Jackson Couple Give Painting to SoutheastHEALTH

Jeff and Andrea Cunningham of Jackson presented a painting to the Pediatrics Unit at Southeast Hospital on Monday, Oct. 24. Pictured with the painting from left: Sheila Beussink, MSN, RN, NE-BC, director of Patient Care Services/Home Care administrator; Emily Shanks, BSN, RNC-NIC, nurse manager of Neonatal Services/Pediatrics; Andrea and Jeff Cunningham; and Mary Burton-Hitt, SoutheastHEALTH Foundation executive director.

Melaina passed away in March 2009 at the age of three due to complications from a congenital disease called Nemaline Myopathy.

Orikri is a freelance artist currently residing in Michigan. He was born the son of a Baptist minister in southern Nigeria.

The Cunninghams met Orikri at a showing of his artwork at the Cape Girardeau Arts Council. Orikri and the Cunninghams generously donated the painting to the Foundation in recognition of the nursing care that Melaina received while a patient at Southeast Hospital.

Orikri's "Butterfly Composition" is especially meaningful to the Cunninghams, who say they think of Melaina now as their "little butterfly."

The artwork will be displayed permanently in the Southeast Hospital Pediatrics Unit for the enjoyment of patients and visitors.