the Le Bonheur Club became well known to local pediatricians.
In 1944, when the Pediatric Society had an idea for a hospital dedicated solely to children, they contacted Le Bonheur Club. After raising $2 million to build the facility, members of the community and Le Bonheur Club gathered on June 15, 1952, to open the doors to the hospital. As Le Bonheur Club’s president released red balloons with keys to the hospital attached, the celebration served as a promise that no child would ever be turned away from Le Bonheur.
“The doors of Le Bonheur will never be found closed and will forever hereafter be open to those who come in need, seeking its help.” – Mrs. Howard Pritchard, 1952, Le Bonheur Club president“
Lord, we lift up Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to you, that you bless the work of all medical personnel and staff and comfort the patients and families in their care. We pray for happiness and answered prayers. We pray for your wisdom and discernment in determining courses of treatment. We pray that the nurses and doctors are encouraged in their work. Lord, heal those children that are sick. Grant peace and comfort to worried parents and siblings. Be present in the halls and may the work be life-giving. We pray that the community supports the work being done there and that Your miracles are seen and celebrated. In Christ’s name, Amen.