GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — Foothills Compassionate Care and Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital are proud to announce the installation of “Before I Die” a community art board in Building Three at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, inviting residents of Western Nevada County to pause, reflect, and share what matters most in their lives.
Part of an international public art movement created by artist Candy Chang, the Before I Die project has inspired more than 5,000 installations across 75 countries and in more than 35 languages. What began in a New Orleans neighborhood following the loss of a loved one has become a worldwide invitation for people to consider their hopes, dreams, and priorities by completing the simple phrase:
“Before I die, I want to…”
The installation encourages thoughtful conversations about living intentionally, strengthening relationships, and recognizing what gives life meaning.
For Foothills Compassionate Care, the project reflects the organization’s mission of helping people live fully while providing compassionate care, education, and support through serious illness, grief, and life’s transitions. Through hospice care, palliative care, grief support, volunteer services, and community education, the nonprofit has served Western Nevada County for more than four decades by helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most meaningful moments with dignity and compassion.
For Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, the installation aligns with its commitment to delivering human kindness through exceptional healthcare that nurtures the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every person. As a healing institution, the hospital recognizes that wellness extends beyond medicine and includes opportunities for reflection, connection, and personal meaning.
Together, the organizations believe the Before I Die installation represents an important intersection between health, wellness, community connection, and personal reflection.
“This project builds community. The hopes and dreams of our neighbors can remind us that we have far more in common than we often realize. It can build empathy, encourage gratitude, and strengthen community,” remarked Hilary Hodge, the Mayor of Grass Valley who joined the staff at Foothills Compassionate Care in February as the Director of Development. “One sentence can spark a meaningful connection between community members.”
The installation encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to think intentionally about their future. Responses often include aspirations such as traveling, reconnecting with family, learning new skills, helping others, or simply spending more time with loved ones.
Located in a place where thousands of patients, visitors, caregivers, volunteers, and healthcare professionals pass each year, the installation creates a welcoming space for moments of reflection and connection. The organizations hope the installation will inspire thousands of visitors, patients, families, staff members, and community members to participate throughout the coming months.
“Healthcare is about much more than treating illness. It’s about helping people discover what matters most to them,” notes Brian Stoltey Director, Mission Integration & Community Health at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. “We are so grateful to partner on this project. What I love about “Before I Die” is that it invites us to reflect on what makes life beautiful and worthwhile. Everyone, patients, visitors and care providers alike, has a story still unfolding. This gives us a chance to think about living on purpose.”
The installation is open to the public and invites the community to visit Building Three at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Participants are encouraged to write their own response using the materials provided and to return over time as the wall evolves with the voices of the community.
By creating a welcoming space for reflection, Foothills Compassionate Care and the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital hope to foster conversations that support the Nevada County Community’s emotional well-being and celebrate living meaningful lives.