A Thousand Cranes of Hope: NICU Nurses Unite for a Symbolic Project

September is NICU Awareness Month

At Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, an inspiring project has taken flight, bringing together clinical care and artistic expression in a unique display of hope and unity. Led by a nurse, clinical teams from the Neonatal Region, which encompasses the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), ICN and Sequoia NICU, has crafted 1,000 paper cranes—a symbol of hope and healing—for display at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

The genesis of a creative endeavor

NICU nurse Madeline Helsing, BSN, RN, began her journey with paper cranes during a visit to a Japanese restaurant. Inspired by a lesson from a waitress, Helsing gradually mastered the art of origami. Her initial motivation to incorporate paper cranes into NICU care came from creating DIY mobiles for long-term patients using leftover hospital supplies. “Families have told me that their babies love to look up at them and trace the cranes spinning around. They are also cute and pleasant mementos to take home with them when the baby is discharged.”

Madeline Helsing, RN, creates paper cranes mobiles for long-term patients in the NICU.

The success of these mobiles inspired Helsing to extend the project hospital-wide, culminating in the goal of crafting 1,000 paper cranes for September’s NICU Awareness Month. The collaborative nature of the project, which began in May 2024, encompassing nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and various care team members, reflects the diversity of voices and perspectives in art creation.

“I saw people teaching each other how to make the cranes and at the same time, getting to know one another. This has been a team bonding experience.” This diversity, according to Helsing, is crucial in creating a well-rounded and inclusive environment that resonates with the entire community.

“The legend behind making 1,000 paper cranes states that in making these cranes, a wish is granted. Our wish is that every NICU patient continues to thrive outside of the hospital, and it takes the teamwork of everyone in the neonatal region to make that happen.”

Art’s role in healing and well-being

Art plays a vital role in a hospital setting, lowering stress levels and providing a soothing environment.

“Art is one ingredient in the recipe for holistic care, and it takes the coordinated work of our entire team to make that happen,” said Antonia Dapena-Tretter, art curator for Stanford Children’s. Art installations like the paper crane display contribute significantly to patient well-being, she said. “Our art distracts from health concerns, often replacing stressors with smiles.”

While the NICU’s tiny patients might not perceive the art due to their developmental stage, their families experience a range of challenging emotions.

“The crane display is particularly impactful for parents who often feel overwhelmed and helpless,” Dapena-Tretter said. “The presence of such comforting and hopeful art can bring peace and solace to these families.”

A lasting influence

The 1,000 paper cranes stand as more than just a decorative feature; they symbolize the bond between the hospital staff and the patients they serve. The project has fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among staff members, creating a stronger, more connected hospital community. Dapena-Tretter believes the project reflects and influences the culture of the hospital, strengthening connections between staff and families and promoting a collaborative spirit.

“This project shows our patients and families that the staff will always go ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty, not just providing medical care but also soothing the soul.”