Texas Children's Welcomes Second Therapy
ISSUE 5 – 2018 ISSUE 5 – 2018
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THE FORUM LUNCHEON HIGHLIGHTING HENRY’S TEXAS CHILDREN’S WELCOMES TEXAS CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER STORY SECOND THERAPY DOG - 12 - - 27 - - 29 - To give Juliana a new heart and a brighter beginning.
Juliana’s care at Texas Children’s Hospital began in the months before her birth due to a severe congenital heart defect. Her family feared the worst when she was also born prematurely. But at only 17 days old, Juliana received a new heart. Your donation to the Promise Campaign can help offer the sickest patients a new chance at life.
Make your promise. Donate today. texaschildrens.org/promise
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IN THIS ISSUE ... 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2018 Upcoming Events 2018 BOARD OF TRUSTEES What’s New, What’s Next 4 OFFICERS EMERITUS TRUSTEES Honoring Olympic Champion Michael Phelps 5 MICHAEL C. LINN JOSEPHINE E. ABERCROMBIE CHAIR KIRBY ATTWELL 12th Annual Evening with a Legend BEN A. BROLLIER KEVIN C. KING DONALD P. DEWALCH An Evening with Jewel PRESIDENT 6 ROBERT L. GERRY III Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Gala SUZANNE NIMOCKS DARRELL C. MORROW VICE PRESIDENT TOWNES G. PRESSLER Ambassadors for 8 Texas Children’s Hospital CINDY B. TAYLOR VICE PRESIDENT ADVISORY BOARD Ambassador Donor List C. PARK SHAPER EDUARDO AGUIRRE, JR. 10 TREASURER LEWIS E. BRAZELTON III Major Gift Honors a Legacy SUSAN BELL BOYKIN O. HOLCOMBE CROSSWELL 11 John M. O’Quinn Foundation SECRETARY BARRY H. MARGOLIS BEN B. MCANDREW III AISHA JAMAL EDWARD S. MCCULLOUGH The Forum Luncheon – Fall ASSISTANT SECRETARY 12 Highlighting Texas Children’s Cancer Center (NON-TRUSTEE)
The Bad Pants Open 14 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Promises Kept 16 WILLIE J. ALEXANDER DAVID L. MENDEZ MERRELL A. ATHON SUZANNE NIMOCKS Endowed Chair Established in THOMAS G. BACON ANTHONY G. PETRELLO Honor of Retired Plastic Surgeon 17 SUSAN BELL BOYKIN DAN PICKERING Dr. Melvin Spira MARTHA CARNES GARY L. ROSENTHAL JOSEPH A. CLEARY, JR. TONY SANCHEZ Promise Campaign Donors ANTHONY F. DELUCA C. PARK SHAPER 18 JAN DUNCAN L.E. SIMMONS JENNY ELKINS JOEL V. STAFF 20 $1M Raised for Neurological Research NANCY R. GORDON Y. PING SUN MainStreet America Gala VICTOR E. HARRIS CINDY B. TAYLOR RONALD C. HULME TYM TOMBAR Helping Push the Boundaries JODIE LEE JILES BRAD TUCKER 21 of Epilepsy Surgery KEVIN C. KING MARK A WALLACE John S. Dunn Foundation ANN LENTS PETER S. WAREING MICHAEL C. LINN MAX P. WATSON Making Miracles Happen WILLIAM N. MATHIS SCOTT N. WULFE Program Partners, Events and Radiothons 22 ROBERT E. MEADOWS
Captain Courageous: PROMISE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP Patrick DeClaire’s Story 24 PROMISE CAMPAIGN PROMISE CAMPAIGN Cooking Up A Cure CHAIRS CO-CHAIRS 26 CAROL AND MICHAEL LINN O. HOLCOMBE CROSSWELL Henry’s Story LESLIE AND MICHAEL FERTITTA Richard Engel and Mary Forrest 27 PROMISE CAMPAIGN CAROL AND PHIL GARNER HONORARY CHAIRS NANCY GORDON CARI AND JOHN GRIGGS Community Events Roundup JANICE AND BOB MCNAIR 28 JUDY AND GLENN SMITH 29 Texas Children’s Welcomes CONTRIBUTORS Second Therapy Dog AMBER L. TABORA, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, Shannon and Mark A. Wallace PHILANTHROPY, MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS The Trauma & Grief Center MICHAEL COTHRAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 30 ANN SAYE, MANAGING EDITOR Endowment Honors a Daughter’s JULIAN CAVAZOS, AMETHYST GONZALEZ, VERONIKA 31 Legacy and Courageous Battle JAVOR, ROSANNE MOORE, JESSICA POOL, JENNIFER with Cancer SMART, CAROLINE TIMM, KIMBERLY VETTER, The Feavel Family CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ADCETERA, DESIGN AND CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR Transformational Talks 32 JENNY ANTILL, QASIM BARNES, JULIAN CAVAZOS, ALLEN KRAMER, PAUL KUNTZ, CJ LEE, JOHN LEWIS, Anonymous Donor Funds 33 CJ MARTIN, CHINH PHAN, BRANDY STOESZ Distinguished Chair to Support CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mental Health Research Celebration of Champions 34 Start making a difference today. Benefiting Texas Children’s Cancer Center Give over the phone Give via mail 832-824-6806 Texas Children’s Hospital Mini Tesla Helps Improve Mobility for Office of Philanthropy Patients at Texas Children’s Hospital 35 1919 South Braeswood Boulevard Give online Suite 5214 The Woodlands texaschildrens.org/give Houston, Texas 77030 Melisa and Albert Dion UPCOMING2018 EVENTS SEPTEMBER 29 THE LEGACY Put on your dancing shoes for this Motown-inspired event, benefiting both OF MOTOWN the Cancer Center and Legacy Tower at Texas Children’s Hospital. GALA
OCTOBER 11 BAD PANTS You don’t need to bring your best golf game — just your worst pants. All proceeds OPEN benefit Texas Children’s Newborn Center.
OCTOBER 12 CELEBRATION Join us as we celebrate champions in the community and champions in the fight OF against pediatric cancer. CHAMPIONS
TOSS FOR OCTOBER 18 It’s a fun-raising fundraiser that’s like nothing TEXAS CHILDREN’S else. Come out for great food and good times as we raise support and awareness for HEART CENTER Texas Children’s Heart Center.
Learn more and register for our upcoming events at waystogive.texaschildrens.org/events.
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AN EVENING WITH A LEGEND 12TH ANNUAL EVENT HONORS MICHAEL PHELPS
A. Phelps, a 23-time gold medalist who has shattered many world records, spoke of his journey to Olympic greatness, touched on the challenges he has faced and focused on “We were incredibly honored his passion to improve the lives of children to have Michael Phelps share through the Michael Phelps Foundation. Cancer patient, long-term survivor and this special time with us. His American Idol contestant Christian Spear commitment to children — sang the national anthem, and Peyton he most decorated Olympian of all Richardson — a patient who had just rung inspiring them to be the Ttime — and a legend in his own time — the bell to celebrate the end of her cancer best they can be in spite of Michael Phelps was the honored guest treatment the day before — gave the at the 12th annual An Evening with a invocation. Peyton also spoke about her adversity — makes him an Legend event last May. journey — a message that inspired the entire incredible role model for our Bene iting Texas Children’s Cancer crowd to rise in a standing ovation. Center, the evening included a beautiful The event, presented by Wells Fargo patients, and we are so seated dinner, an exciting paddle raise and co-chaired by Shelley Barineau, Julie grateful for his support.” and an intimate conversation with Phelps. Bergen, Ned Torian and Kathy Zay, raised The discussion was moderated by Emmy® more than $1.2 million for the Cancer Center. – Dr. David Poplack, director of award-winning journalist Andrea Kremer Carmen and Butch Mach and Kelli and Texas Children’s Cancer Center and emceed by Texas Children’s Hospital John Weinzierl served as honorary chairs. President and CEO Mark A. Wallace.
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Michael Phelps paid a very special visit to Texas Children’s Hospital to meet patients D. A. Shannon Wallace, Michael Phelps, and their families at Mark A. Wallace Texas Children’s Cancer Center. B. Shelley Barineau, Kathy Zay, He signed autographs, posed Michael Phelps, Dr. David Poplack, Julie Bergen, Andrea Kremer, Ned Torian for photos and offered words C. Mike Deasey, Darryl Montgomery, of encouragement to remind Kathy Orton and Tia Fuentes from Wells them that they are not alone Fargo, the event’s presenting sponsor in their ight. D. Stephanie and Brad Tucker and family with Mark A. Wallace (center) aspire.texaschildrens.org
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CHILDREN’S HO AS SPIT EX A T L THE WOODLANDS GALA
Shortly after Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands opened its doors, nearly 600 guests gathered in a lavish tent on the hospital grounds for a Grand Opening Gala last April. The highlight of the evening was a stunning performance by Grammy- nominated singer-songwriter, Jewel, who entertained the crowd by performing some of her famous hits, including “You Were Meant For Me.” She also shared the inspiration behind her music, personal details of her life and her gratitude for the A. work being done at Texas Children’s.
Co-chaired by Tracey and Sean O’Neal and Johnna and Earlier in the day, Jewel was taken on a guided tour of Ryan Edone, the event raised nearly $900,000 for Texas Texas Children’s newest full-service community hospital. Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. During the evening, Their irst stop was the audiology suite in the outpatient guests were also treated to stunning décor and delectable building, where she was able to see irsthand the state-of-the delights by A Fare Extraordinaire, followed by a rousing art audiology booth named in her honor and in recognition live auction. Guests bid on exotic beach vacations and of her generous personal gift to support the hospital. exclusive behind-the-scenes Hollywood tours donated by Jewel then went room to room on the acute care loor Brenda and Bill Bannerman, Marchita and John Cook, of the inpatient facility talking with patients and families Kathy and George Bishop and others. The auction about their experiences. She also played board games in the alone brought in more than $300,000 to support hospital’s playroom and gave a special performance, which The Woodlands Hospital. brought lots of smiles to the children’s faces! ISSUE 5 – 2018
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A. Jewel visits with patients at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands B. Gala co-chairs Tracey and Sean O’Neal and Johnna and Ryan Edone C. Jewel signed a guitar, which is displayed at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands D. Byron and Stefanie Todd and Kathy and George Bishop E. Mike and Ally Seder F. Eric and Denise Lipar G. Glenn and Judy Smith H. Phil and Carol Garner I. Carol and Mike Linn with Jewel (center) J. J. Sondra Ruhman, Wendy Brandt, Julia Sansbury, Honey Tucker aspire.texaschildrens.org
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Families enjoyed a magical world of enchantment at the 8th annual Family Fun Day held at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
Missy and Wayne Herndon and Nicole and Will Murphy, along with their children, hosted this family event last summer. A mystical dragon, medieval king and queen, stilt-walking fairies and a magician greeted guests and ushered them into the enchanted forest. Children also enjoyed a petting zoo, crafts and games, pony rides and a rock climbing wall. Attendees donated Legos®, crayons and markers, Hot Wheels® cars and Play-Doh to the Texas Children’s Child Life Department, which provides developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions for children undergoing medical treatment.
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A. Ella Gor and Siena Varghese B. Front: Billy Murphy, Madelyn Murphy Magnus Herndon, Steele Herndon; Back: Will Murphy, Nicole Murphy, Missy Herndon, Will Herndon, Wayne Herndon H.F. I. C. Shelley and Mike Powell with daughter Sarah D. Suzanne Potter, Hayes Hogan, Marty Hogan, Kristyn Hogan, Bob Potter, Henry Hogan E. Noelle and Davis Jahncke with their children Pike and Smith F. Front: Jilly Leonard, Benjamin Ligums, JJ Leonard, Johnny Leonard; Back: John Ligums, Ann Ligums, Jenny Leonard G. Kristie and Kyle Ka ka with their children Michael, Katherine, Karoline and Kollins H. Jeff and Brooke Gunst with sons Luke and Max I. Zell and Jackie Godbold J. Marli Farrior K. Maddison Chaney L. John and Courtney Garrett with their children J. K. L. Jack and Camp ISSUE 5 – 2018
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AMBASSADORS FOR TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTIES FILLED WITH BOTH CHEER AND GOODWILL
HOUSTON
On December 13, more than 300 guests gathered at the home of Marcia and Brig Smart to celebrate the eighth annual Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital Holiday Party. Guests were dressed in their holiday best as they entered a “Winter Wonderland.” The Smart residence was warm and welcoming, adorned with three festive
A. B. C. trees, holiday lights and plenty of holly and jolly to go around. It was the picture-perfect setting for a merry time illed with food, music and joyful holiday spirit. Carol and Mike Linn, co-chairs for Promise: The Campaign for Texas Children’s Hospital, welcomed guests and shared some of the hospital’s many successes from the past year. The Linns presented the Ambassadors’ annual check of more than $1.77 million in support of the campaign. Guests donated a total of 18 bins illed with toys to Texas Children’s, with the hope of making the holidays D. E. a little brighter for our patients.
A. Michael and Carol Linn B. Party hosts Brig and Marcia Smart C. Leigh Anne Raymond and Cari Griggs D. Michael and Leslie Fertitta, Alan and Michelle Smith, Jenny and Justin Leonard E. Shea and Christine Morenz F. Chris and Jennifer LaPorte G. Scott and Brooke Hutson and Amy and Michael Beeson F. G. H. H. Jennifer and Joel Moore
THE WOODLANDS
Last December, more than 100 guests gathered at the home of Stacey and Steve Bourque for the second annual Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital A. B. C. The Woodlands Holiday Party. Guests were greeted by a trio of carolers, a twinkling Christmas tree and cheerful holiday décor, including an abundance of poinsettias that brought the spirit of the season to life in the Bourques’ conservatory. Stacey Bourque welcomed guests and presented the group’s annual check — an incredible $819,000 — to D. E. Michelle Riley-Brown, president; Dr. Charles Hankins; A. Mark and Rachael Terry and Dr. Jeff Shilt, chief surgical of icer of Texas B. Carol and Phil Garner, Kristina Gray Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. C. Carolers welcomed guests to the party Guests gave back by donating gift cards that stocked D. Stacey and Steve Bourque, Michelle Riley-Brown, Dr. Charles Hankins, Dr. Jeff Shilt birthday closets for patients, a Texas Children’s Hospital E. Vicki and Michael Richmond tradition cherished by patients and their families. F. Gloria and Mark Tressler, Susan and Mike Larson, F. Dawn and Richard Rawson aspire.texaschildrens.org
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LIFETIME MEMBERS In addition to its generous annual members, Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital membership includes hundreds of dedicated lifetime members. We honor them.
Anonymous Sally and Rigo Flores Debbie and Bobby Knapp Nancy and Bryan Ruez Debbie Adams Natalie and John Ford Jennifer and JC Kneale Amy and Tom Ryan Carolyn and Willie Alexander Lauren and Don Fornes Vanessa and Jay Knighton Patricio Sanchez Joan and Stanford Alexander Carolyn and Bill Forney, Jr. Saranne and Livingston Kosberg Norma and Pete Sanchez Shirley and Ralph Alexander Katie and John Forney Karen and Damon Krehbiel Vanessa and Eduardo Sanchez Elle and Clarke Anderson Tobey and Billy Forney Huntley and Dan Kubitza Vanessa and Tony Sanchez III Linda Anderson Ann and Randy Fowler Susan and Mike Larson Tani and Tony Sanchez, Jr. Phyllis and Steven Anderson Frank Lockwood Family Foundation Terry and Ray Larson Cheryl and Robert Sanford The D. Kent and Linda Anderson Carol and Jim Frankel Lisa and Evan Lee Mona and Andrew Saro im Foundation Dara and Scott Frankel Jenny and Justin Leonard Leslie and Shannon Sasser Alisa and Jim Andras Kristina and Kevin Frankel Jean and Richard Lewellen Joan and John Scales Mary and Oscar Andras Julia and Russell Frankel Cindy and Slade Lewis Kristi and John Schiller Andras Foundation Frankel Family Foundation Jessica and Lance Lightfoot Courtney and Gregory Schilling Stephanie and Tim Armstrong Elizabeth and Clint Freeland Ann and John Ligums Ally and Mike Seder Jeanne and Matthew Arnold Carol and Phil Garner Jennifer and Jeb Ligums Jordan and Dylan Seff Laura and John Arnold Julianne and J. Gaut Kristi and George Lindahl Raquel and Andrew Segal Ascende Charitable Trust Helen and Terry Gebert Carol and Mike Linn Cathy and Dennis Seith Heather and Richard Avant Erin and Brian Gilmore Jamie and Howard Lorch Kristy and John Sexton Nadine and Tim Balombin Clare A. Glassell Cynthia and Larry Lueckemeyer Judy and Bobby Shackouls Joanne and Robert Barnwell Candi and Gerald Glenn Joella and Steven Mach Elizabeth and Scott Shackouls Shanna and Eric Bass Benjamin Go Dr. Judith Ragsdale and Arlin Maddox Mary Eliza and Park Shaper Sheryl and Douglas Bech Margaret Go Louis Magne Amy and Peter Shaper Donna and Steve Benotti Jackie and John Godbold Coco and Kelly Mahoney Elise de Compiegne Shatto Tina Bentsen Darla and Alton Gonsoulin Sunil and Sheena Mani Angela and Stephan Shaw Melony and B.J. Bergeron Maureen and John Graf Maryann and Bryce Mannen Lynn Des Prez and William T. Shearer Carole and Bruce Bilger Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas Foundation Rosalyn and Barry Margolis Danielle and Christopher Shield Heidi and Todd Binet Claire and Joe Greenberg Holly and Thomas Mason Erin and Jeff Shilt Darlene Bisso Beth and Douglas Grijalva Morganne and Jefy Mathew Caroline and Justin Simons Eva and Beau Bisso Windi and David Grimes Lisa and Will Mathis Amy and Kyle Simson Deana and Larry Blackburn Carol and John Gunn Jill and Clarence Mayer Sherry and Vincent Sinisi Gary Blackie Cindy and John Hageman Kirby and Scott McCool Elaine and Christopher Slaughter Collier and Richard Blades Amy and Charles Hankins Laura and Andrew McCullough Michelle and Alan Smith Marylou and Ted Bland Barbara and Wayne Harms Rebecca and Shay McGarr Chase and Christi Smith Stacey and Stephen Bourque Leslie L. Harris and Edward G. Baptista Corinne and Michael McVay Nancy Smith Susan and Bob Boykin Susan Feigin and Jonathan M. Harris Arnold and Suzanne Miller Anne and Stephen Smith Jennifer and Jimmy Branch Pat and Mike Hartman Charitable Fund Christina Dixon and Stuart Smith Katie and A.J. Brass Ann Lents and David Heaney Jan and Arnold M. Miller Susie and Tommy Smith Brass Family Foundation Mia and Joseph Heil Catherine and M. Hugh Miller Mary Martha and Joel Staff Broesche Family Foundation Caroline and Bill Helander Denise Monteleone Vicki and Jack Stargel Karl Broesche Kelly and Clive Hess (CompuCycle) Jennifer and Will Monteleone Slade Stargel Kelly and Kirt Broesche Mandy and Jonathan Hickman Kristy and Jeff Montgomery Jessica and Tyson Stargel Henry T. Brooks Leila and Jason Higham Christine and Shea Morenz Stargel Of ice Solutions The Brown Foundation, Inc. Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand Christina and Steve Morse Dr. Joan E. Shook and Chris Brown Marian and Tim Hilpert/Air Texas Alice and Keith Mosing Dr. Jeffrey R. Starke Jennifer Brown Mechanical, Inc. Janet Wong and Ronald Mullins Cindy and Larry Stein Michelle Riley-Brown and James Brown Wendy and Jeff Hines Susan and Bill Murff Liz and Andy Stepanian Charlene and Philip Carroll Kitty and Lex Hochner Nicole and Will Murphy Lindsay and Trent Stout The P and C Carroll Foundation Lindsay and Rand Holstead Bobbie and John Nau Debbie and Steve Sukin Keely and Carl Carter Lisa and Michael Holthouse Stephanie, Celine and Randy Nelson Suzanne and Joseph Sutton Barbara and Larry Catuzzi Courtney and Bo Hopson Jan and Joe Netherland Courtney and Doug Swanson Ann and Clarence Cazalot Natalie and Roy Horlock, Jr. Amy and David Novelli Chay and Tory Taylor Evans and Charlie Christ The Horlock Foundation Heidi and Tobin O’Donnell Kelly and Adam Tepper Holly and Kirk Coburn Becky and Kevin Hostler Alice and Billy Oehmig Rachael and Mark Terry Estela and David Cockrell Houston Family Foundation Tracey and Sean O’Neal Lee and Ty Tillman Stephanie and Ernie Cockrell Sheila and Ron Hulme Diane and Garry Osan Matthew R. Titus Cockrell Family Fund Ana Lee and Marc Jacobs Beth Otilliar Erika and John Toussaint Adonia and Kevin Cokinos Noelle and Davis Jahncke Luana and Gary Owens Candie and Steven Tramonte Stacey and Cooper Collins Victoria and Randall Jamail Susan and Mike Padon Gloria and Mark Tressler Nancy and Brady Cook Christy and Webb Jennings Mrs. C.N. Papadopoulos Sarah and Duncan Underwood Sylvie and Gary Crum Monica and Amit Jhunjhunwala Diane and Jeff Paul Lori and Hank Van Joslin Susie and Lloyd Cunningham Cathy and Mel Jodeit Cynthia and Tony Petrello Jennifer and Wil VanLoh Hilda and Greg Curran Linda W. and Gary C. Johnson Brenda and Larry Petru Rachael and Jason Volz Mary-Kathryn and Chris D’Agostino Matthew Johnson Jenny and Rich Petru Shannon and Mark A. Wallace Shawn Dalio Victoria and Parks Johnson Susan and Michael Plank Whitney and Marc Walsh Autumn and Mike Davidson Brenda and Bradley Jones Faye and Jack Polatsek Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. Claire and David de Roode Mary and Hank Jones Suzanne and Bob Potter Elizabeth and Peter Wareing Elizabeth and Anthony DeLuca Wendy and Kenneth Jones Karen Pulaski Kalen and Mike Webb Joelle and Mitch Derrick Laura and Steve Jones Bradley Radoff Emily and Danny Weingeist Liz and Greg Dillard Katherine and Stewart Jones Holly and Steve Radom Lucille and Richard Weiss Melisa and Albert Dion, II Allison and Zach Jordan Amy and Matt Ralls Mary and Greg Whalley Julie and Casey Doherty Shelley and Gene Jorgensen Louise Ratz Krista and Robby White Staci and John Donovan Elise and Russ Joseph Rawling Creek Resources, LLC Pam and Gary Whitlock Jan E. Duncan George Joseph Dawn and Richard Rawson Leslie Frankel-Wiener and Gary Wiener Andrea and Lyle Eastham Leigh and Chris Joseph Carroll and Hugh Ray Aimee and Kent Willetts Pepper and Ashley Edens Melissa and Brad Juneau Leigh Anne and John Raymond Julia and Carl Williams Johnna and Ryan Edone Kristie and Kyle Ka ka Isla and Tommy Reckling Sue and David Williams Jenny Elkins Elizabeth and Tommy Kanarellis Noelle and Eric Reed Shannon and Brian Wing Andrea and Larry Elliott Joan and Marvin Kaplan Foundation Elizabeth and Bobby Reeves William and Marie Wise Family John Emmitte Nicole and Evan Katz Amy and Mike Reeves Foundation Mary and Doug Erwin Emily and Rusty Kelley Krissi and Taylor Reid Mandy and Blaik Wisenbaker Genna and Jon Evans Maria E. Kelley Vicki and Michael Richmond Joan Wolfe Marita and J.B. Fairbanks Lilia Khakimova and C. Robert Bunch Barbara and Corby Robertson Elizabeth and Judson Wolfe Zeina and Nijad Fares Masu and Badar Khan Brooke and Corby Robertson III Sheryl and Hank Wood Carolyn Faulk Tracey and Mike Killion Laura and Will Robertson Lori and Scott Wulfe Barbara and Michael Feigin William S. and Lora Kilroy Foundation Wendy and John Roddey Judge Clarease Yates and Mr. Cary Yates Leslie and Michael Fertitta Marie Louise and David Kinder Sheila and Jon D. Rodermund Marcie and Robert Zlotnik Jill and Todd Fisk Dave King Sybil Roos Drs. Huda and William Zoghbi FKP Architects, Inc. Monica and Kevin King Suzanne and Mike Rose Barbara and Robert Zorich ISSUE 5 – 2018
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PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY
MAJOR GIFT HONORS A LEGACY JOHN M. O’QUINN FOUNDATION
With its $5 million commitment to giving to the Texas Medical Center was to be As part of the current expansion, the the Promise Campaign, The John M. one of the foundation’s areas of focus,” said hospital added 19 loors and 640,000 square O’Quinn Foundation is one of the largest Wilson. “The irst major gift he made was feet. The Legacy Tower houses pediatric and supporters of the hospital’s new Legacy to Texas Children’s, and the trustees want cardiovascular intensive care units and new Tower. This very generous gift helps ensure to continue his legacy by giving to the operating rooms with the latest technology. It that the most critically ill children receive the hospital as well.” will also be the new home of Texas Children’s specialized care they need for years to come. Since Texas Children’s provides specialized Heart Center. “Children from across Houston, the nation care that often cannot be obtained elsewhere, The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the world have come to rely on the the hospital takes care of the most critically rooms in the new tower are cutting edge as medical care and expertise offered at well, with booms in the ceiling that allow Texas Children’s Hospital,” said Rob Wilson the specialized equipment that critically ill III, president of the O’Quinn Foundation. patients need to be right at the bedside. Most “Everything that Texas Children’s “Everything that Texas Children’s does for important, the rooms have been designed to children and families is exceptional, and the does for children and families be spacious and comfortable, ensuring that trustees could not be prouder of this gift.” is exceptional, and the trustees parents can stay with their child whenever The O’Quinn Foundation was founded in could not be prouder of this gift.” possible. There will also be a helipad on the 1986 by John O’Quinn, a Texas trial lawyer roof of the building, making it possible for – Rob Wilson III, president of and founding partner of the O’Quinn Law Texas Children’s to accept patients from all The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Firm. Though he had no children of his own, over the state. he generously donated millions to support In recognition of the foundation’s gift, the children, public education and conservation hospital has named the commons dining and before his death in 1986. ill children and those with the most complex gathering area of Texas Children’s medical “Before he passed away, Mr. O’Quinn medical needs — children who simply would center campus after the O’Quinn Foundation. established in his mission statement that not have survived just a few years ago. aspire.texaschildrens.org
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THE FORUM LUNCHEON HIGHLIGHTING TEXAS CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER
The Forum Luncheon last fall featured an in-depth conversation between Dr. David G. Poplack, director of Texas Children’s Cancer Center, and FOX 26 Morning News Co-Anchor Melissa Wilson — along with stories from cancer survivors.
Poplack discussed the Cancer Center’s for children with cancer to be treated at a weeks into kindergarten when he spent phenomenal growth and success. comprehensive pediatric hospital like Texas the next 10 days at Texas Children’s “We have become the largest and, Children’s, with experts in every specialty ighting for his life,” Wilson said. “His we believe, the inest children’s cancer and subspecialty. He also explained why a oncologist hugged him so lovingly, and program in the country,” he said. multidisciplinary, family-centered approach there were wonderful art events for him to “Through our many research advances, to pediatric cancer care is imperative, citing enjoy. Who knew a cancer center could be our development of exciting, effective some of the immense challenges families fun? Who knew my child would love going new therapies — and most recently face — from the shock of initial diagnosis to the Cancer Center?” through our burgeoning global of a life-threatening disease, to frequent Texas Children’s Cancer Center patient, program — we are having a far- serious complications, to major emotional Eden Green, and her family were also reaching impact.” stress for both patients and families. at the Forum Luncheon. When she was Since Poplack came to Texas Children’s Picking up on this theme, Wilson told her just 10 years old, Eden, who loves to in 1993, the Cancer Center has grown own poignant story about her son who was dance, experienced throbbing pain in signi icantly to what it is today. He treated at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. her leg that worsened over time. She emphasized how critically important it is “My little boy, Caleb, was only two was diagnosed at Texas Children’s with ISSUE 5 – 2018
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“... We are forever thankful for our doctors and nurses and for their will not to give up ...” – Shannon Green
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A. Shannon Green and Eden Green B. Judi McGee, Dr. David Poplack and Sidney Faust C. Melissa Wilson, the Green family and Dr. David Poplack D. Ben Brollier, Joan Brollier, Steven Arnold, Carol Deason and Steve Brollier THEN & NOW E. Jan Duncan and Dr. Mark W. Kline TEXAS CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER a rare bone tumor, which eventually spread to her spine, shoulders and hips, making her unable to walk for 10 months. After undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy 1993 2018 and radiation treatment, Eden is now in remission and has been declared cancer free. “Texas Children’s was there at the right time for us,” said 6 190 Shannon Green, Eden’s mom. “We were in the right place, FACULTY MEMBERS FACULTY MEMBERS and we are forever thankful for our doctors and nurses and for their will not to give up and to ind out what to do.” Poplack stressed that even with dramatic improvements 42 900+ in treating children — the survival rate has increased from EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES 20 percent to 80 percent in the United States — cancer is still the leading cause of death from disease in children. “We are dedicated to developing effective treatments 1 46 for the 20 percent of childhood cancer cases that are LABORATORY LABORATORIES most dif icult to treat,” he said, noting the Cancer Center’s research focus in the areas of developmental therapeutics, precision oncology, cell therapy and immunotherapy. “We won’t quit until we ind a cure, and even then, we will move $300,000 $40M forward to ind better ways to help ful ill the long-term IN PEER-REVIEWED PER YEAR IN PEER- needs of childhood cancer survivors.” GRANT FUNDING REVIEWED GRANT To learn more about Eden’s story at Texas Children’s, FUNDING visit waystogive.texaschildrens.org/eden. aspire.texaschildrens.org
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Golfers played colorfully and raised more than $500,000 this spring at the 20th annual Bad Pants THE Open golf tournament bene iting Texas Children’s Newborn Center, the hospital’s level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where the smallest and sickest babies are treated. BAD H.
About 340 golfers played on by A Fare Extraordinaire, where three full courses at the sold-out players were awarded plates painted PANTS tournament held at the Clubs of by Texas Children’s Hospital patients Kingwood. Originally scheduled for for both the best golf scores and the last October, the tournament was baddest pants. A. moved to March 1 to allow the country Allyson Johnson, a NICU nurse OPEN club to recover from damages caused at Texas Children’s Hospital The BENEFITING TEXAS CHILDREN’S by Hurricane Harvey. Woodlands, was presented with NEWBORN CENTER Presented by RBC Wealth the Nurse of the Year award, a Management and Capital Markets special recognition awarded at each and chaired by Rob Cooksey, vice tournament. In celebration of its president of Texas Aromatics, golfers 20th anniversary, the event also enjoyed breakfast provided by Chick- honored NICU patient families from il-A®, a long drive exhibition by the last 20 years, many of whom Dan Boever and lunch on the course attended the event. ESPN 97.5 provided by Beck’s Prime. Players Houston was the tournament’s also enjoyed complimentary pre- media partner. golf stretching provided by The Proceeds from The Bad Pants Open Stretch Factor. support continued innovation and The event featured a post-play excellence in the research, treatment awards ceremony and dinner catered and care of critically ill and premature
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D. Tournament Committee 2017 Members
Chairman Rob Cooksey
Underwriter Chairman Brian Brantley
Tournament Committee Mike Casey Heather Cherry Donald F. Cohen, DDS H. I. Norma Dunn Les Fox Robert L. Frank infants at Texas Children’s Newborn Center. More than A. Les Fox, Cindy Fox, Dr. Don Cohen Clint Freeland Jay Graham 2,500 such children, many of whom are born at nearby B. Judy Swanson, Dr. Gautham Suresh, Jim Guinn Heather Cherry accept a check Houston-area hospitals, receive essential care each Charles T. Hankins, MD year in the hospital’s NICU, which is largest in the from Bad Pants Open chairman Mike Knapp Rob Cooksey Trey McCord nation and one of only two level IV NICUs in the Holly Mickler C. David O’Donnell, Dave Flora, Kit Greater Houston area. Jeff Mickler Penniall, Dave Gunn Over the past 20 years, The Bad Pants Open has Andy Shackouls D. Tom Olinger, Bev Melchisedech, Scott Shackouls provided nearly $6.5 million in support of Texas Judy Smith, Charles H. Dolezal Bill Spillman Children’s Newborn Center. Gautham Suresh, MD E. Kevin Campbell, Javier Del Olmo, Judy Swanson Jeremy Cannon, Jon Ackerman Gary L. Whitlock F. Alex Llagostera, Brandon Hinman, Sung Kang, Gregg Lynch Founders Mike Armstrong G. Rick McFarland, Cole Tatsch, Gary Moose Rosenfeld Krone, Chet Brame Michael Wiesenthal H. The Bad Pants Open founders Moose Rosenfeld, Mike Armstrong, Michael Wiesenthal SAVE I. Nurse of the Year award winner THE DATE Allyson Johnson (center) celebrates with her nursing colleagues The next Bad Pants Open golf tournament is J. James Copeland, Kevin Harkel, scheduled for Oct. 11, 2018. Anthony Hessan, Kevin Shone More information J. is available at badpantsopen.com. aspire.texaschildrens.org
16 PROMISES KEPT PROMISE CAMPAIGN UPDATES Promise: The Campaign for Texas Children’s Hospital has focused on expanding our footprint and enhancing our services. Both Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands — which recently celebrated its irst anniversary — and our new Legacy Tower are perfect examples.
In November of 2013, Texas Children’s TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Board of Trustees approved the construction THE WOODLANDS of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. Our second community hospital was planned and designed speci ically to ful ill a need in communities north of Houston: bringing our expertise closer to home for the many patients and families who had been making the trek to our Medical Center campus for so long. Admissions 2,441 Therapy appointments 30,536 Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Physician visits 77,279 Emergency Center visits 31,852 opened in April of 2017. Based on the Surgeries and special 6,222 Volunteer hours 21,390 hospital’s reception from the community procedures Average length of stay 4.51 days during its irst year, the need for it was even greater than we had anticipated. Visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands to learn more.
LEGACY TOWER Meanwhile, the need at our campus in the Texas Medical Center was just as great. In the fall of 2013, our hospital was full. Day after day, we were on drive-by status. Other hospitals were calling, wanting to transport their most critically ill patients for whom they could do nothing more — but we could not accept those transports because we had no room. It was a dire situation, and soon the Board of Trustees approved another project: the construction of Legacy Tower. This state-of-the art building allows us to consolidate and enhance our surgery, pediatric intensive care and cardiac services. Legacy Tower will provide an additional 640,000 square feet of space and will house:
Pediatric and transitional 4 loors, Operating rooms 25 intensive care units 84 beds Cardiovascular operating rooms 4 Cardiovascular intensive 48 beds Catheterization laboratories 4 care unit Heart Center exam rooms 27 Cardiology acute care unit 42 beds
Legacy Tower move-in is proceeding in two phases, the irst of which was completed on May 22 with operating rooms and intensive care units. When Phase 2 is complete on September 25, Legacy Tower will also have a helistop and will be the new home of Texas Children’s Heart Center. The most important thing about Legacy Tower is that it will enable Texas Children’s physicians and surgeons to provide even more critically ill children who require the most Visit legacytower.org to learn more. specialized care that only we can provide. ISSUE 5 – 2018
17
PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY
ENDOWED CHAIR ESTABLISHED IN HONOR OF RETIRED PLASTIC SURGEON DR. MELVIN SPIRA
In the early days of Texas Children’s to serve as chief and head of the division very best care but also develop the nation’s Hospital, when it was still less than a of Plastic Surgery at BCM, the Methodist top surgical research program, Spira decade old, Dr. Melvin Spira remembers Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Texas Children’s seized the opportunity to help. He recently the surgeries he performed on children, Hospital and the VA Hospital. made a generous gift to help establish the sometimes working alongside the late world- In 1995 at the age of 70, he stepped down chair, which will be named in his honor in famous heart surgeon, Dr. Denton A. Cooley. from these positions but remained on the recognition of his many contributions to the Speci ically, he remembers having only half full-time faculty at BCM and continued to ield over the years. of one day each week to operate on patients teach residents. When he “retired,” Spira “Establishing the Melvin Spira, MD in the early 1960s. continued his passion for helping children— Endowed Chair is a great honor for us and a “Things have come a long way since then, well-deserved tribute to the important work when Texas Children’s had only four loors he did in the ield of plastic surgery,” said Dr. and 11 operating rooms that were shared with “Establishing the Melvin Spira, Larry Hollier, formerly Texas Children’s chief St. Luke’s Hospital,” Spira said. MD Endowed Chair is a great of Plastic Surgery and now the hospital’s In 2016, the Plastic Surgery division surgeon-in-chief. at Texas Children’s Hospital grew to honor for us and a well-deserved The Plastic Surgery division specializes include seven full-time plastic surgeons, tribute to the important work he in the surgical treatment of injuries and seven physician assistants and one nurse disorders that prevent children from did in the field of plastic surgery.” practitioner, making it the largest group functioning fully or looking and feeling of full-time pediatric plastic surgeons and – Dr. Larry Hollier, their best. The team’s innovative surgical providers at a children’s hospital in the Texas Children’s Surgeon-In-Chief techniques and treatment of cleft lip and United States. They record more than 1,500 cleft palate draws patients from across the operating room cases and 12,000 clinic visits nation with deformities ranging from mild to each year, serving all three Texas Children’s particularly those with cleft lip and cleft extremely complex. locations and many of the hospital’s palate — by participating in surgical missions “Our goal should be the prevention and community sites. and performing operations to repair these reduction in the number of childhood After his training in general surgery conditions for indigent patients all over deformities, especially cleft lip and cleft at Duke University Medical Center, Spira the world. palate,” Spira said. completed his plastic surgery residency at When he learned that Texas Children’s The establishment of the endowed chair Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in 1961 and was working to establish an endowed chair bearing his name will bring us one step immediately joined the faculty there. In 1976, in plastic surgery to help recruit and retain closer to achieving that goal. he was appointed by Dr. Michael DeBakey a leading surgeon not only to provide the PROMISE CAMPAIGN DONORS
The Boyd Morse Foundation Stephanie Druley George and Mary Josephine Suzanne Braden Jan E. Duncan Hamman Foundation Braly Family Limited Partnership Lisa and Richard Duncan Charlotte and Howard Harpster Jennifer and Jimmy Branch Duncan Genesis Foundation Dottie and John Harris Floyd S. Brandt, M.D. Rachel and Adam Dunn Margie and Mark Harris As of June 30, 2018 Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation John S. Dunn Foundation HCC Service Company, Inc. Anonymous (18) Bristow Group Johnna and Ryan Edone Healthcare and Nursing Education AbbVie Foundation Broesche Family Foundation Morven Edwards, M.D. Foundation The Abercrombie Foundation Henry T. Brooks The Elkins Foundation Ann Lents and David Heaney Ace Hardware The Brown Foundation, Inc. Andrea and Larry Elliott The Hearst Foundation, Inc. Acute Respiratory Illness Cristina and James Buass The Ellwood Foundation H-E-B Association Mr. and Mrs. Orvil O. Bueno Ms. Nina Engel H-E-B Tournament of Champions Barbara and Roy Adams The Gordon & Mary Cain Pediatric Ms. Mary Forrest and Mr. Richard Ouida Hembree Agar Corporation, Inc. Neurology Research Foundation H. Engel Judy Gates Hicks and Jerry Carter Aicardi Syndrome Foundation Lauren and Lara Camillo Family Gretchen Eckert England Hicks J. R. Albert Charitable Trust Trusts Epic Systems Corporation The Hildebrand Family Shirley and Ralph Alexander Julio Cardenal Episcopal Health Foundation L. Leighton Hill, M.D. Joan and Stanford Alexander Jeanie and Tommy Carter Mary and Doug Erwin HIS Grace Foundation Alex’s Lemonade Stand Bernadette and Keith Casey ExxonMobil The Histio Cure Foundation Foundation Shirley and Monte Cauble EZCORP Foundation HLH McAllen Venture Albert and Margaret Alkek Ann and Clarence Cazalot Sidney and Don Faust Mr. Richard L. Hoffman Foundation CenterPoint Energy Faust Distributing Company, Inc. The Holthouse Foundation for All American Classics, Inc. MOC Fund at Central Valley The Favrot Fund Kids Elizabeth and Hugh Allen Community Foundation David and Michelle Feavel, Hope Help Heal Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Nancy C. Allen CFP Foundation Courtney Feavel Collins, and Jeri and Travis Horelica The Cade R. Alpard Foundation for Chance for Hope Foundation Michael Spencer Feavel Becky and Kevin Hostler Pediatric Liver Ting-Tsung and Wei-Fong Chao Rebecca and Lonnie Fedrick Houston Children’s Charity American Association of Drilling Foundation Barbara and Mike Feigin Houston’s Credit Unions Engineers Estate of Sandra Sue Chapman Sheri Feldman Houston Endowment Inc. Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Chevron Dr. and Mrs. George D. Ferry Houston Family Foundation Anchorage Foundation of Texas Chevron Phillips Chemical Fidelity Charitable Houston G-Man Classic Carl C. Anderson, Sr. and Marie Jo Company LP Dr. Janette Goddard-Finegold and Houston Junior Woman’s Club Anderson Charitable Foundation Chico’s FAS Dr. Milton J. Finegold Houston Pi Beta Phi Foundation The Andras Foundation Children’s Health Fund Marvy Finger Family Foundation Houston Tri Delta Philanthropies, Inc. Kristen and Michael Arnett Child’s Play Charity Dr. and Mrs. Marvin A. Fishman The Howard Hughes Corporation/ Steven Arnold Christian Brothers Automotive FKP Architects, Inc. The Woodlands Development Ascende Charitable Trust City of McAllen The Fondren Foundation Company Association of Program Directors Cathy and Joe Cleary FORETHECURE Huffington Foundation in Radiology The Cockrell Family Fund Freedom From Fistula Foundation Ron and Sheila Hulme Mr. and Mrs. Merrell A. Athon Adonia and Kevin Cokinos Liz and Clint Freeland Humphrey Company, Ltd. The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Comcast Foundation Friends for Hope Hyundai Hope on Wheels Hospital Communities Foundation of Texas Fundación Teletón IBM Business Solutions Charlotte and Jamil Azzam ConocoPhillips The Jacob and Louise Gabbay Insperity Foundation Caneila Cook Foundation Intermountain Healthcare Laura and Tom Bacon Nancy and Brady Cook Gallery Furniture Dr. Rani Nanda and Daniel W. Carol Baker Cook Children’s Medical Center GBM International Inc. Jackson Balfour Beatty Construction Mark and Judith Cook Foundation The George Foundation Jacob White Construction Tom and Hetty Ball Foundation Vannie E. Cook, Jr., Cancer The Gerber Foundation Company Bank of America Foundation Mary Rodes Gibson Hemostasis- Mr. and Mrs. Beau C. James Bank of Nova Scotia Jennifer and Robert Cooksey Thrombosis Foundation JKJ Charitable Foundation Carrie Barnes Trust Corner Store Gillson Longenbaugh Foundation JLH Foundation, Inc. Freda W. Bass Maria and Santiago Cortina Giving Rocks Foundation Jones Lang LaSalle in partnership Janet Bates Costco Wholesale Clare A. Glassell with Mr. and Mrs. David M. Bale Bates Family Foundation The Crain Foundation Candi and Gerald Glenn and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel G. Bellow Eula Mae and John Baugh Credit Agricole Corporate and Go Gold Fund Raleigh and Marjorie Bintliff Foundation Investment Bank Gold in September Johnson Baxter Trust Credit Suisse First Boston Goldman, Sachs & Co. Yvonne and Walter Johnson Baylor College of Medicine Corporation Golfers Against Cancer Doris and James Jones BB&T Corporation Juanita Crossley Mr. and Mrs. Hemant P. Goradia George Joseph BBVA Compass Bank Emily and Holcombe Crosswell Aileen Gordon The JPB Foundation Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer The Cullen Foundation Nancy and James Gordon Brad Juneau Foundation, Inc. The Cullen Trust for Health Care Mr. and Mrs. Matthew C. Gordon Melissa Juneau W.S. Bellows Construction Curing Children’s Cancer Fund Estate of Tobi Gordon The Junior League of Houston, Inc. Corporation Curing Kids’ Cancer GR8 Hope Foundation Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Tina Bentsen Clayton Dabney Foundation Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas The Jerold B. Katz Foundation Melony and B.J. Bergeron Dairy Queen Foundation Monica and Kevin King Beyond Batten Disease Alan Dale Grant-A-Starr Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Craig Klaasmeyer Foundation Hiba and Sam Darwish Greater Houston Builders Mrs. Linda Klaasmeyer BioGaia AB David Elementary, P.T.O. Association Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Jennifer Jo Bird Maria I. Torrallardona Mata and Greater Houston Community Kleberg Foundation George Bishop Family Foundation Javier De Pedro Espinola Foundation KLS Martin, LP Eva and Beau Bisso Dec My Room Greek Partners Knapp Chevrolet The Blue Bird Circle Deloitte & Touche LLP The Greentree Fund John Knox, Jr. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Elizabeth and Anthony DeLuca Tanya and Andrew Greenwood Linda S. Knox Texas Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. Dr. David Sr. and Nell T. Greer Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. BMC Software Sally and Don DeWalch Trust Damon and Karen Krehbiel Meg Goodman and Michael Barbara Dick GRITS Foundation KROGER Bonini Melisa and Albert Dion II Haag Family Foundation L3 Foundation Dr. Milton and Laurie Boniuk Direct Energy Maureen and James Hackett Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Lane Ann and John Bookout Direct Energy Services Dee and Michael Hairston Sarah and Eric Lane Bosarge Family Foundation The Walt Disney Company Halliburton Langwood Baptist Church Stacey and Stephen Bourque Estate of Merle Donigan The Hamill Foundation Susan and Mike Larson PROMISE CAMPAIGN DONORS
Mr. and Mrs. Ray L. Larson National Multiple Sclerosis Society Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome T.L.L. Temple Foundation The Laurel’s Army Foundation National Oilwell Varco Foundation Rachael and Mark Terry Leaping Butterfly Ministry and Mary Naylor The Royal Bank of Scotland Texas Food Bank Network Circles of Hope Foundation Anita and Rolf Nelson Saint Arnold Brewing Co. Texas Medical Center JC LeFlore Jan and Joe Netherland A.R. “Tony” and Maria J. Sanchez Texas Oilman’s Bass Charities Mark A. Lensky Noble Corporation Family Foundation Texla KCC, Inc. The Lents-Heaney Family Noble Energy The Sarofim Foundation Marianne and George Thomas Let The Fashions Begin, Inc. North Houston Pole Line, LP Leslie and Shannon Sasser Thrasher Research Fund Jean and Richard Lewellen Northwell Health Family Fund Carl C. & Lily C. Thrift Charitable Lewis Jewelers Northwestern Mutual Judy and Henry Sauer Trust Liam’s Lighthouse Foundation Ralph O’Connor Joan and John Scales Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation Carolyn and David Light III Sydnor and Olga Oden Schiel B-R-C-P-B-B-L Toyota North America, Inc. Jack H. and William M. Light Foundation Foundation, Inc. Transwestern Charitable Trust Sean O’Donnell Schlumberger Technology Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Tressler Jennifer and Jeb Ligums Oil States International Inc. Corporation UNICEF – Southwest Regional George I. Lindahl III Kristi and Mike Oldham Melissa and Doug Schnitzer Office Linn Energy Mr. and Mrs. Sean P. O’Neal Roberta and Lee Schwartz University of Maryland Baltimore Carol and Michael Linn The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Scurlock Foundation Foundation, Inc. Love’s Travel Stops & Country Suh-Yun L. Ou Kristy and John Sexton Stores Susan and Mike Padon Judy and Bobby Shackouls The V Foundation for Cancer Cynthia and Larry Lueckemeyer Panda Express Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Shaper Research Mr. Dennis M. Lynch Susan and Mark Papa The Shaw Prize The Vale-Asche Foundation M.A. Frost Family Partners, LP C.N. and Maria Papadopoulos Dr. William T. Shearer and Lynn Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation M.D. Anderson Foundation Charitable Foundation Des Prez Vanessa’s Big Heart Foundation M-A-C AIDS Fund/MAC Jennifer Pate, M.D. Shell Oil Company Foundation Susan Vaughan Foundation Cosmetics Marta and Stephen Pate Family Stephen Y. Shing The Vaughn Foundation MacDonald-Peterson Foundation Foundation SignMeUp.com Vertex Pharmaceuticals Susan MacDonald Estate of Mary Beth Pawelek Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. Vidara Therapeutics Research, Ltd. Cora Sue and Harry Mach Louie M. Payne Mr. and Mrs. Laurence E. Simmons Asha and Farid Virani Angela B. and Louis E. Magne Penland Foundation Virginia & L.E. Simmons Family Vizient Foundation The Mailman Foundation, Inc. The Periwinkle Foundation Foundation Mr. and Mrs. J. Virgil Waggoner Main Family Foundation Susan Peterson The Simons Foundation Shannon and Mark A. Wallace MainStreet America Lorri and Brian Petrauskas Amy and Kyle Simson Walmart & Sam’s Club Make Some Noise 4 Kids Cynthia and Anthony Petrello Dr. Paul Sirbaugh Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. Estate of Patricia F. Mansinger Daniel Pickering Sky High Foundation Elizabeth and Peter Wareing March of Dimes Foundation The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Smith & Associates International Kay and Max Watson Rosalyn and Barry Margolis Plains Marketing, L.P. Bob and Vivian Smith Foundation Kalen and Mike Webb Marilyn Senn Moll Charitable Cindy and Don Poarch Judy and Glenn Smith David Weekley Homes Trust Porsche of North Houston Lawrence B. Smith Family Trust Wells Fargo Marriott International, Inc. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP The Lester and Sue Smith What Would Willie Want Mr. and Mrs. William Nelson Prime Communications, LP Foundation Foundation, Inc. Mathis Prolacta Bioscience Rosemary and Dan J. Harrison III – Pam and Gary Whitlock Jill and Clarence Mayer Ed Rachal Foundation Mary Alice Smith Foundation Wiesner Automotive Group B.D. and Mac McAndrew The Rancher’s Ride Inc. R. E. Smith Foundation Wildhorses Resources Estate of Kenneth W. McBryde Randalls Foundation Susie and Tommy Smith Tracy and Richard Wilken Bailey and Pete McCarthy Rawley Foundation Vivian L. Smith Foundation Sue and David Williams Joyce and Fred McCauley Dawn and Richard Rawson Aimee and Wynne Snoots Ryan Batman Williams Rebecca and David McClanahan Carrol Robertson Ray Snowdrop Foundation, Inc. Foundation John and Maryanne McCormack Wyatt Ray Memorial Fund The Harry and Estelle Soicher Kristen and Matt Wilsey Foundation Leigh Anne and John Raymond Foundation Shannon and Brian Wing McCoy Workplace Solutions Alicia and Shawn Raymond Charif Souki The Winston Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew D. J. Newton Rayzor Foundation Spirit of Children & Spirit Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer McCullough, Jr. RBC Capital Markets Halloween William and Marie Wise Family Risa and Sterling McDonald RBC Wealth Management Dr. Melvin Spira Rebecca and Shannon McGarr RE/MAX Associates Northeast Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey N. Foundation Flo and Bill McGee RE/MAX Fine Properties Springmeyer Mrs. Melvyn L. Wolff John P. McGovern Foundation RE/MAX Hometown Mary Martha and Joel Staff Wolff Family Foundation F.B. McGuyer Family The Ronnie & Cathy Matthews The Stargel Family Mr. and Mrs. Patrick H. Wood III William McKenney Team RE/MAX Legends Lois and George Stark The Woodell Family Foundation McKesson Foundation RE/MAX Northwest, Realtors The Stearns Family Foundation Woodforest Bank McLane Foodservice RE/MAX of Texas Sterling-Turner Foundation The Woodforest Charitable Robert and Janice McNair RE/MAX Real Estate Associates Robyn Rothman and John Foundation Foundation RE/MAX Space Center Stevenson Worldwide Oilfield Machine Inc. Corinne and Michael McVay RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring Lindsay and Trent Stout Brenda and Randy Wright Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Meadows Ready or Not Foundation The Jenifer Strait Memorial Lori and Scott Wulfe Medtronic, Inc. Rebuild Texas Foundation Dr. Edward and Brenda Yosowitz Men of Distinction of Greater Isla and T.R. Reckling Strake Foundation Young Texans Against Cancer Houston, Inc. Elizabeth and Bobby Reeves Stripes Convenience Stores The Zeitgeist Foundation, Inc. Ms. Trinidad Mendenhall Michael and Vicki Richmond Sarah and Terry Stuckey Drs. Huda and William Zoghbi Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands The Rise School Calvin H. Sugg, Jr. Jan and Arnie Miller Robbins Institute for Health Policy Sutton Foundation We apologize for having Janie Miller and Leadership Courtney and Doug Swanson Barbara D. Mitchell, Ph.D. George A. Robinson IV Foundation Gretchen Swanson Family inadvertently omitted the Jeffrey Modell Foundation Roxanne and Kolja Rockov Foundation, Inc. following names on the list of Estate of Alexander James Moll Ronald McDonald House Charities Swing For A Cure donors to the Promise Campaign Laura and Lew Moorman of Greater Houston/Galveston John and Nona Swonke in the last issue of Aspire: Morgan Stanley Foundation Sybil Roos Tracy and Don Tandy Mothers Against Cancer Suzanne and Mike Rose Judy and Charles Tate Musket Corp Mr. and Mrs. Gary Rosenthal The TeamConnor Childhood The Blue Bird Circle Mustang Cat Rotary Club of Houston Cancer Foundation Susan and Mike Larson National Academy of Sciences Foundation, Inc. Teammates for Kids Foundation Sarah and Terry Stuckey National Marrow Donor Program David and Polly Roth Tellepsen Family aspire.texaschildrens.org
20
MAINSTREET AMERICA GALA HITS $1M MARK FOR NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH
In 2012, Barbara and Mike Feigin launched MainStreet America — a place where people can ind anything they could possibly imagine for building, decorating or remodeling a home. To celebrate, they also established the MainStreet America Gala to support the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Chaired by Tracy and Richard Wilken, new, effective treatments for patients. epilepsy, bipolar disorder and last year’s event raised more than Philanthropic support has been a big part of Rett syndrome. $425,000, bringing the total giving from their success. Gala attendees included Drs. Huda and this special gala to $1,000,000. Ernie Manouse served as celebrity host William Zoghbi; Jan Duncan; Cynthia The theme of the evening — Changing and emcee/auctioneer for the special and Tony Petrello; Shirley and Ralph Lives, Building for the Future — epitomizes evening, entertaining the 265 guests in Alexander; Debbie and Dr. Steve Sukin; the goal of the NRI as well. Under the attendance. NRI scientists Drs. Mingshan Missy and Wayne Herndon; Lisa and Mark direction of Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, researchers Xue and Xiaolong Jiang presented the Stewart; Sherry and Richard Lane; Roberta at the NRI are working to accelerate the latest research advances related to several and Lee Schwartz; Dr. Steven Siegelbaum; translation of laboratory discoveries into neurological disorders, including autism, and Drs. Beth and Arthur Sands.
A. B. C. D.
A. Dr. Steven Siegelbaum, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Cynthia Petrello, Anthony Petrello B. Tyler Smith, Roula Zoghbi Smith C. Nicole Murphy, Missy Herndon, Amy Young D. Tracy and Richard Wilken E. Barbara and Mike Feigin F. Jan Duncan, Dr. William Zoghbi, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Richard Wilken E. F. ISSUE 5 – 2018
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PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY
HELPING PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF EPILEPSY SURGERY JOHN S. DUNN FOUNDATION
In 2011, Texas Children’s Hospital became further re ine and streamline laser ablation organizations in the Greater Houston the world’s irst hospital to use real-time surgery for epilepsy. area that provide for those in need. The MRI-guided thermal imaging and laser “We’re always looking for the next step foundation’s history with Texas Children’s technology to destroy lesions in the brain in what we can do to help these children, dates back to 1985, with signi icant that cause epilepsy and uncontrollable and that requires collaboration among the gifts that have bene ited the hospital’s seizures. Pioneered by Dr. Daniel Curry, members of our surgical team, neurologists, expansion in the 1990s, the Meyer Center for Texas Children’s director of pediatric surgical psychologists, nurses, imaging specialists and Developmental Pediatrics, Texas Children’s epilepsy and functional neurosurgery, this Cancer Center and pediatric mental health surgical technique has garnered such a research. The foundation currently focuses reputation that families from all over the “Collaboration requires on medical research, health care clinics for world seek care at Texas Children’s for their the underserved, mental health programs tremendous effort, and these children with epilepsy. and health care education. To assist him with his work, Curry funds will facilitate our work “The Dunn Foundation board has been a had a need for additional funding to support to ensure we create the best tremendous supporter of our program,” said research and data specialists who could outcomes for our patients.” Dr. Howard L. Weiner, chief of neurosurgery expand his expert surgical team. These at Texas Children’s. “We are extremely – Dr. Daniel Curry specialists would help him amass and grateful for their vision and partnership and interpret data and images connected to the appreciate their investing in our work for laser ablation surgery, ultimately pointing these very special patients who face such the way to improvements in pre-surgery data specialists,” Curry said. “Collaboration dif icult challenges.” preparation, surgical technique, follow-up requires tremendous effort, and these funds Weiner also offers a unique and much care and other issues. will facilitate our work to ensure we create the sought-after surgery for epilepsy in patients The John S. Dunn Foundation was ready best outcomes for our patients.” with tuberous sclerosis complex. The hope to help with this need, recently providing The John S. Dunn Foundation has been a is that the new research specialists Curry generous funding for an endowed chair stalwart ixture in the Houston philanthropy recruits will also contribute to Weiner’s for Curry. With this guaranteed, long-term scene since its founding in 1977 by surgical team and advance their work support, he is well-positioned to move his insurance and banking magnate John S. as well. research to the next level to discover ways to Dunn, who was committed to supporting aspire.texaschildrens.org
22 MAKING MIRACLES HAPPEN
DUAL RADIOTHONS RAISE OVER $820,000 Donations from radiothons provide Texas Children’s with unrestricted support for its greatest needs at any given time
Entercom Communications’ Mega 101 Radiothon
ntercom Communications Spanish Contemporary station, Mega 101, hosted its seventh annual Radiothon December 7 Eand 8. Thanks to the station’s listeners and Texas Children’s supporters, it was another great year for this special event. More than 1,460 donors in our community contributed over $400,000 to support Texas Children’s Hospital and the patients and families we serve. Powered by “Mega en Tus Mañanas” show hosts Gerry Fernandez, Cindy Burbano and Valentin Gallegos — as well as afternoon hosts Liz Arreola and Lorena Macarena — the two-day event was broadcasted live from the station’s studio and included inspiring stories from Texas Children’s patients. One story they told was of a 13-month-old toddler named Aaron, Lorena Macarena, Sarah Munoz, Gerry Fernandez, Tony Luna Dennis “Lino” of Florida. When his eyes started moving uncontrollably and Avila of Mega 101, and Hugo Garza of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals rolling backward and his body became so weak that he couldn’t walk, crawl or sit on his own anymore, his mother, Janette, was decided to move to Houston so that Aaron could continue receiving frightened. Doctors in Florida said Aaron had strep throat, but Janette treatment if needed. knew it was something more serious. She decided to bring him to Over the past seven years, Mega 101 has raised more than $2.8 Houston to be seen at Texas Children’s. million for Texas Children’s. “They did an MRI and CT scan to ind out exactly what he had. He “Mega 101 is an integral part of the local Hispanic community, and was diagnosed with a non-aggressive neuroblastoma,” Janette said. we were thrilled to host this fundraiser again and bring our listeners “His doctors really took the time to sit with me and explain exactly together to bene it Texas Children’s Hospital,” said Sarah Frazier, what he had. Even though he has cancer, I feel peaceful knowing that Entercom Houston’s senior vice president and market manager. “The he’s also getting the best treatment possible.” Radiothon is our way of giving back to our local community, and we’re Now, with some physical and occupational therapy, Aaron has proud to help the families that depend on these services to improve regained his strength and can sit up and walk around. The family their quality of life.”
Cox Media Group Houston Radiothon
ox Media Group Houston’s three radio stations — The New 93Q, Country Legends, and The Eagle — put a little spin on Ctheir 14th Radiothon event. Historically, it has been a two-day event, but last year, it ran through the entire month of December and raised more than $420,000. “Our listeners demonstrated that they have the biggest hearts in the world,” said Director of Operations Johnny Chiang. “After all they’ve done to help rebuild Houston after Hurricane Harvey, they stepped up once again and opened their hearts and wallets to help all those in need at Texas Children’s Hospital.” Each station featured a “Hero of the Day” segment that focused on stories of 15 Texas Children’s patients, including Ella and Jackson. Ella was born with gastroschisis, a condition in which the abdominal wall does not fully form and the intestines grow outside the body. She spent three months in the neonatal intensive care unit. She is seven years old now, and though she still undergoes rehabilitation, her positive attitude is unfailing and inspires everyone around her. Jackson was diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), a rare condition that causes abnormally high levels of insulin and low blood sugar, and affects 1 in 25,000 to 50,000 babies worldwide. Only four The Eagle’s DJs Dean and Kelly Ryan and producer Hoss with hospitals in the U.S. treat HI, and Texas Children’s is one of them. Texas Children’s patient Grace Anto ISSUE 5 – 2018
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2017 CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS PROGRAM PARTNERS, MAKING MIRACLES HAPPEN EVENTS AND RADIOTHONS
CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS 2017 PARTNERS
Ace Hardware food, baby formula, clothes, and snacks for CMN Hospitals around the country. In In the past, Houston Ace Hardware retailers patient families and employees. Houston, Stripes raised over $113,800. have competed with Chicago Ace retailers As is the case with all in-store CMN Hospital to see which group could raise the most Love’s Travel Stops/ fundraisers, 100 percent of the funds raised money for their local Children’s Miracle Musket Corporation in Houston bene it Texas Children’s. Network (CMN) Hospital. Houston retailers Approximately 350 sponsors enjoyed an have always won — until this year when afternoon of golf and networking at Panda Express two of Ace’s major fundraising events were Topgolf for Musket Corporation’s ifth Established in 1999, Panda Cares is the cancelled because of Hurricane Harvey. Yet, annual Drive for a Child. Musket is a philanthropic branch of Panda Restaurant instead of reveling in their win, Chicago subsidiary of Love’s Travel Stops, a CMN Group, Inc., which owns Panda Express. retailers came to Houston to present a check Hospitals national partner. The recent event They have been a proud fundraising partner for $15,000 to Texas Children’s in honor raised over $310,000, bringing the total since 2007, and in 2017, they raised over of the Houston group. While in town, the amount raised over the last ive years to $279,605 for Texas Children’s. In addition, group spent a day touring the hospital at more than $1.1 million. Panda Express donated more than 200 the Texas Medical Center campus and were meals to Texas Children’s patient families deeply affected by the patients they saw Corner Store and staff members in the wake of and the care they are receiving. Denver Ace Corner Store customers and team members Hurricane Harvey. retailers gave an additional $5,000. gave back to local kids treated at Texas Children’s during their 23rd annual Miracle Walmart & Sam’s Club Costco Wholesale Balloon campaign. Customers were able to In 2017, Walmart & Sam’s Club celebrated Costco Wholesale has been a proud partner purchase $1 or $4 Miracle Balloons or a glow their 30-year anniversary as a CMN of CMN Hospitals since 1988. Nationwide, bracelet — or they could donate change at Hospitals partner. Their six-week Miracle over 600 locations participate in a the register. Houston Corner Store locations Balloon campaign last September raised fundraising campaign for their local CMN raised more than $249,000 in 2017. $509,346, and the passion of Walmart Hospitals. Eight locations in Houston raised continues to shine as they work to help sick $233,438 for Texas Children’s in 2017. In Stripes children at Texas Children’s. The Walmart addition to their inancial contribution, In 2000, Stripes became a partner of CMN Foundation also supported Texas Children’s immediately following Hurricane Harvey, Hospitals. Donations through in-store immediately following Hurricane Harvey Costco made a signi icant in-kind donation Miracle Balloon fundraising campaigns by providing a $500,000 grant for to the hospital, including diapers, baby helped raise more than $1.6 million for Harvey Relief.
A. Ace Hardware employees visit Texas Children’s B. Costco employees visit with patient Deonc Bradley C. Panda Express employees participate in Harvey relief efforts D. Check presentation at Musket Corporation’s Drive for a Child event A. B.
C. D.
aspire.texaschildrens.org
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Captain Courageous: Patrick DeClaire’s Story
hen Patrick DeClaire was 9, siblings rallied to support him on the long mysterious back pain and fever led journey ahead. W to a doctor’s appointment. Soon, “This disease is dif icult to treat,” said his parents, Laurie and Christopher DeClaire, Dr. Wendy Allen-Rhoades, a hematologist- learned their son was very sick. oncologist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Patrick was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, “It’s rare and needs different types of therapy, a type of cancer that affects the central which requires coordination and teamwork.” nervous system. His cancer was advanced — Patrick’s team included oncologists, nurses, he had tumors along his spine and in his bones Child Life specialists, surgeons and radiation and one that was pushing on his spinal cord, oncologists who all came together to help him. putting him at risk for complete paralysis. The They created a customized treatment plan that cancer had even invaded his bone marrow. began with several rounds of chemotherapy The DeClaire family’s life changed forever and, eventually, a bone marrow transplant. that day. Laurie quit her job at NASA to care for Doctors performed scans every three months Patrick full-time, and his father and to track Patrick’s tumors.
Rare Therapy for Rare Cancer
fter four months of chemotherapy, remained. The next step involved targeted a Plea of Compassionate Use to the U.S. Food Dr. Jed Nuchtern, a Texas Children’s radiation to the remaining sites where cancer and Drug Administration (FDA) for a drug A surgeon specializing in pediatric lived in his bones. Molds of Patrick’s body, along called CH14.18, which provides antibody surgical oncology, removed the tumors that with a mesh-type mask made in the shape of his therapy that targets neuroblastoma cancer remained along Patrick’s spine. However, some face and head, were created to ensure that he cells and destroys them. At the time, it was an areas in his bones still showed cancer. was completely immobilized while the radiation investigational drug, but the FDA approved its The next tool in the team’s arsenal was delivered precisely to certain areas of the use for Patrick’s case. This six-month therapy involved a targeted nuclear medicine spine and skull. was painful and complicated, but in the end therapy that combines two radioactive Despite the procedures, Patrick remained Patrick’s cancer inally yielded. drugs, metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) so positive that his family and friends began “We were lucky to be able to use CH14.18 for and iodine-131 (I-131), which posed unique calling him “Captain Courageous.” Allen- Patrick at the time that we did,” says Dr. Allen- challenges for Patrick and his devoted family. Rhoades recalls a time when Patrick was in Rhoades. “Now it is FDA approved and is the MIBG is available at only a few pediatric pain. She told him she was sorry he was going irst new drug for high-risk neuroblastoma in cancer centers in the U.S. — and Texas through this, and he replied in his characteristic decades. Patrick was a trailblazer.” Children’s is one of them. fashion, “It’s no big thing, I got this.” Patrick then participated in a study to take Because of the therapeutic doses of radiation Following the targeted radiation, Patrick’s DFMO, a drug designed to keep his cancer in that come with this therapy, a special suite of cancer was starting to relent, but the ight was remission, which is where he remains today — three rooms is required. There is a lead-lined not over. Another treatment was required: in remission. When Patrick grows up, he patient room where the therapy is administered; high doses of chemotherapy followed by an wants to go to college and work as a child life an adjoining room with a lead-lined viewing autologous bone marrow transplant. Once specialist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. window, where family members can spend the again, the treatment was dif icult, but in his In the meantime, Patrick serves as a night and be near their child; and an entry area true “Captain Courageous” spirit, Patrick slowly Texas Children’s Cancer Center Ambassador, where clinicians can meet, consult and care for recovered and was soon lashing his winning giving hope to other children with cancer. the patient. smile around the unit. His mother Laurie co-founded Trees for Life, This novel therapy reduced Patrick’s However, the cancer still had not receded a nonpro it that raises money for research at neuroblastoma, but a signi icant amount still completely. That’s when Allen-Rhoades made Texas Children’s Cancer Center.
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ONE MOTHER’S JOURNEY By Laurie DeClaire
Patrick’s mother, Laurie, wrote a moving and inspirational account of her family’s experiences during Patrick’s treatment. Today, Laurie serves on the board of Texas Children’s Cancer Center and continues with her work at Trees for Life, an initiative she co-founded to support neuroblastoma research at Texas Children’s. The following is an excerpt from one of her blog posts featured on the hospital’s website.
ime. It provides us with perspective; We clung to the belief that God didn’t a historical roadmap if you will. bring Patrick to us only to take him away. T It illuminates our milestones and We prayed speci ically for the destruction achievements. It obscures the insigni icant. of that tumor. Six rounds of chemotherapy Most of all, time provides us with the ability later, the tumor was gone. to recognize the power of predestined Cancer’s journey is fraught with intervention at critical moments in our lives. frightening and painful therapies. As a Laurie and Christopher DeClaire with My husband and I have six children. mother, the idea of my child experiencing their sons, Patrick and Trent Patrick and his twin brother, Trent, are our painful treatments burdened my heart youngest. We loved them, we wanted them, with worry. Most adults couldn’t endure and we adopted them. Today, I realize they the treatments prescribed for Patrick were predestined to become our children. without shedding tears. Of course, he did The adoption and access to good medical experience pain, and the doctors and nurses care are just parts of what we are now were amazing at helping to manage it. But thankful for when we look back across it was Patrick’s ability to endure it that was the landscape of our family’s journey miraculous. with cancer. I visualized that moment when Patrick Patrick would need our care, and he would break free from disease and the would need access to Texas Children’s Hospital. I irmly believe that Patrick miracle we prayed for would come. On wouldn’t be alive today without Texas August 21, 2014, Dr. Louis called to say Children’s and the physicians who treated Patrick’s scans showed no evidence of him — especially Dr. Wendy Allen-Rhoades disease. The news brought overwhelming and Dr. Chrystal Louis. joy, and we found ourselves jumping up and At the time of Patrick’s diagnosis with down with excitement. stage 4 neuroblastoma, we were told that It’s been three and a half years since we without treatment he would have only received the news that Patrick no longer had months to live. He had tumors along his cancer. Medically speaking, the doctors say spine, and one of his tumors was located in he’s in remission. Spiritually speaking, we the spinal column, making it impossible to say he’s healed. remove surgically. Patrick and his twin brother, Trent
Although considered a rare disease, neuroblastoma is one of the most NEUROBLASTOMA common solid tumors in infants and young children, with approximately 700 patients diagnosed each year in the United States. PROGRAM AT Physicians in Texas Children’s Neuroblastoma Program care for patients of TEXAS CHILDREN’S all ages diagnosed with neuroblastic lesions, from benign masses to highly aggressive, malignant tumors. The program is focused not only on ways to HOSPITAL improve current methods of treatment, but also to incorporate additional nontoxic treatment options to improve quality of life and increase cure rates. aspire.texaschildrens.org
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COOKING UP A
The third annual Cooking Up A Cure in February was a C delectable and educational event for over 350 attendees, who ure visited with 12 local chefs and enjoyed a variety of delicious and allergen-free bites. Each guest was assigned a food allergy upon arrival with the directions to consider how it would feel to be required to avoid dishes containing the allergenic food. The goal was to promote awareness of the seriousness of food allergies — without restricting any guests from enjoying the culinary options for the night. Cooking Up A Cure raised over $185,000, which will continue to help support Texas Children’s Food Allergy Program, directed by Dr. Carla M. Davis. More than 8,000 patients were seen through the program in 2017, and the research being conducted there has resulted in tremendous progress toward mitigating the impact of food allergies — especially with peanut immunotherapy. Supporters of Cooking Up A Cure also helped recruit Dr. Katherine Anagnostou as the Director of Food Immunotherapy and enhanced her work in the Oral Immunotherapy Clinic, which opened in January 2018.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND CHEFS
B&B Butchers | TOMMY ELBASHARY Cafe Annie | ELLIOTT KELLY Emmaline | DIMITRI VOUTSINAS La Table Le Colonial | HASSAN OBAYE & NICOLE ROUTHIER Nobie’s | MARTIN STAYER Royer’s | JB ROYER State Fare | JIM MILLS State of Grace | BOBBY MATOS Uchi Houston | LANCE GILLUM Weights and Measures | Event chairs and assistant chairs Amy Holmes, Kelly Cubbage, Jodie Corson, Catherine Devine, Melanie Ringold, Shelley Iglesias and RICHARD KAPLAN Kate Bialas
Launched in 2006, the Texas Children’s Food Allergy Program is focused on improving the quality of life for infants, children and adolescents with food allergies.
To accomplish this goal, we offer state-of-the-art therapeutic interventions, innovative clinical and laboratory research, community awareness and superior training and education for physicians and other researchers in the ield.
The Food Allergy program diagnoses, evaluates and treats children who are allergic to cow’s milk, egg, wheat, soy, ish, shell ish, peanuts and tree nuts, as well as food allergy-associated diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. ISSUE 5 – 2018
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PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY
Henry’s Story RICHARD ENGEL AND MARY FORREST
Henry is the beautiful young son of Today Show. They have also made a generous In mice with low levels of MeCP2 protein Richard Engel, NBC News Chief Foreign gift to support the NRI and Dr. Zoghbi’s like Henry, adding an extra copy of the gene to Correspondent, and his wife, Mary Forrest. MECP2 research — and as a result of the increase the amount of MeCP2 improves their Henry has survived a rare medical condition, Today Show and the release of Henry’s story symptoms. To ind treatments to do the same but he cannot speak or walk and may face a on NBC’s morning and evening news and for patients, Zoghbi’s team is taking a multi- life of round-the-clock care. in People magazine, nearly half a million pronged approach: When Henry was an infant and his dollars have been raised to support this • Testing FDA-approved drugs to see if parents noticed he was falling behind, he costly research. any increase MeCP2 protein levels. underwent numerous medical exams to • Reciprocally testing every gene in discover the cause. Ultimately, a genetic test the genome to ind those that regulate provided the answer. Henry has a mutation MeCP2 and that can be targeted in his MECP2 gene. “Today’s research can not only change by drugs to increase the level of Dr. Huda Zoghbi, director of the Jan and the future, but give a future to our son the protein. Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute Henry and many other children. • Screening over 1 billion compounds to (NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital, is a world- This work can lead to life-altering ind drugs that directly bind MeCP2, renowned neurogeneticist recognized for her progress, and it’s happening right increasing protein levels and function. MECP2 mutation research that revealed these before our eyes.” • Stimulating brain cells with implantable mutations as the cause of Rett syndrome. – Richard Engel electrodes to see if motor function This devastating disorder typically affects and other features of Rett syndrome girls after their irst birthday, robbing them of improve, having discovered that deep learned skills and leaving them with loss of brain stimulation in mice with MECP2 speech and coordination, motor dif iculties HOPE FOR A THERAPY mutations and associated learning and seizures. Henry’s speci ic mutation, The MECP2 gene is on the X chromosome. de icits caused them to learn just as well however, has never been seen before. Females have two X chromosomes, so when a as normal mice. Engel learned about Zoghbi’s research MECP2 mutation causes Rett syndrome, they and contacted her. Now, she and her team are partially-protected by the other normal The immediate goal is to help individuals with are studying Henry’s cells and generating a copy of the gene. MECP2 mutations like Henry — and those who mouse with his speci ic mutation. Boys, on the other hand, have a single have Rett syndrome — by boosting MeCP2 “Today’s research can not only change X chromosome. When they have a MECP2 protein levels. There is tremendous long-term the future, but give a future to our son Henry mutation, they suffer more and typically pass potential as well for using these strategies to and many other children,” Engel said. “This away in the irst year or two of life. What Dr. ind treatments for many other neurological work can lead to life-altering progress, and it’s Zoghbi and her team discovered about Henry disorders. happening right before our eyes.” is that he has a partially-functioning MeCP2 Visit duncannri.org today to support this In January this year, Engel and Forrest protein — just not as much of it as healthy vital research. decided to share Henry’s story on NBC’s people have. aspire.texaschildrens.org
28 COMMUNITY EVENTS ROUNDUP the SALE On January 6 and 7, Houston Tri Delta alumnae presented the SALE, a two-day charity shopping extravaganza bene iting Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Co- chairs Dee Dee Robinson and Laura Williams, along with more than 70 volunteers, executed a stunning fashion and philanthropic victory drawing over 1,000 shoppers to the Bayou City Event Center to dig into deeply discounted designer threads, handbags, ine jewelry, menswear, antiques and home furnishings. Proceeds from ticket sales, underwriting and donations amounted to $220,000 — an all-time high for the event. Including this year’s expected revenue, the SALE has provided over $700,000 to support pediatric cancer research in the Texas Medical Center since its founding four years ago. Emcee Melissa Wilson of FOX 26 News shared her own personal connection to the cause, highlighting her son’s successful treatment for leukemia at Tri Delta volunteer Kathy Jacobson hands out shopping bags and Texas Children’s Cancer Center, and introduced Drs. Susan Blaney and Wendy programs to guests Rosemary Lengefeld and Joy McCormack as Allen-Rhoades, who discussed why private philanthropy is so important in they enter the shopping area of the Bayou City Event Center. funding research.
Houston Marathon Texas Children’s Hospital helped push almost 40 runners across the inish line of the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon on January 14 in downtown Houston. The Texas Children’s Running Team — Texas Children’s employees, patient family members and others who have been touched by the organization — raised close to $30,000 for the hospital.
Participants run for Texas Children’s in the Houston Marathon.
David’s Dream Run In 2017, the David’s Dream Run celebrated its 24th anniversary in honor of the life and legacy of David Vetter, known to the world as the “Bubble Boy.” David was treated at Texas Children’s in the 1970s for a rare condition called severe combined immunode iciency disorder (SCID). Held in David’s hometown of Shenandoah, Texas, David’s Dream Run was created by the David Elementary School PTO and has raised approximately $450,000 to support the David Center at Texas Children’s Hospital and to create the David Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. The committee presented Drs. Jordan Orange and Javier Chinen with a check for $30,000 to support the mission of Texas Children’s and U.S. Congressman Kevin P. Brady, David Vetter’s the care that children with immunode iciencies receive. The event celebrated its 25th mother Carol Ann Demaret and Dr. Jordan S. Orange anniversary on Saturday, April 21, 2018.
Spirit Halloween Annual Party
Local Spirit Halloween stores held their annual Halloween party for patients at Texas Children’s last October. The party included face painting, pumpkin decorating and special appearances by Batman and Star Wars characters. Patients were given new costumes donated by Spirit Halloween stores and handed out by Spirit staff. Following the party, the stores collected contributions to support Texas Children’s Child Life Department and presented a check for $220,051 to the team in January. Texas Children’s staff help patients with fun Halloween art activities during the Spirit Halloween Annual Party. ISSUE 5 – 2018
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PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY
Texas Children’s President and CEO Mark A. Wallace and his wife, Shannon, with Bailey
TEXAS CHILDREN’S WELCOMES SECOND THERAPY DOG SHANNON AND MARK A. WALLACE
The Pawsitive Play Program at Texas families, and we knew that the addition of a emotional support or maybe something even Children’s continues to expand! Visitors new therapy dog would allow even more of more complicated than that,” said Galanski. are likely to notice some furry four-legged our patients, employees and staff — especially “The minute Bailey comes through the door, employees around the hospital. those in our new Legacy Tower — to bene it everything changes for a child who is in pain Thanks to a generous gift from President from the Pawsitive Play Program.” or a family who might be struggling with and CEO Mark A. Wallace and his wife, Adair Galanski, a Child Life specialist and devastating news. They say, ‘Oh my gosh! Is that Shannon, a second therapy dog joined the Baily’s handler, collaborates every day with a dog? Is it here to see me? That’s amazing!’” Child Life team in February 2018. Bailey is medical teams and physical and occupational Bailey’s irst stop when she came to work an almost-two-year-old golden retriever who therapists to visit with ive to ten patients who at Texas Children’s was a meeting with Mr. Wallace, who greeted her as he does every wears a green vest and a Texas Children’s are having a particularly dif icult time during new employee — with the warmest welcome, badge with a red bow attached. Joining Elsa, their hospitalization. Bailey was specially encouragement and motivation to succeed in who became our irst therapy dog in October helping patients and their families. As soon 2016, Bailey began walking the halls and as he laid eyes on Bailey, he knew she was a immediately putting smiles on the faces of “We go and see families for a lot perfect it for Texas Children’s. patients, families and employees. of different things, whether it’s “Bailey, you come from a good family and Elsa and Bailey are part of Texas Children’s medical procedures, emotional now you’ve got a great family here at Pawsitive Play Program that uses animal- support or maybe something even Texas Children’s,” Wallace said. “We’re going assisted therapy to enhance the emotional to take good care of you, and you’re going to more complicated than that,” well-being of pediatric patients by reducing help our patients feel better, relax and feel their anxiety, perception of pain and fear of – Adair Galanski loved and nurtured. You’re an important hospitalization. part of this one amazing team that we have The Wallaces made their very special gift in at Texas Children’s.” memory of their dog, Cadence. trained to work with patients who are very sick. “Shannon and I were very attached to She is seeing heart and critical care patients Thanks to the generosity of the Auxiliary Cadence, our beloved black lab who brought and was hired on to work speci ically in the for Texas Children’s Hospital, a third us so much joy before she passed away,” new Legacy Tower. dog, Pinto, has also joined the Wallace said. “We saw what a positive impact “We go and see families for a lot of different Pawsitive Play Program. Elsa has made on our patients and their things, whether it’s medical procedures, aspire.texaschildrens.org
30 THE TRAUMA AND GRIEF CENTER AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Front row, from left: Iris Padilla-Beshara, Luana Da Silva, Stephanie Yudovich, Julie Kaplow, Megan Mooney and Ashley Milhouse. Back row, from left: Benjamin Oosterhoff, Benjamin Rolon-Arroyo, Evan Rooney, Ryan Hill, Daniel Martinez and Tim Brown
INCREASING ACCESS TO TRAUMA INFORMED MENTAL HEALTH CARE AMONG TEXAS YOUTH
rauma and grief. These are words not automatically or generally Also home to the Harvey Resiliency and Recovery Program Tassociated with children — certainly not ones that we want (HRRP), the TAG Center quickly began expanding its scope in the associated with children. But the statistics tell a different story. community following the storm last August that brought devastation Research indicates that untreated trauma and bereavement in to so many homes and families. Direct clinical care happens children are associated with problematic long-term outcomes, at Texas Children’s Main Campus, and full-time, licensed and including depression, anxiety, substance use, post-traumatic stress trauma-informed social workers are being hired to integrate mental syndrome, suicide risk, school drop-out and violent behavior. health care into three Texas Children’s Pediatric (TCP) practices in Texas Children’s commitment to providing the very best medical underserved areas in the community. In addition, a bilingual social care for the patients we serve includes not only addressing worker has been added to the team on one of the hospital’s mobile children’s physical needs, but also ensuring that their emotional and clinics that visits these areas. mental health needs are met as well. Texas Children’s Trauma and The TAG Center team has also partnered with several school Grief (TAG) Center is an integral part of that commitment. districts — including Houston, Spring Branch, Alief and Aldine — to The TAG Center is one of the only health service agencies in Texas train school-based clinicians in using Trauma and Grief Component with signi icant child trauma and bereavement expertise — and the Therapy for students whose histories of exposure to trauma, loss and only National Child Traumatic Stress Network site in the country severe adversity put them at high risk for mental health issues. with this particular expertise. Under the direction of Julie Kaplow, “We know that treatment for children affected by trauma and grief Ph.D., A.B.P.P., the TAG Center has three primary aims: is most successful if clinicians can reach them where they are — in 1. To provide evidence-based assessment and interventions for their schools and other places in the community,” Dr. Kaplow said. youth who have experienced traumas and/or losses “The TAG Center is working hard to address the tremendous gaps 2. To conduct research on adaptive and maladaptive responses in the system that currently exist for thousands of children in the to trauma and loss, as well as treatment effectiveness, and Houston area. The reason the Center exists is to raise the standard of 3. To provide training and professional education in trauma- and care and increase access to best-practice mental health care among grief-informed assessment and interventions using best practice traumatized children and adolescents and their families.” teaching methods. ISSUE 5 – 2018
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PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY
Dr. Gordon Schutze, Michelle Feavel, Dr. Kimberly Farr, Dave Feavel and Dr. Mark Kline
Endowment HonorS a Daughter’s Legacy and Courageous Battle with Cancer THE FEAVEL FAMILY
Dave and Michelle Feavel, along with Botswana, Swaziland and Uganda, as well as in Maseru, Lesotho. She described it as the their children Courtney Feavel Collins in Colombia. Most importantly, it prepares most signi icant year of her entire residency. and Michael Feavel, recently made a physicians not only to deliver health care, but Other residents of the program agree and transformational gift to fully endow the also to identify and conquer the obstacles to credit this experience with having a dramatic Global Child Health Residency Program at treatment faced by patients and caregivers in effect on their developing medical careers. Texas Children’s Hospital in memory of their underserved communities worldwide. “It was an incredible blessing to serve daughter, Dr. Kelly DeScioli, who lost her The new gift will enable Texas Children’s this population and to have the opportunity battle with cancer in 2013. In recognition to pay for ive residents for their year abroad. to participate in such important work so of their generosity, the program will be early in my career,” Farr said. “I was able to renamed The Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global expand my physical examination techniques Child Health Residency Program. “It was an incredible blessing in the absence of the advanced diagnostics Kelly was a skilled physician and was to serve this population and that are available here in the U.S., and my selected as one of the top three residents to have the opportunity to critical thinking abilities were strengthened in her class at Baylor College of Medicine as I worked with patients who had such participate in such important (BCM). After graduation, she served as a challenging and complex clinical issues.” pediatric hospitalist at Texas Children’s work so early in my career.” “The Feavels’ gift will help sustain and and was an associate professor at BCM. She – Dr. Kimberly Farr grow this one-of-a-kind program that was greatly respected and much loved by provides young physicians with training everyone who knew her. Kelly was devoted in global child health,” said Dr. Mark Kline. not only to caring for her patients, but also “With our gift, we hope that this initiative, “Such training is essential to efforts focused to training residents in the art of bedside dedicated to Kelly’s legacy, can continue to on tackling some of the leading killers of communication and compassionate caring. grow and expand to help defeat childhood children worldwide, including HIV/AIDS, The unique residency program was diseases and cancers by providing young tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, respiratory established by Texas Children’s Physician- physicians an opportunity to train and diseases and cancer. We are incredibly in-Chief Dr. Mark Kline. It enables ive practice in these challenging regions of the grateful to the Feavels for this generous gift residents to spend three years training at world,” said Kelly’s father, Dave Feavel. bene iting some of the poorest and least Texas Children’s and an additional year Dr. Kimberly Farr, who was the irst fortunate children on earth.” on an international assignment in African Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health countries, including Lesotho, Malawi, Resident, spent her training year abroad aspire.texaschildrens.org
32 TRANSFORMATIONAL A. TALKS Elizabeth and Anthony DeLuca welcomed supporters of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital into their home last fall for the inaugural Transformational Talks event titled “Epilepsy Breakthroughs.” Dr. Huda Zoghbi, director of the NRI, hosted the intimate cocktail reception and dinner, which featured remarks by several of Texas Children’s Hospital’s epilepsy experts. The event was the irst in a series that will provide in-depth explorations of a variety of pediatric
B. diseases and disorders. The evening also served as an informal kick-off for Texas Children’s new epilepsy initiative, which will capitalize on the strengths of Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and the NRI to revolutionize epilepsy research and treatment. Among the guests were Anne and Albert Chao, Muffet Blake and Bob Murray, Maureen and Dr. Gary Clark, Jan Duncan; Barbara and Michael Feigin, Robert Graham, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Fairfax and Risher Randall, Dr. James Riviello; Ginny Simmons, Anita and Gerald Smith, Barbara and Dr. Howard Weiner, Tracy and Richard Wilken, and Geraldina Wise.
C. D. E.
F. G. A. Dr. Huda Zoghbi speaks to the audience B. Gerald Smith, Elizabeth DeLuca, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Barbara Weiner, Anita Smith C. Dr. Gary Clark D. Virginia “Ginny” Simmons, Cynthia Petrello, Lee H. Rosenthal, Gary L. Rosenthal E. Cynthia Petrello, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Barbara Feigin, Tracy Wilken F. Anthony and Elizabeth DeLuca G. Jan Duncan, Geraldina Wise, Fairfax Randal ISSUE 5 – 2018
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ANONYMOUS DONOR FUNDS DISTINGUISHED CHAIR TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
For many years, help for individuals to remain anonymous, but they wanted to is still an urgent need for additional research struggling with mental and emotional honor someone very special to them with to understand their biological basis more problems has been limited and largely their gift—the hospital’s President and CEO fully. Early diagnosis and intervention for inaccessible to many. Those suffering often Mark A. Wallace. The Mark A. Wallace children is critical to reduce the severity of remained silent. Many did not know how Distinguished Chair at the Jan and Dan their symptoms and improve their quality to explain what they were experiencing. Duncan Neurological Research Institute of life. They were frightened by the prospect of (NRI) will support mental health research. isolation from family and friends and by The NRI is expanding its efforts in this area, negative implications around work and with studies on mood disorders, anxiety, social activities. The diagnosis of a mental obsessive-compulsive disorders and other illness came with a heavy stigma that only mental illnesses. These conditions, most of “Mark Wallace is a unique magni ied the problem. which develop during childhood, affect one CEO who supports basic Fortunately, things are beginning to in 30 people. research to solve brain disorders. change. More people recognize that they are “I am deeply honored by this special We are uniquely positioned not alone in their struggles. Researchers have donor’s decision to name a chair after me to helped to uncover keys to understanding support basic research at the NRI,” Wallace to break open new areas of mental disorders. All sorts of ambassadors — said. “The ongoing funding provided by the research in psychiatry, and the from physicians and nurses to community endowment will enable the NRI’s faculty Mark A. Wallace Distinguished leaders and donors — have spoken up and and research teams to pursue new ideas and Chair at the NRI will enable become advocates for some of the most collaborative efforts aimed at more effective us to take the next step.” vulnerable members of our society. treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.” The generosity and dedication of one Evidence suggests that these mental – Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, couple to the health and well-being of our illnesses run in families and that genes director of the Jan and Dan Duncan community is a wonderful example and are likely to play a role in the biologic Neurological Research Institute led to the establishment of a new endowed vulnerability for many individuals. The chair at Texas Children’s. The couple chose genetic components are complex, and there aspire.texaschildrens.org
34 CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS BENEFITING TEXAS CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER
On February 9, more than 350 guests joined event chairs Sidney Faust, Judi McGee, Elsie Eckert and Scott Basinger for the 10th annual Celebration of Champions fashion show and luncheon at the River Oaks Country Club.
Honorary Community Champions Event chairs Elsie Eckert, Sidney Faust, Judi McGee and Jeff Bagwell and Scott Basinger Mary Lou Retton light the Torch of Hope to kick off the fashion show.
Jeff Bagwell, Honorary Community Champion and Hall of Fame irst baseman for the Houston Astros, autographed baseballs for each of the Texas Children’s Cancer Center Patient Champions. Community Champions Hannah and Cal McNair strut the runway with Texas Children’s Cancer Center patients and show off their best “Texans” attire.
he event featured a fashion show with Since its inception, the event has raised more COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS pediatric cancer survivors from than $1.5 million for the Long Term Cancer TTexas Children’s Cancer Center walking Survivor Program at Texas Children’s Cancer the runway with this year’s Community Center, which monitors patients for delayed Rachel and Jeff Bagwell Champions, a group of notable Houstonians side effects and complications caused by Kristy and Chris Bradshaw who do so much to help children battling previous cancer therapies. Not every pediatric Penny and John Butler cancer and to make the community a cancer treatment center continues to follow Mary and John Eads better place. its patients into adulthood, but caregivers at More than your typical fashion show, it was Texas Children’s Cancer Center recognize that Linda and Mark Evans a “look at me now” moment for children who health concerns for childhood cancer patients Tena and Tyson Faust have seen some dark days early in their lives may not end when their cancer treatment is Winell and Doug Herron in their ight with cancer. successfully completed. Christie and Billy McCartney In addition to showcasing the latest The program currently has 30,000 long- Lisa McCoy fashion trends from Saks Fifth Avenue and term pediatric cancer survivors nationwide Hannah and Cal McNair Dillard’s, the event also featured a special enrolled in Passport for Care, an online appearance by the honorary event chairs resource guide developed at Texas Children’s Dr. David Poplack Jeff Bagwell and Mary Lou Retton. They and Baylor College of Medicine that provides Mary Lou Retton kicked off the event with the lighting of the individualized health care information to Diane and John Riley Torch of Hope and later took the runway guide physicians’ care for late risks and effects Kathi and Bill Rovere alongside patient champions. from childhood cancer treatment. Courtney and Christopher Saro im ISSUE 5 – 2018
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PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY
MINI TESLA HELPS IMPROVE MOBILITY FOR PATIENTS AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL THE WOODLANDS MELISA AND ALBERT DION
There’s a shiny, red mini Tesla at Texas August, their Kingwood home looded way to motivate children who are receiving Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, and it’s during Hurricane Harvey, forcing them to therapy for an injury or chronic health helping children who are receiving physical, be rescued by boat from the second loor. In condition such as cerebral palsy. One patient occupational and speech therapy. The Tesla addition to losing many of their cherished is a 5-year-old boy with rhabdomyosarcoma, Model S electric car — a miniature version of belongings, they also lost their two Teslas. a type of muscle cancer. a full-size Tesla — was generously donated “Our goal is to improve his walking,” said by Melisa and Albert Dion. Jay Mennel, manager of therapy. “His right The Dions are strong advocates of the ankle is weak from his tumor, but if he walks mission of Texas Children’s. Through “I thought it was a wonderful one or two laps, he gets to drive the Tesla the Melisa’s involvement in Mothers Against use for this; and if it could help same amount.” Cancer, she has helped raise money that a child, my goodness!” Mennel enjoys watching the children as bene its Texas Children’s Cancer Center. they drive the mini Tesla around the therapy – Melisa Dion Albert, who has suffered with a lifelong department, and he is thankful to the Dions autoimmune disease and cancer, is for their gift. passionate about inding a cure for children “I want the Dions to know that our patients who have similar conditions. In 2015, the They decided to replace one of them, and as absolutely love the mini Tesla,” said Mennel. Dions made a wonderful gift to support a thank you, the Tesla company invited them “The best part is that I can hear our patients the construction of our new hospital in to choose a special gift. The Dions picked driving it while I’m in my of ice. They have The Woodlands. the mini Tesla with Texas Children’s in mind. big smiles on their faces and are always The Dions’ gift of the mini Tesla came The mini Tesla is being used at Texas so happy.” about in a rather unexpected way. Last Children’s Hospital The Woodlands as a fun NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 6131
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