Artists Leave Heartwarming Message For Patients At Ohio Hospital

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH — Ohioans are living through an unprecedented time. The spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, has many on edge — and the staff and patients at hospitals are as tense as anyone. That's why a heartwarming message left by mystery artists delighted so many people inside Southwest General Hospital.

On Thursday, staff noticed a chalk art sketch and message left on a street leading up to the hospital. The message said, "Sending sunshine to brighten your day!" and was accompanied by a large cartoon of the sun.

"During this challenging time, it was definitely a ray of sunshine for our patients, visitors and staff,” said William A. Young, Jr., president and CEO, Southwest General.

Rays of good vibes are desperately needed these days and Southwest General Hospital was happy to give the message to patients. "Thank you to the mystery artists for this beautiful message and display of humanity today! We all can use a bit of sunshine right now!" the hospital system said on Facebook.

A spokesperson for the hospital said staff aren't sure who left the message, but they're grateful.

Southwest General recently added further restrictions to its visitor policies, to protect patients and staff from COVID-19.

There are now 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Thirty-three people are hospitalized because of the virus.

Here's where the cases are located, by county: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (53), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (10), Geauga (1), Hamilton (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (5), Medina (5), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (5), Summit (6), Trumbull (2) and Tuscarawas (1).