Patricia Heinz, wife of Dr. Peter Heinz, dean of the Division of Languages and Military Programs, passed away on November 4 after a long illness.

Students reach out to Heinz family through Cranes project

When Pat Heinz was diagnosed with lung cancer more than a year ago, students in Rieko McAdams’ Japanese classes began folding origami cranes in a show of empathy and support. The students wrote their name, a prayer, or wish for Pat’s return to health on the inside of the crane they were folding. They then strung each crane into groups of 30 to 50 and joined more than 1,000 cranes in a circular cascade.

Japanese folklore holds that the crane, considered a mystical and holy creature, lives for 1,000 years. In Japanese tradition, the crane symbolizes good health, good luck, peace and long life. Legend promises that those who fold 1,000 origami cranes will be granted their wish. In modern Japan, cascades of 1,000 paper cranes are presented to wedding couples with a wish for long life and happiness, to those heading off to war with a prayer for peace, or to loved ones who are suffering from a severe illness with a prayer for recovery and renewed strength.

Pat was genuinely touched by their generosity and kindness on her behalf. She had hoped to receive their gift by visiting McAdams’ classes and thanking the students personally. Sadly, Pat passed away days after the 1000 cranes were completed. More than 100 students participated from the Japanese 1, 2, 3, and 4 classes, including a combined Japanese 1 class with students from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. The 1,000 cranes currently can be seen hanging in Heinz’ office on the Rampart Range Campus.