Sculpture honoring Brody unveiled at heart institute

Dr. W. Randolph Chitwood Jr. is seen through the “Hands of Hope” sculpture Thursday, June 10, 2010, at the East Carolina Heart Institute. Photo by Cliff Hollis

GREENVILLE, N.C.  — A sculpture at the East Carolina Heart Institute at East Carolina University honors the legacy of one of the school’s founders while also symbolizing his and the school’s sense of service to eastern North Carolina.

Those were the thoughts expressed by Dr. W. Randolph Chitwood Jr., director of the institute, during the unveiling ceremony Thursday.

The sculpture is titled “Hands of Hope” and was created by ECU faculty member Hanna Jubran and his wife, Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran. It was commissioned by Myrtilla Brody in memory of her late husband, J.S. “Sammy” Brody. He was an early advocate and supporter of the medical school that now bears his family name.

“Many now will benefit from (Myrtilla Brody’s) wisdom in providing this lasting memorial to her husband and our friend, Mr. Sammy Brody,” Chitwood said. “This sculpture is a lasting reminder of his abiding hope for better health for all people of eastern North Carolina.”

Dr. W. Randolph Chitwood Jr., left, and Thomas L. Edwards, chair of the ECU Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, unveil the “Hands of Hope” sculpture Thursday, June 10, 2010, at the East Carolina Heart Institute. Photo by Cliff Hollis

Tamara Chitwood, left, speaks with Myrtilla Brody at the unveiling of the “Hands of Hope” sculpture Thursday, June 10, 2010, at the East Carolina Heart Institute. Photo by Cliff Hollis