The unveiling of the ninth eagle sculpture in the Eagle Nation on Parade took place Tuesday morning at the front entrance of East Georgia Regional Medical Center.
“Our Eagle of Hope” joined the flock of eagles already scattered around the community and is a collaboration of the American Cancer Society, Georgia Southern University and East Georgia Regional.
Kay Nay with the American Cancer Society said the sculpture stands “in memory of our loved ones that battled cancer that are no longer with us.”
Painted on the wings of “Hope” are the names of some of those loved ones emblazoned across iconic luminaries, reminiscent of the annual Relay for Life event.
Robin Peeples, American Cancer Society Community Manager, had a vision for this particular eagle almost three years ago, in which family members or friends could purchase a luminary bag on the eagle for a loved one who’d fought the disease, and she approached Bob Bigley, president and CEO of East Georgia Regional to sponsor the eagle.
“It just made sense for us to partner with GSU and the American Cancer Society to build a lasting memorial to people we love,” Bigley said. “The hospital’s been a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. We’re supporters of community activities and charitable health care organizations and schools.
“It’s a joint effort between the Cancer Society, GSU and East Georgia to sponsor this lasting tribute.”
Dr. Jean Bartels, interim president at Georgia Southern agreed.
“As all of these unveilings are, this one is special,” Dr. Bartels said. “This one is a celebration of GSU, East Georgia Regional Medical Center and the American Cancer Society and what they can do together to support the people of this community.
“It’s an honor to be a part, to make a dent in this terrible disease, and what better way than to unveil Hope.”
Artist Daniel T’acheeni Todd, a 2012 art student graduate of Georgia Southern, was on hand for the unveiling. Todd was chosen by Bigley and Peeples after he submitted an application and design for the sculpture, following suggested descriptions.
“I’ve been working with the eagle project since the beginning,” Todd said. “I made the prototype for the eagle a long time ago but I hadn’t painted one. I’ve seen them come up all over town and now I have my own.”
Todd said the eagle sculpture sat in his living room for almost a year while he waited for the names to hand-paint onto the luminaries. “Now it’s like I really do have empty-nest syndrome.”
At Tuesday’s official unveiling of Hope, family and friends surrounding the sculpture exhibited a range of emotions, but all seemed to exude awe and appreciation. Several wiped away tears; many snapped photos and some took selfies with other family members.
Overcome with emotion, a woman in the crowd pushed her walker forward, sat down on the seat and said to her companion, “Did you see her name yet? Go see if you can find Mama’s name.”
Peeples’ vision took several years to come to fruition but will now stand as a permanent tribute to those affected by cancer.
Bigley has a professional and personal connection with Hope.
Bigley authorized the hospital check to sponsor the eagle and he wrote a personal check for a family member luminary.
“I’m enjoying the fact that this is one of my last formal projects before I retire,” said Bigley, who will retire in September. “I’m glad it’s happening before I leave, because it ‘s been a long process.”
To see where all nine eagles are located around town go to www.eaglenationonparade.com.