Mathias Garden

Thank you for the editorial (July 13) on the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.

Eleven years ago my 5-year-old daughter was being treated for leukemia at UCLA Hospital, which required numerous short-term stays. We would often escape the horror and uncertainty of her hospital bed to that wonderful little garden just east of the hospital. Even with her confined to a wheelchair with IVs in both arms the serenity and beauty of that spot would enable us to relax and rekindle the joy of life. Thank you Mildred E. Mathias.

By the way, my daughter is about to turn 16 and is doing just fine.

RICHARD MacMINN Los Angeles