September 15, 2010

Chapel named for Catholic doctor who cared for moms and infants

By John Gleason

On the evening of Sept. 9, a ceremony was held at the new Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children to dedicate its chapel to Dr. Eleanor Diss Sabin, a Catholic laywoman who died last year after a struggle with cancer.

The hospital is affiliated with Presbyterian/St. Luke Medical Center in downtown Denver and is attached to it.

Dr. Sabin, a perinatologist (obstetrics, focusing on high-risk pregnancy) devoted her career to working to save “at-risk” babies in the womb and the mothers who were carrying them.  Dr. Sabin’s husband, Mike, told the Denver Catholic Register the family was deeply touched by the honor.

“The idea for this came from the hospital,” he said. “During construction we were asked if they could name the chapel for my wife and I thought it was a terrific idea.  A lot of support for this came from her team, the doctors and nurses she worked with.”

Sabin added that despite the honor, his wife would have wondered what all the fuss was about.

“Eleanor was a shy person, quite humble,” he said.  “The idea about them wanting to name the chapel after her would make her shake her head and say, ‘You don’t need to do that!’”

The ceremony, attended by family, friends and numerous medical personnel culminated with the commemoration of a plaque.  Nora Smith, chapel manager at Presbyterian St. Luke’s told the Register the interfaith chapel is a place for everyone to pray and reflect.

“There will … be a basket filled with felt hearts so that children have something to hold on to,” she said. “The chapel is dedicated to (Eleanor’s) spirit and passion, which inspires us all.”

In addition to being a doctor, the mother of three found time to coach volleyball and basketball and served on the school athletic committee at St. Vincent de Paul School.  Dr. Sabin was known to the students simply as the “Pizza Lady” having been in charge of Pizza Day for three years.  But for as much time as she put into her work at the hospital, Dr. Sabin always had time for her family, according to her husband.

“Eleanor was a great model and Catholic lady who gave not only to her job in making sure newborn babies had every chance in the world but also she was great to her kids and me,” he said.  “She was one of those ‘do it all’ ladies.’”

Father John Lager, O.F.M. Cap, who officiated at the ceremony, is a long-time family friend who said the honor couldn’t have been bestowed on a better person.

“Her whole approach was dedicated to the unborn,” he said.  “So, it’s only fitting this chapel is dedicated to her faith and her respect for life.”