Rachel's Courtyard at Presbyterian Hospital

With a mix of shade and sun, tables and chairs, and planters and trees, Rachel's Courtyard is an inviting and relaxing place for Presbyterian's Children's Medical Center patients, family and staff members, featuring:

• An interior play area with quiet spaces to sit and read a book
• A Teen Lounge to relax and listen to music
• "Rachel's Reach", a twelve panel metal and glass sculpture featuring children playing among moons, planets, and galaxies
• An observatory to follow the movement of stars and planet
• Four different house fronts, each representing a different region of the country, containing games and activities for patients and children of all ages Regional House fronts
• Computers so children can keep up with their schoolwork and communicate with other patients around the country in similar situations
• The courtyard faces west with a great view of downtown Albuquerque, the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and New Mexico's fantastic sunsets

Most importantly, patients visiting the courtyard will be within reach of the medical team.

Read an article about Rachel's Courtyard from the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (.pdf)

Who was Rachel?
Rachel Laub was a patient at Presbyterian's Children's Medical Center. She spent most of her life either at home or at Presbyterian Hospital, tethered to medical equipment around the clock and closely monitored by her healthcare team. During this time, everyone involved in her care felt that if she had been able to go outside for a little while each day for fresh air and sunlight, it might have helped her feel better. This courtyard named in her memory makes this a reality for others.

Rachel's Courtyard Supporters Rachel's Courtyard evolved from a community dream into a community reality with generous donations by many individuals, foundations and local businesses, including but not limited to the following:

• McCarthy Contractors
• Lockheed Martin Sandia National Laboratories
• Child Life Director Rebecca Armstrong
• Rachel's parents, Tom and Julie Laub
• Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Architects
• Richard A. Borkovetz, Landscape Architect
• High Desert Forge
• Taylor Made Glass
• Presbyterian Foundation
• Individual Community Members

In Cooperation with the Presbyterian Foundation
Your contributions to the Child Life program will continue to furnish Rachel's Courtyard and purchase medical educational materials to that will help us provide the highest quality care and outcomes for its infants, children and adolescents.

Please make your donation online now