Construction crew builds an unforgettable memory for young boy

For several months recently, hospital visits were a part of six-year-old Malachi’s routine. But there was something he saw each time that lifted his spirits and captured his imagination: the giant, red crane towering over the new Memorial Hospital patient tower construction site.

Malachi with (l-r) Brett with Ben Hur Steel Erectors and A.J. Spolnick, Walsh Concrete.

Malachi’s fascination didn’t go unnoticed. The Walsh Construction team saw an opportunity to create something no blueprint could plan — a moment of pure joy.

One day, the crew invited Malachi to the parking garage roof for a special surprise: an up-close look at that tremendous crane.

But that wasn’t the only surprise in store for Malachi. Crane operator Troy made a special delivery, lowering a T-shirt down to Malachi using the crane itself. A bundle of construction-themed gifts added to the magical moment.

“He had lots of questions for Troy and the other Walsh guys — the details of how much the crane can pick up and how heavy it is,” Amber Sahlhoff, Malachi’s mom and registered nurse in the NICU at Beacon Children’s Hospital, said. “He couldn’t stop talking about the surprise the rest of the day!”

Back home, Amber said Malachi plays construction worker for hours at a time.

“They were so kind and generous to Malachi, and it’s something he will never forget,” she said. “He has had some medical hardships and setbacks since February, and it was just so great after a long season of medical interventions for him to just get to be a kid and experience his love of construction equipment firsthand.”

Thank you to our incredible Walsh Construction team for building more than a hospital — thank you for building a memory that will stay with Malachi forever.