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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- When families of hospice patients are consumed with the pain and focus of caring for their loved ones, what can a hospital do to help these caregivers collect their thoughts during a time stricken with grief? Thanks to the vision of widow Linda Matney, the Presbyterian Hospital Courtyard is now home to the Jack Matney Memorial Labyrinth - a place of peace, solace and comfort to patients, families, visitors and staff. The Jack Matney Memorial Labyrinth opened to the public November 16, 2007. The grand opening event included guided tours providing facts and history about labyrinths as art and tools for healing.

"I knew something good could come out of such pain. The new labyrinth will provide a point of focus to help people collect their thoughts during the grieving process," said Linda Matney, donor and founder of the Jack and Linda Matney Family Foundation.

Dating back to the 14th century, a labyrinth is a geometric, flat surface with winding, circuitous paths. A labyrinth combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful course. Walking a labyrinth has been effective in reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure and breathing rates, in addition to reducing chronic pain. Often people find peace, solace, release and a deep sense of joy as they reach the center of the labyrinth's circuitous paths.

Designer, Tom Schultz, nationally recognized for his unique labyrinth designs, has patterned the Jack Matney Memorial Labyrinth after the 14th Century labyrinth at Chatres Cathedral in France.

The Jack Matney Memorial Labyrinth is supported by ongoing financial gifts from the community. In addition to the Labyrinth endowment, fundraising efforts continue for phase II of the labyrinth, projected to include a memorial prayer wall.

"My impetus in creating the labyrinth was to give patient's families and caregivers the opportunity to focus on a spiritual connection, prayer or whatever could bring peace to each person."