Penn-Trafford freshman installs 'Kindness Rock Garden' at Children's Home

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh holds a special place in Penn-Trafford freshman Amelia Montenary’s heart.

Her 8-year-old sister, Lucy, diagnosed with Trisomy 18 as a baby, has spent much of her life in the Bloomfield care facility.

Also known as Edwards Syndrome, Trisomy 18 is a rare genetic condition that affects bodily growth, often resulting in developmental delays and learning challenges, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

In pursuit of the Girl Scout Silver Award, Montenary knew the Children’s Home would be the perfect place for a community service project. The Silver Award, one of the highest awards in Girl Scouts, entails research of an issue and taking action to address it in the community.

To uplift the Children’s Home’s patients and families similar to her own, Montenary in September installed a Kindness Rock Garden on the facility’s front lawn. Brightly colored rocks emblazoned with positive messages greet passersby.

“I know my parents had a hard time having (Lucy) there,” said Montenary, 15, of Penn Township, “and I know leaving messages and giving other families hope…will help them a lot.”

The Children’s Home offers hospital care, a day care, therapy and counseling for families with children who have complex medical needs.

But the facility does more than care for patients. It teaches families how to manage their child’s health needs, said Bethany Bartilson, Children’s Home program relations manager.

“We encourage families to be a part of that process and learn their child’s care, so many of their families are here often,” she said.

It’s not uncommon, she said, for families to spend the day at the home with their child, walking around the facility or playing on the inclusive outdoor park.

“We have a lot of people coming in and out of this building, and Amelia’s kindness to do this, both for her sister and for the Children’s Home, a lot of people will get to benefit from it,” Bartilson said.

The Children’s Home plans to cover the rocks in lacquer to protect their colorful designs from the weather, Bartilson said. Montenary also left some extra rocks and decorating supplies at the care facility for patients and their families to add to the garden.

“Both sets of kids can show kindness and can enjoy similar activities,” Bartilson said, “and I think it’s a great way for kids who don’t have medical needs to understand what these children are going through and wanting to provide something just to brighten their day.”