ISSUE 3 – 2016

AMERICAN LEGENDS HONORED p. 24

A PROMISE KEPT:

TEXAS CHILDREN’S

HOSPITAL THE

WOODLANDS p. 16

DIRECT FROM THE HEARTDirect Energy p. 22

PERFORMING MIRACLES: TRANSPLANT SERVICES AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S p. 26

IN THIS ISSUE ...

AMBER L. TABORA, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

STACEY COOK, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MICHAEL COTHRAN, MANAGING EDITOR

ANN SAYE, MANAGING EDITOR

CAROLINE WILLIAMS, EDITOR/CONTENT COORDINATOR

MICHELLE HERNANDEZ, CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

KELLY CLIBURN, CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

ADCETERA, DESIGN AND CONTENT CONTRIBUTER

JENNY ANTILL CLIFTON, ALLEN KRAMER, PAUL KUNTZ, WILL LEBLANC, JOHN LEWIS AND CHINH PHAN, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTRIBUTORS

Start making a difference today.

Give onlinetexaschildrens.org/give

Give over the phone832-824-6806

Give via mailTexas Children’s HospitalOffice of Development1919 South Braeswood Boulevard Suite 5214Houston, Texas 77030

26

20

Giving Children a Second Chance at Life:Transplant Services at Texas Children’s Hospital

42016 Calendar of Events

What’s New, What’s Next

11Big Turnouts, Better Outcomes

Community Events Supporting Texas Children’s

A Heartfelt CommitmentDirect Energy

20 Years of“What’s Up, Doc?”

Texas Children’s Hospital

The Woodlands

Inside the Promise Campaign

24

16

6

Ambassadors forTexas Children’s Hospital

8

5 A Responsibility to the FutureShirley and Ralph Alexander

22

Celebrating Legendary Americans

An Evening with a Legend Events

The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital

Six Decades of Making

a Difference

30

OFFICERS

ANN LENTS

CHAIRMAN

MICHAEL LINN

PRESIDENT

KEVIN C. KING

VICE PRESIDENT

FREDA WILKERSON BASS

VICE PRESIDENT

CINDY B. TAYLOR

VICE PRESIDENT

C. PARK SHAPER

TREASURER

SUSAN BELL BOYKIN

SECRETARY

DACE REINHOLDS

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

(non-trustee)

EMERITUS TRUSTEE

JOSEPHINE E. ABERCROMBIE

ADVISORY BOARD

EDUARDO AGUIRRE, JR.

KIRBY ATTWELL

LEWIS E. BRAZELTON III

BEN A. BROLLIER

HOLCOMBE CROSSWELL

DONALD P. DEWALCH

ROBERT L. GERRY III

BEN B. McANDREW III

WILLIAM K. McGEE, JR

DARRELL C. MORROW

GEORGE A. PETERKIN, JR

TOWNES G. PRESSLER

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

WILLIE J. ALEXANDER

MERRELL A. ATHON

THOMAS G. BACON

FREDA WILKERSON BASS

SUSAN BELL BOYKIN

MARTHA CARNES

JOSEPH A. CLEARY, JR.

JAN DUNCAN

JENNY ELKINS

NANCY R. GORDON

VICTOR E. HARRIS

RONALD C. HULME

JODIE LEE JILES

KEVIN C. KING

ANN LENTS

MICHAEL LINN

BARRY H. MARGOLIS

WILLIAM N. MATHIS

EDWARD S. McCULLOUGH

ROBERT E. MEADOWS

DAVID L. MENDEZ

SUZANNE NIMOCKS

ANTHONY G. PETRELLO

DAN PICKERING

GARY L. ROSENTHAL

TONY SANCHEZ

C. PARK SHAPER

L.E. SIMMONS

JOEL V. STAFF

Y. PING SUN

CINDY B. TAYLOR

BRAD TUCKER

MARK A. WALLACE

PETER S. WAREING

MAX P. WATSON

SCOTT N. WULFE

2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PROMISE CAMPAIGN CHAIRS

CAROL AND MICHAEL LINN

PROMISE CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

HOLCOMBE CROSSWELL

CAROL AND PHIL GARNER

NANCY GORDON

CARI AND JOHN GRIGGS

JUDY AND GLENN SMITH

PROMISE CAMPAIGN HONORARY CHAIRS

JANICE AND ROBERT McNAIR

PROMISE CAMPAIGNCOMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Nancy Gordon

The Driving Power of Promise

19

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

ISSUE 3 – 2016

3

All the amazing stories and Texas Children’s news you love in Aspire are just a touch, swipe or click away. Visit online and gain access to:

To view this issue, or for access to previous issues, visit aspire.texaschildrens.org. And don’t forget to share with friends!

IS ONLINE!

Visit aspire.texaschildrens.org.

the latest videos

fullarticles

more photos

Join us as we celebrate champions in the community and champions in the fight against pediatric cancer.

You don’t need to bring your best golf game — just your worst pants. All proceeds benefit Texas Children's Newborn Center.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Texas Children’s best and brightest and discuss hot-topic medical issues here in Houston and around the world.

It’s a fun-raising fundraiser that’s like nothing else. Come out for great food and good times as we raise support and awareness for Texas Children's Heart Center.

CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS BAD PANTS OPEN

“WHAT’S UP, DOC?”

TOSS FOR TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEART CENTER

October 7 October 20 November 17

Please join Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr., and meet some of the experts who are advancing Texas Children’s surgical enterprise each and every day.

FORUM LUNCHEON HOUSTON

September 21 October 6

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

aspire.texaschildrens .org

4

P RO F I L E S I N P H I L A N T H RO P Y

A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE FUTURES H I R L E Y A N D R A L P H A L E X A N D E R

I t worked, and they saved her

life,” Ralph Alexander recalled.

“I’m not sure she could have

gotten the same treatment

where she came from, so it

was a wonderful outcome.”

In the decades that followed,

a career in the energy industry

took Shirley and Ralph around the

world. During that time, they hung

their hats in many places — New

York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San

Francisco, Cleveland and even

the United Kingdom. But Texas

always seemed to draw them back.

After 15 years of living overseas,

they decided to return “home” to

Texas once more and settled in

The Woodlands.

“We liked the newness of The

Woodlands — the freshness,”

Shirley and Ralph Alexander moved to the Houston area 31 years ago. They were a young

couple, newly married and anxiously awaiting the arrival of a child, and they were comforted

knowing that family from New York had also recently relocated to nearby Spring, Texas.

Soon after the move, the Alexanders’ young niece was diagnosed with leukemia.

Her best choice for treatment was Texas Children’s Hospital.

Shirley said. “It was a great place

to think about the next chapters

in our life — settling here and

enjoying all the things that this

community brings.”

Since returning to the area, the

Alexanders have witnessed many

things, including astronomical

growth. New

commercial

and residential

developments

are constantly

cropping

up, and with

them, new

people and new opportunities.

But the most striking thing

Shirley and Ralph have noticed

about The Woodlands is the

sense of community inherent in

its residents and the generous

spirit of civic and philanthropic

responsibility.

“If you have a desire to help, to

be constructive, to create progress

for our community, you can do it

here,” Ralph said. “Shirley and I

have had the pleasure of meeting

wonderful people

who give of

themselves — not

just money, but

time, to make this

a better place,

and that’s really

exciting.”

The Alexanders began exploring

ways to become involved. The

choice immediately became clear

to them when they learned that

Texas Children’s Hospital was

working to bring its world-class

health care to the communities

north of Houston. Shirley and

Ralph recently made a generous

gift of $250,000 to Promise: The

Campaign for Texas Children’s

Hospital that will specifically

support Texas Children’s Hospital

The Woodlands.

“Why are we so supportive of

Texas Children’s? I’d have to say

the first reason is because we

can be,” Ralph said. “And those

of us who can be, I think, have a

responsibility to do that. But also,

we’re getting the opportunity to get

something that is absolutely best

on the planet here. Texas Children’s

is world-class, and it’s great for

the community.”

“My promise is: I’m here today. I’m going to be here for the long term. I’m not going away. I’m here forever. So my promise is a promise of a lifetime for Texas Children’s and the work they’re doing.”

– Shirley Alexander, Promise Campaign donor

Hear more from Shirleyand Ralph at

aspire.texaschildrens.org/alexanders

“

"It’s not time to give when you can — it’s time to give

when it’s needed." – Ralph Alexander

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ISSUE 3 – 2016

5

PROMISE: The Campaign for Texas Children’s Hospital

Last fall, Texas Children’s Hospital’s

annual Houston Forum Luncheon at the

Hilton Americas–Houston served as the

official announcement of Promise: The Campaign

for Texas Children’s Hospital.

Texas Children’s commitment to raising

$475 million will help ensure that the hospital is

able to meet current pressing challenges and put

into place the infrastructure necessary to meet the

needs of the growing pediatric population in our

community — and the patients and families we will

serve 5, 10 and even 20 years from now.

The campaign’s top priorities are:

Pediatric Tower: a 640,000-square-foot,

19-story building that will allow Texas Children’s

to enhance its critical, surgical and emergency

care services in the Texas Medical Center. The

tower is scheduled to open in 2018 and will house

Texas Children’s Heart Center, additional patient

rooms, enhanced intensive care units and state-of-

the-art operating rooms.

Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands:

a 548,000-square-foot dedicated pediatric

hospital to serve the growing communities

north of Houston.

Guests heard more about these two priorities

from Texas Children’s Hospital’s President and

CEO Mark A. Wallace and about the importance

of philanthropic support from Promise Campaign

chairs Carol and Mike Linn. They were also

introduced to the Graves and Kramer families.

Born with a heart defect, Juliana Graves is the

youngest patient ever to receive a heart transplant

at Texas Children’s Hospital. Chloe Kramer was

rushed to Texas Children’s in respiratory failure

and received lifesaving treatment that included

extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) —

a treatment that few children’s hospitals are able

to provide.

TO LEARN

more about the Promise Campaign, please visit texaschildrens.org/promise

PROMISE CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP

Chairs Carol and Mike Linn

Co-Chairs Holcombe Crosswell Carol and Phil Garner Nancy Gordon Cary and John Griggs Judy and Glenn Smith

Honorary Chairs Janice and Bob McNair

aspire.texaschildrens .org

6

$10,000,000 – $24,999,999

Chevron The Howard Hughes Corporation/ The Woodlands Development Company

$5,000,000 – $9,999,999

Direct Energy The Elkins Foundation ExxonMobil The Hildebrand Family Mark A. Lensky Estate of Kenneth W. McBryde Mr. Charif Souki

$1,000,000 – $4,999,999

Anonymous (2) Ace HardwareAnadarko Petroleum CorporationThe Auxiliary to Texas Children's HospitalBeyond Batten Disease FoundationThe Blue Bird CircleDr. Milton and Laurie BoniukThe Brown Foundation, Inc.The Gordon & Mary Cain Pediatric Neurology Research FoundationLauren and Lara Camillo Family TrustsTing-Tsung & Wei-Fong Chao FoundationCathy and Joseph ClearyCorner StoreThe Cullen Trust for Health CareSidney and Don FaustMichelle and Dave FeavelMary Rodes Gibson Hemostasis- Thrombosis FoundationGR8 Hope FoundationMaureen and Jim HackettThe Hamill FoundationH-E-BThe Histio Cure FoundationJeri and Travis HorelicaHuffington FoundationHyundai Motor AmericaJLH Foundation, Inc.Jerold B. Katz FamilyRobert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg FoundationKohl's Department Stores, Inc.Carol and Michael LinnM. D. Anderson FoundationAngela B. and Louis E. MagneRisa and Sterling McDonaldRobert and Janice McNair FoundationBarbara D. Mitchell, Ph.D.Mothers Against CancerRalph O'ConnorThe Pate Family FoundationEstate of Mary Beth PawelekDawn and Richard RawsonThe Sarofim FoundationThe Lester and Sue Smith FoundationSterling-Turner FoundationT.L.L. Temple FoundationUNICEF – Southwest Regional OfficeAsha and Farid ViraniWalmart and Sam's ClubPam and Gary WhitlockWoodforest National BankBarbara and Robert Zorich

$500,000 – $999,999

Anonymous (4) Alex's Lemonade Stand FoundationCarl C. Anderson, Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable FoundationJulio CardenalAnn and Clarence CazalotCFP FoundationConocoPhillipsMark and Judith Cook FoundationCuring Kids' CancerJohn S. Dunn FoundationMary and Doug ErwinClare A. GlassellDee and Michael HairstonJohn Knox, Jr.KrogerLewis JewelersJeffrey Modell FoundationThe Pin Oak Charity Horse ShowIsla and T.R. RecklingThe Rise SchoolScurlock FoundationShackouls Family FoundationVirginia & L.E. Simmons Family FoundationThe Simons FoundationVivian L. Smith FoundationSpencer GiftsTeammates for Kids FoundationTellepsen FamilyTexas Oilman's Bass CharitiesThrasher Research FundThe Vale-Asche FoundationElizabeth and Peter Wareing Drs. Huda and William Zoghbi

$100,000 – $499,999

Anonymous (8)Acute Respiratory Illness AssociationBarbara and Roy AdamsAicardi Syndrome FoundationJ. R. Albert Charitable TrustShirley and Ralph AlexanderJoan and Stanford AlexanderElizabeth and Hugh AllenThe Cade R. Alpard Foundation for Pediatric Liver DiseaseAmerican Association of Drilling EngineersThe Andras FoundationAssociation of Program Directors in RadiologyMr. and Mrs. Merrell A. AthonCharlotte and Jamil Azzam FoundationCarol BakerBalfour Beatty ConstructionFreda W. BassJanet BatesEula Mae and John Baugh FoundationBaxter TrustBB&T CorporationBBVA Compass BankBioGaia ABBosarge Family FoundationThe Boyd Morse FoundationSuzanne BradenJennifer and Jimmy BranchThe Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc.Broesche Family FoundationCristina and James BuassJeanie and Tommy Carter

CenterPoint EnergyMOC Fund at Central Valley Community FoundationEstate of Sandra Sue ChapmanChevron Humankind Matching Gift ProgramChevron Phillips Chemical Co., LPChico's FASCity of McAllenThe Cockrell Family FundAdonia and Kevin CokinosNancy and Brady CookCaneila CookVannie E. Cook, Jr., Cancer FoundationMaria and Santiago CortinaCostco WholesaleThe Crain FoundationEmily and Holcombe CrosswellDairy QueenAlan DaleDavid Elementary, P.T.O.David Weekley HomesMaria I. Torrallardona Mata and Javier De Pedro EspinolaMelisa and Albert Dion IIEstate of Merle DoniganDuncan Genesis FoundationJan E. DuncanRachel and Adam DunnThe Ellwood FoundationDr. and Mrs. George D. FerryMarvy Finger Family FoundationFKP Architects, Inc.The Fondren FoundationFriends for HopeGallery FurnitureThe George FoundationCandi and Gerald GlennGolfers Against CancerNancy and Jim GordonEstate of Tobi GordonGrant-A-Starr FoundationGreater Houston Builders AssociationThe Greentree FundTanya and Andrew GreenwoodCharlotte and Howard HarpsterAnn Lents and David HeaneyOuida HembreeBecky and Kevin HostlerHoustons Credit UnionsHouston Junior Woman's ClubMr. and Mrs. Ronald C. HulmeIntermountain HealthcareJKJ Charitable FoundationJones Lang LaSalle in partnership with Mr. and Mrs. David M. Bale and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel G. BellowRaleigh and Marjorie Bintliff JohnsonYvonne and Walter JohnsonDoris and James JonesGeorge JosephMelissa and Brad JuneauThe Junior League of Houston, Inc.Kappa Alpha Theta AlumnaeMonica and Kevin KingKLS Martin, L.P.The Laurel's Army FoundationJC LeFloreLet The Fashions Begin, Inc.Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable TrustCarolyn and David Light IIIJennifer and Jeb LigumsLinn EnergyGillson Longenbaugh FoundationLove's Travel Stops & Country StoresM-A-C AIDS Fund/MAC CosmeticsCora Sue and Harry MachEstate of Patricia F. MansingerMarch of Dimes FoundationRosalyn and Barry MargolisMarriott International, Inc.Bailey and Pete McCarthyMcCoy Workplace Solutions, Inc.Flo and Bill McGeeMr. and Mrs. Robert E. MeadowsMedtronic, Inc.Men of Distinction of Greater Houston, Inc.Jan and Arnie MillerLaura and Lew MoormanMorgan Stanley FoundationMusket CorporationNational Multiple Sclerosis SocietyMary NaylorNoble CorporationSydnor and Olga Oden FoundationThe John M. O'Quinn FoundationSuh-Yun L. OuPanda ExpressThe Periwinkle FoundationPetrello Family FoundationPetroleum Wholesale L.P.Cindy and Don PoarchThe Rancher's Ride Inc.Randalls FoundationRawley FoundationLeigh Anne and John RaymondRBC Capital MarketsRBC Wealth ManagementRE/MAX Real Estate AssociatesRE/MAX Space Center – Clear LakeRE/MAX The Woodlands & SpringReady or Not FoundationVicki and Michael RichmondGeorge A. Robinson IV FoundationRoxanne and Kolja RockovRonald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/GalvestonSybil RoosSuzanne and Mike RoseMr. and Mrs. Gary RosenthalRotary Club of Houston Foundation, Inc.Leslie and Shannon Sasser Family FundSchlumberger Technology CorporationMelissa and Doug SchnitzerRoberta and Lee SchwartzKristy and John SextonShell Oil Company FoundationStephen Y. ShingRosemary and Dan J. Harrison III – Mary Alice Smith FoundationSnowdrop Foundation, Inc.The Harry and Estelle Soicher FoundationMary Martha and Joel StaffThe Stargel FamilyLois and George StarkStripes LLCSarah and Terry StuckeyCalvin H. Sugg, Jr.The Sutton FoundationMr. and Mrs. Douglas E. Swanson, Jr.Swing For A CureThe TeamConnor Childhood Cancer FoundationMarianne and George ThomasToyota North America, Inc.University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc.Valley Baptist Legacy FoundationVidara Therapeutics Research, Ltd.

Karen and Brock WagnerWalter P Moore & Associates, Inc.Kay and Max WatsonWells FargoRyan Batman Williams FoundationSue and David WilliamsKristen and Matt WilseyThe Winston Foundation, Inc.Wipe Out Kids' CancerWolff Family FoundationLori and Scott WulfeDr. Edward and Brenda Yosowitz

$50,000 – $99,999

AnonymousAgar Corporation, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Michael ArnettSteven ArnoldAscende Charitable TrustLaura and Tom BaconBank of Nova ScotiaBear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Inc.W. S. Bellows Construction CorporationTina BentsenMelony and B.J. BergeronEva and Beau BissoBlue Cross and Blue Shield of TexasBraly Family Limited PartnershipBristow Group Inc.Henry T. BrooksShirley and Monte CaubleChance for Hope FoundationConocoPhillips Matching GiftsCook Children's Medical CenterCredit Agricole Corporate and Investment BankCredit Suisse First Boston CorporationBobby L Crossley and Juanita Crossley Revocable Living TrustCuring Children's Cancer FundClayton Dabney FoundationDec My RoomDeloitte & Touche LLPDeutsche Bank Securities, Inc.Sally and Don DeWalchDirect Energy ServicesLisa and Richard DuncanAndrea and Larry ElliottEpic Systems CorporationRebecca and Lonnie FedrickSheri FeldmanFor The CureFreedom From Fistula FoundationLiz and Clint FreelandFundacion TeletonThe Jacob and Louise Gabbay Foundation, Inc.GBM International Inc.Go Gold FundSally and Frank GoldbergGoldman, Sachs & Co.Aileen GordonDr. David Sr. and Nell T. Greer TrustHalliburton Matching GiftsGeorge and Mary Josephine Hamman FoundationThe Hildebrand FoundationHIS Grace FoundationHLH McAllen VentureThe Holthouse Foundation for KidsHope Help Heal Foundation, Inc.Houston Endowment Inc.Houston Family FoundationHouston G-Man ClassicHouston Pi Beta Phi FoundationIBM Business SolutionsInsperityJacob White Construction CompanyKnapp ChevroletLinda S. KnoxLeaping Butterfly Ministry and Circles of Hope FoundationJean and Richard LewellenSusan MacDonaldMacDonald-Peterson FoundationThe Mailman Foundation, Inc.MainStreet AmericaMake Some Noise 4 KidsJoyce and Fred McCauleyMcKesson FoundationCorinne and Michael McVayMemorial Hermann Health SystemJanie MillerEstate of Alexander James MollMustang CatNational Academy of SciencesNational Oilwell VarcoJan and Joe NetherlandNorth Houston Pole Line, LPOil States International Inc.Susan and Mike PadonSusan and Mark PapaC. N. and Maria Papadopoulos Charitable FoundationJennifer Pate, M.D.Lorri and Brian PetrauskasDaniel PickeringPlains Marketing, L.P.Porsche of North HoustonProlacta BioscienceWyatt Ray Memorial FundMr. and Mrs. Shawn L. RaymondJ Newton Rayzor FoundationRE/MAX Associates NortheastRE/MAX LegendsRE/MAX NorthwestRE/MAX of Texas Regional OfficeMr. and Mrs. Robert K. ReevesRobbins Institute for Health Policy and LeadershipDr. and Mrs. David R. Roth, M.D.The Royal Bank of ScotlandJudy and Henry SauerJoan and John ScalesLynn Des Prez and Bill ShearerSignMeUp.comSilver Eagle Distributors, L.P.Mr. and Mrs. Laurence E. SimmonsAmy and Kyle SimsonDr. Paul SirbaughSmith & Associates InternationalBob and Vivian Smith FoundationJudy and Glenn SmithSusie and Tommy SmithLois and George StarkLindsay and Trent StoutStrake FoundationGretchen Swanson Family Foundation, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. John C. Swonke, Jr.Tracy and Don TandyRachael and Mark TerryTexas Food Bank NetworkTexla KCC, Inc.Raul Tijerina Jr. FoundationVanessa's Big Heart FoundationThe Vaughn FoundationWildhorses ResourcesTracy and Richard WilkenWorldwide Oilfield Machine Inc.

Brenda and Randy WrightYoung Texans Against CancerThe Zeitgeist Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 – $49,999

Anonymous (2)The Abercrombie FoundationAble FoundationJulie and Drew AlexanderWillie AlexanderAll American Classics, Inc.Archer Daniels Midland CompanyAscende, Inc.The H.G. Ash FoundationHeather and Richard AvantNadine and Tim BalombinBank of AmericaThe Bank of Nova ScotiaBarclays CapitalChrista Ziegler and Lance BarnesBarton Family FoundationBates Family FoundationBaxalta US, Inc.Baxter Healthcare CorporationBaylor College of MedicineSheryl and Douglas BechGaryle Storey and Anthony BenedettoDonna and Steve BenottiBH-EH FoundationBinet Family FoundationDeana and Larry BlackburnSusan and Gary BlackieBMC SoftwareBMO Nesbitt Burns Inc.BNP ParibasMeg Goodman and Michael BoniniSusan and Bob BoykinBP America, Inc.BP Foundation, Inc.Bracewell & Giuliani, L.L.P.Floyd S. Brandt, M.D.Shelley and Lew BrazeltonH.L. Brown, Jr. Family FoundationMichelle Riley-Brown and James BrownPatricia Ann BrumleyLilia Khakimova and C. Robert BunchPatrick and Greggory BurkCalco Contracting, Ltd.Calpine CorporationCardno Haynes Whaley, Inc.Estate of Frances Sicola CardwellCarol's Lighting and Fan Shop, Inc.Keely and Carl CarterBernadette and Keith CaseyCandice and Richard CashenCastleRock CommunitiesCaterpillar Inc.Michael & Rebecca Cemo FoundationCharity Guild of Catholic WomenChristian Brothers AutomotiveCIBC World Markets Corp. USACitizens United for Research in Epilepsy, Inc.City of Houston – Municipal CampaignStacey and Cooper CollinsJennifer and Robert CookseyCO-OP Financial ServicesFranci and Jim CraneCSE W-IndustriesSusie and Bucky CunninghamHilda and Greg CurranMary-Kathryn and Chris D'AgostinoShawn and Carl DalioThe Joanne and John DallePezze FoundationMr. and Mrs. Michael P. DavisDC23 Hot ShotsMelissa and Emilio DeAyalaDemi's Difference IncJulie and Casey DohertyStaci and John DonovanDonald Driver FoundationStephanie DruleyJennifer and David DucoteMr. and Mrs. Byron F. Dyer, Jr.Mrs. Lois W. DykAndrea and Lyle EasthamPepper and Ashley EdensJohnna and Ryan EdoneMorven Edwards, M.D.Entergy TexasExxonMobil Foundation (Matching Gifts Program)EZCORP FoundationZeina and Nijad FaresFaust Distributing Company, Inc.Leslie and Michael FertittaMyrna FischLauren and Don FornesCarolyn and Bill ForneyCarol and Jim FrankelCarol and Phil GarnerEileen and Angelo GiardinoCarrie and Timothy GilletteErin and Brian GilmoreGiving Rocks FoundationsGrace Science FoundationLauren Catuzzi Grandcolas FoundationGratis FoundationJennifer and Paul GregoryLinda and John GriffinBeth and Douglas GrijalvaCindy and John HagemanHalliburtonHalliburton Energy ServicesCamille HankamerBarbara and Wayne HarmsHarris County Community Supervision & Corrections DepartmentHarris County Precinct One, Place TwoDottie and John HarrisMargie and Mark HarrisJulie and Victor HarrisAnn and Billy HarrisonPat and Mike HartmanHCC Service Company, Inc.Mia and Joseph HeilDrs. Frank and Dale HillMarian and Timothy HilpertJannah HodgesHowco Metals Management, LLCHowell Family FoundationImproveCareNow, Inc.Dr. Rani Nanda and Daniel W. JacksonMr. and Mrs. Beau C. JamesCathy and Mel JodeitLinda and Gary JohnsonCarolyn and John JohnsonMargaret and Russell JosephJunior League of The WoodlandsKristie and Kyle KafkaKBRKeystone ConcreteMasu and Badar KhanWilliam S. and Lora Jean Kilroy FoundationMarie Louise and David KinderDebbie and Bobby KnappSaranne and Livingston KosbergEstate of Claire LampardTerry and Ray Larson

Laura and Donald LehmanLiam's Lighthouse FoundationSusan and David Light IVJessica and Lance LightfootAnn and John LigumsSara H. and John H. Lindsey FoundationThe Lupus Foundation of AmericaMacquarie Bank LimitedRoberta and Leonard MartinMr. and Mrs. William Nelson MathisJill and Clarence MayerB.D. and Mac McAndrewRebecca and Shannon McGarrJohn P. McGovern FoundationWilliam McKenneyMcLane FoodserviceMcRee FordMercedes-Benz of The WoodlandsMarlene Nathan Meyerson Family FoundationMacy and David MiddletonSuzanne and Arnold MillerRishma and Akbar MohamedDenise MonteleoneMorgan Stanley Private Wealth ManagementMrs. Ethel L. MorrisThe Nanninga Family Living TrustNational Association of Children's Hospitals & Related InstitutionsNational Marrow Donor ProgramBobbie and John NauCeline and Randy NelsonAnita and Rolf NelsonMr. and Mrs. Ofer NemirovskyEstate of Philip Ross NeuhausSuzanne and Robert NimocksNoble EnergyNorthwestern MutualAmy and David NovelliHeidi and Tobin O'DonnellKristi and Mike OldhamThe Robert R. and Kay M. Onstead FoundationRuth OppenheimPackard International, Inc.Jennifer Pate, M.D.Diane and Jeff PaulPenland FoundationGervaise and Gary PetersenBrenda and Larry PetruJennifer and Richard PetruPhi Mu Houston Alumnae ChapterPhillips Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Jacob S. PolatsekSuzanne and Bob PotterThe Townes G. Pressler Family FoundationPricewaterhouseCoopers LLPPrimary Children's Medical CenterBunny and Perry RadoffHolly and Steve RadomDr. Judith RagsdaleAmelia and Walter RallsRE/MAX Fine PropertiesRE/MAX HometownRE/MAX IntegrityRE/MAX Realty Center Noelle and Eric ReedAmy and Michael ReevesKrissi and Taylor ReidAli and Dwight RettigRobert RickettsJean and Glynn RobertsSheila and Jon RodermundAnne and Joe RomanoRothmund-Thomson Syndrome FoundationAmy and Thomas RyanSafeway, Inc.Saint Arnold Brewing Co.Norma and Pete SanchezCheryl and Robert SanfordLuz SaucedoJudith & Henry Sauer Charitable FoundationSchiel B-R-C-P-B-B-L Foundation, Inc.Maryann T. SeamanAlly and Mike SederJordan and Dylan SeffMr. and Mrs. Andrew J. SegalCathy and Dennis SeithElise de Compiegne ShattoJulia and Russell ShepardDanielle and Christopher ShieldDr. and Mrs. Jeff ShiltEdward B. Singleton, M.D.Sherry and Vincent SinisiShirley SirotaBeth and Chris SlaughterSmith Seckman Reid, Inc.Norma and Harvey SmithAnne and Stephen SmithSociete GeneraleSouth Spur, LPSpindletop Charities, Inc.St. Jude MedicalDr. and Mrs. Stephen StayerCindy and Larry SteinLeslie and Chad StevensRobyn Rothman and John StevensonMarcia and Carroll StoneMr. and Mrs. Terry E. StuckeyDebbie and Steve SukinSwift Energy CompanyMargery and Dennis TanjeloffCindy and Allan TaylorTC Teachers Federal Credit Union TGS-NOPEC Geophysical CompanyCarl C. & Lily C. Thrift Charitable TrustMatthew TitusCandie and Steven TramonteTRC Trading CorporationUBS Financial ServicesUnion BankWilma W. VossMr. and Mrs. J. Virgil WaggonerMarilyn and Larry WagnerShannon and Mark A. WallaceLaura and Rob WallsWeatherford U.S., L.P.Krista and Robby WhiteWilliam and Marie Wise Family FoundationAngela and John WisenbakerMr. and Mrs. Melvyn L. WolffJanet and Ronald WongJill and Donald WoodMr. and Mrs. Edward L. WoodThe Woodell Family FoundationThe Woodforest Charitable FoundationJennifer and Daniel YoderMarcie and Robert ZlotnikRobert L. and Barbara Zorich Family Foundation

P R O M I S E C A M P A I G N D O N O R S(as of August 4, 2016)

“Texas Children’s is the best on the planet,” John Raymond

said. “They did miraculous things for us.”

Leigh Anne and John Raymond and their children

Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital is a community of socially engaged

individuals who share a dedication to the hospital’s mission and serve as a strong

voice for children and women who need the most specialized care available.

In addition to raising significant funds for Texas Children’s each year, Ambassadors

gather together for a wide array of events including Ambassadors On Call luncheons —

where guests hear from Texas Children’s experts and tour world-class facilities — and

annual social events such as the Holiday Party and Family Fun Day.

HOLIDAY PARTY

The home of Marita and J.B. Fairbanks

was transformed into a dazzling winter

wonderland for the seventh annual

Ambassadors Holiday Party last December. Nearly

500 guests enjoyed an evening of holiday lights,

food, music and dancing, but the highlight of the

evening was the presentation of the Ambassadors’

annual check — $1.7 million this year — for the

hospital’s area of greatest need, Promise:

The Campaign for Texas Children’s Hospital.

Among the guests at the Holiday Party were

Leigh Anne and John Raymond, who have

experienced firsthand the kinds of miracles that

happen at Texas Children’s Hospital every day.

Leigh Anne and John were ecstatic to

discover they were expecting their fourth child.

At a routine 20-week ultrasound, they found

out they were having a little boy. They also

learned that their son had a congenital heart

defect called tetralogy of Fallot, a rare condition

caused by a combination of four heart defects.

These defects affect the structure of the heart

and cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the

heart and into the rest of the body. Infants and

children with tetralogy of Fallot usually have

blue-tinged skin because their blood doesn't

carry enough oxygen. The Raymonds began

praying for a miracle.

See more event photos ataspire.texaschildrens.org/ambassadors2015

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A M B AS SAS O R S

When Charlie was born three weeks early on

February 9, 2015, the Raymonds learned that their

prayers had been answered.

From the beginning, doctors at Texas Children’s

had explained that Charlie would most likely need

a temporary surgery three to five days after his

birth to help him grow strong enough for a major

surgery later. At the last ultrasound before his

birth, Leigh Anne and John learned that Charlie’s

arteries had grown enough that he would not need

to have that initial procedure. In fact, he was able

to wait six months until August 2015 to have a

complex, life-changing surgery. Surgeon-in-Chief

Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr., operated for more than

eight hours, and the surgery was a success. After

just five days, Charlie was smiling and playing in

the kitchen of his family’s home.

L I F E T I M E M E M B E R SIn addition to its generous annual members, Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital membership includes hundreds of dedicated lifetime members.

We honor them here.

Debbie AdamsShirley and Charles AlexanderJoan and Stanford AlexanderPhyllis and Steven AndersonThe Andras FoundationAlisa and Jim AndrasMary and Oscar AndrasLaura and John ArnoldAscende Charitable TrustHeather and Richard AvantNadine and Tim BalombinLeslie L. Harris and Edward G. BaptistaShanna and Eric BassSheryl and Douglas BechDonna and Steve BenottiMelony and B.J. BergeronCarole and Bruce BilgerHeidi and Todd BinetEva and Beau BissoDarlene and Cappy BissoDeana and Larry BlackburnGary BlackieCollier and Richard BladesMarylou and Ted BlandSusan and Bob BoykinJennifer and Jimmy BranchKatie and A.J. BrassBroesche Family FoundationKarl BroescheKelly and Kirt BroescheHenry T. BrooksThe Brown Foundation, Inc.Chris BrownMichelle Riley-Brown and James BrownJennifer BrownLilia Khakimova and C. Robert BunchKeely and Carl CarterBarbara and Larry CatuzziAnn and Clarence CazalotHolly and Kirk CoburnCockrell Family FundEstela and David CockrellStephanie and Ernie CockrellAdonia and Kevin CokinosStacey and Cooper CollinsNancy and Brady CookSusie and Lloyd CunninghamHilda and Greg CurranMary-Kathryn and Chris D'AgostinoShawn and Chuck DalioElizabeth and Anthony DeLucaJoelle and Mitch DerrickMelisa and Albert DionStaci and John Donovan

Jan Ellis DuncanAndrea and Lyle EasthamPepper and Ashley EdensJohnna and Ryan EdoneJenny ElkinsAndrea and Larry ElliottJohn EmmitteEntergy Texas, Inc.Mary and Doug ErwinGenna and Jon EvansMarita and J.B. FairbanksZeina and Nijad FaresCarolyn FaulkJudy Feigin FaulknerBarbara and Michael FeiginLeslie and Michael FertittaFKP Architects, Inc.Sally and Rigo FloresLauren and Don FornesTobey and Billy ForneyKatie and John ForneyCarolyn and Bill Forney, Jr.Ann and Randy FowlerFrank Lockwood Family FoundationFrankel Family FoundationCarol and Jim Frankel and FamilyKristina and Kevin FrankelLisa FrankelDara and Scott FrankelElizabeth and Clint FreelandPhil and Carol GarnerJulianne and J GautHelen and Terry GebertErin and Brian GilmoreClare A. GlassellCandi and Gerald GlennBenjamin GoJackie and John GodboldMaureen and John GrafClaire and Joe GreenbergWindi and David GrimesCarol and John GunnCindy and John HagemanBarbara and Wayne HarmsPat and Mike HartmanAnn Lents and David HeaneyMia and Joseph HeilCaroline and Bill HelanderMindy and Jeff HildebrandMarian and Tim Hilpert/Air Texas Mechanical, Inc.Wendy and Jeff HinesKitty and Lex HochnerLisa and Michael HolthouseBecky and Kevin Hostler

The Houston Family FoundationAna Lee and Marc JacobsChristy and Webb JenningsCathy and Mel JodeitLinda W. and Gary C. JohnsonMatthew JohnsonVictoria and Parks JohnsonLaura and Steve JonesShelley and Gene JorgensenLeigh and Chris JosephGeorge JosephElise and Russ JosephMelissa and Brad JuneauKristie and Kyle KafkaElizabeth and Tommy KanarellisNicole and Evan KatzEmily and Rusty KelleyMasu and Badar KhanTracey and Mike KillionThe William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy FoundationMarie Louise and David KinderDave KingDebbie and Bobby KnappSaranne and Livingston KosbergGene KurtzTerry and Ray LarsonJenny and Justin LeonardJean and Richard LewellenJessica and Lance LightfootJennifer and Jeb LigumsAnn and John LigumsCarol and Mike LinnJamie and Howard LorchCynthia and Larry LueckemeyerJoella and Steven MachLouis MagneThe Mailman FoundationRosalyn and Barry MargolisHolly and Thomas MasonLisa and Will MathisKirby and Scott McCoolLaura and Andrew McCulloughRebecca and Shay McGarrCorinne and Michael McVayArnold and Suzanne Miller Charitable FundJan and Arnold M. MillerDenise MonteleoneJennifer and Will MonteleoneChristine and Shea MorenzAlice and Keith MosingJanet Wong and Ronald MullinsBobbie and John NauStephanie, Celine and Randy Nelson

Jan and Joe NetherlandAmy and David NovelliHeidi and Tobin O'DonnellAlice and Billy OehmigDiane and Garry OsanLuana and Gary OwensSusan and Mike PadonMrs. C.N. PapadopoulosDiane and Jeff PaulCynthia and Tony PetrelloJenny and Rich PetruBrenda and Larry PetruJack and Faye PolatsekSuzanne and Bob PotterKaren PulaskiBradley RadoffThe Radoff FamilyHolly and Steve RadomJudith Ragsdale, DDS, MSD, Pediatric DentistryAmy and Matt RallsLouise RatzDawn and Richard RawsonCarroll and Hugh RayLeigh Anne and John RaymondNoelle and Eric ReedElizabeth and Bobby ReevesAmy and Mike ReevesKrissi and Taylor ReidVicki and Michael RichmondBrooke and Corby RobertsonBarbara and Corby RobertsonLaura and Will RobertsonWendy and John RoddeySheila and Jon D. RodermundSybil RoosSuzanne and Mike RoseThe Jerry and Maury Rubenstein FoundationNancy and Bryan RuezAmy and Tom RyanTani and Tony Sanchez, Jr.Vanessa and Tony Sanchez IIIVanessa and Eduardo SanchezNorma and Pete SanchezPatricio SanchezCheryl and Robert SanfordLeslie and Shannon SasserJoan and John ScalesKristi and John SchillerCourtney and Gregory SchillingAlly and Mike SederMaryann T. SeamanJordan and Dylan SeffRaquel and Andrew Segal

Cathy and Dennis SeithKristy and John SextonMary Eliza and Park ShaperAmy and Peter Shaper Family FundElise de Compiegne ShattoLynn Des Prez and William T. ShearerDanielle and Christopher ShieldErin and Jeff ShiltAmy and Kyle SimsonSherry and Vincent SinisiElaine and Christopher SlaughterMichelle and Alan SmithNancy SmithAnne and Stephen SmithChristina Dixon and Stuart SmithSusie and Tommy SmithMary Martha and Joel StaffStargel Office SolutionsVicki and Jack StargelSlade StargelJessica and Tyson StargelCindy and Larry SteinAndy and Liz StepanianLindsay and Trent StoutDebbie and Steve SukinSuzanne and Joseph SuttonCourtney and Doug SwansonChay and Tory TaylorKelly and Adam TepperRachael and Mark TerryMatthew R. TitusErika and John ToussaintCandie and Steven TramonteJennifer and Wil VanLohShannon and Mark WallaceElizabeth and Peter WareingEmily and Danny WeingeistMary and Greg WhalleyKrista and Robby WhitePam and Gary WhitlockLeslie Frankel-Wiener and Gary WienerSue and David WilliamsWilliam and Marie Wise Family FoundationJoan WolfeElizabeth and Judson WolfeHank and Sheryl WoodLori and Scott WulfeJudge Clarease Yates and Mr. Cary YatesChrista ZieglerMarcie and Robert ZlotnikBarbara and Robert ZorichRobert L. and Barbara Zorich Family Foundation

ISSUE 3 – 2016

9

“I just wanted to thank the Ambassadors on behalf of the

Child Life team for the fabulous donation!! I think I speak for the team, as I saw their joy as they

selected items. THANK YOU so much for featuring Child Life

and donating things to benefit the department. These items will help them do their job in

therapeutic play and make a big impact on the patient experience.

Many thanks again!”

FAMILY FUN DAY

On Sunday, May 1, 2016, more than 950

Ambassadors members and their families

enjoyed an afternoon at the Houston

Arboretum & Nature Center for Family Fun Day.

The "Under the Sea“–themed bash, chaired by

Keni and Chase Fondren and Christine and David

Underwood, featured a petting zoo, crafts, games,

a video game bus, balloon art and more! Best of all,

27 bins of items such as play dough sets, crayons,

glue and sticker books were donated to the Child

Life Program at Texas Children’s. A member of the

Child Life team sent this note to the event chairs

following Family Fun Day:

By joining Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital, you can make a life-changing difference in the health of children and women.

Your membership will also help support Texas Children’s

Hospital The Woodlands through the Promise Campaign.

To join, or to get more information, visit ambassadors.texaschildrens.org or call us at 832-824-6900.

Joinus.

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Toss for Texas Children’s Heart Center is a fundraiser like no other — a

bean bag tournament, great food, friends and lots of fun in the spectacular

setting of the Houston Polo Club — all to raise community awareness and

support for Texas Children’s Heart Center.

At the third annual event last fall, Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr.

and chief of Cardiology Dr. Daniel Penny were on hand to encourage the high-

spirited competitors. Also in attendance were Texas Children’s Board members

Nancy Gordon and Cindy Taylor, as well as Dr. Wayne Franklin, director

of Texas Children’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program; John Nickens,

executive vice president; and Radiologist-in-Chief Dr. George Bissett.

400+SUPPORTERS

in attendance

$150,000MORE THAN

raised for Texas Children’s

Heart Center

TOSS FOR TEXAS CHILDREN ' S HEART CENTER

October 2015 Houston Polo Club

Cari and John Griggs began their journey with Texas Children’s Heart Center when Cari was pregnant with their youngest son Gus and they learned he had a rare lung disease that also had cardiac

implications. Gus had four life-saving fetal surgeries at Texas Children’s and spent the first five months of his life in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Seven years later, Cari was shocked to learn that she, too, had a congenital heart condition — an atrial septal defect that had never been detected before and that required open-heart surgery. She was referred to Texas Children’s world-class adult congenital heart team, and Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr., performed surgery to close the hole in her heart muscle.

Cari and John then decided to have all their children tested. Results revealed that their daughter Lila also had a hole in her heart. Dr. Fraser

was to perform Lila’s surgery, but in one last test performed right after she was wheeled into the operating room, Dr. Fraser noticed something peculiar. He even brought in multiple teams to corroborate. The hole was gone.

After so many years of putting their lives in the hands of the experts at Texas Children’s Hospital, the Griggs family feel they owe a special debt of gratitude, and they give freely of both their time and resources to make certain those same miracles are possible for others. They are both currently serving as co-chairs of Texas Children’s Promise Campaign.

“The hospital has changed my family’s life,” Cari said. “It changed my fate and the fates of my little boy and little girl. We’ve been given so much. How can we not give back in any way we can?”

A Promise to Give Back

The Griggs Family

BIG TURNOUTS, BETTER OUTCOMESC OM M U N I T Y E V E N T S SU P P ORT I NG T E X A S C H I L DR E N ’ S

Because of the generous support of Houston’s

philanthropic community, Texas Children’s Hospital

has been treating the sickest patients for more than

60 years, offering a level of expertise and compassionate

care that just can’t be found elsewhere.

Each year, members of that community gather for special

events that both highlight and financially support many of the

world-class divisions and specialty areas at Texas Children’s.

These events include Toss for Texas Children’s Heart Center,

The Bad Pants Open, and Celebration of Champions.

At Texas Children’s Hospital, lives are changed on a daily basis thanks in part to the generosity of members of the philanthropic community, many of whom have experienced Texas Children’s lifesaving care firsthand. Toss for Texas Children’s Heart Center event co-chairs Cari and John Griggs and Amy and Mike Reeves can attest to that.

Shortly after their daughter MaryAlan was born, Amy and Michael Reeves learned that she had a potentially life-threatening hole in her heart. They brought her to Texas Children’s for treatment when she was just four months old. Dr. Carrie Altman, medical director of Cardiology, and her team were able

to close the hole in MaryAlan’s heart without having to perform open-heart surgery. Today, she is a healthy five-year-old who loves tennis and all types of dance — especially if she gets to wear her hair bow.

In Healing HandsThe Reeves Family

Event ChairsCari and John GriggsAmy and Mike Reeves

Host CommitteeHolly and Austin AlvisSheri and Camp BaileyKelly and Carl BeelerKristen and John BergerDiana and Todd BrockTami and Heath BrownKristen and David BuckDebbie and Kent ChenevertEvans and Charlie ChristEmily and Rob Christy

Kelly and Jay CliburnAllison and Miller CrosswellJen and Kenneth DebowStaci and John DonovanCarolyn and Chris DorrosGardner and Elizabeth DudleyMarcy and Robert DuncanPepper and Ashley EdensEleni and Thad FullerJennifer and Jason GordonJanita and Garney GriggsBlakely and Trey GriggsMary and Carter GrovesAshley and Michael HannaTerri and John HavensCaroline and Torrey Hawkins

Tiffany and Eric HerlethLizzie and Charlie HermesElizabeth and Wyatt HoganJill and Scott HolsteadNatalie and Roy HorlockDinah and Will HuthnanceShelley and Billy IglesiasJessica and Jeff JacobeIsla and Joseph JornayvazKristie and Kyle KafkaAlicia and Robert KimmelKristi and Robert KincannonMarie Louise and David KinderCatherine and Asheley KinseyEdmund and Ellecia KnolleSusan and David Light

Toni and Joseph ListengartKay and Brandon LobbKim and Richard LucasMerritt and Jon MarinelliMissy and John MasseyChristie and Billy McCartneyApril and Jared McMayonAlison and Charlie MeyerChristine and Shea MorenzLauren and Brad MorganAmy and Hardy MurchisonJulie and Philip PeacockMissy and Sam PittsAllison and Jonathan PlumhoffJanis and Andrew PriestSarah and Richard Punches

Leigh Anne and John RaymondSally and Chris RingBrooke and Corby Robertson IIICourtney and James RobertsonBeth and Chase RobisonMargaret and Jeremy SandersAimee and Wynne SnootsLiz and Andy StepanianCourtney and Doug SwansonCarolyn and Garry TannerKate and Logan WaltersSushma and Haresh Yalamanchili

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Pants in all prints, colors, fabrics and designs made their fashion debut at the

18th annual Bad Pants Open, presented by RBC Capital Markets and Wealth

Management. It was another successful year for the popular golf tournament

benefiting Texas Children’s tiniest patients. Funds raised from the tournament

support nurse education, patient and family support programs, and the establishment

of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands.

Bad Pants OpenCommittee 2015

ChairmanRob Cooksey

Tournament CommitteeMike CaseyDonald F. Cohen, DDSNorma DunnWalter L. FitzgeraldLes FoxRobert L. FrankClint FreelandJay GrahamJim GuinnCharles T. Hankins, MDMike KnappTrey McCordHolly MicklerJeff MicklerAndy ShackoulsScott ShackoulsBill SpillmanGary L. Whitlock

FoundersMike ArmstrongMoose RosenfeldMichael Wiesenthal

See more event photos ataspire.texaschildrens.org/badpants2015

BAD PANTS O PEN B E N E F I T I N G T E X AS C H I L D R E N ’S N E W B O R N C E N T E ROctober 2015 The Clubs of Kingwood

71

400

VOLUNTEERS

NEARLY

bad-panted golfers

$470,000OVER

raised for Texas Children’s Newborn Center

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B A D PA N T S O P E N

“I tell people that I carried Colin and J.J. for 32 weeks,

and Texas Children’s Hospital carried them

to full term.” – Samantha Brantley

Samantha and Brian Brantley are grateful for The Bad Pants Open and for everyone at Texas Children’s Hospital who gave them

the gift of healthy, thriving and completely wild toddlers — their identical twin sons, Colin and J.J.

Because the boys shared one placenta, the pregnancy was considered high-risk from the beginning. During a routine appointment, Samantha’s doctor discovered that Colin had not grown in three weeks, while J.J. had nearly doubled in size. The babies needed to be delivered right away.

At 32 weeks gestation, Colin and J.J. were born via emergency C-section and were immediately moved to Texas Children’s NICU, where J.J. would spend six weeks and Colin would spend eight. Those weeks could have been terrifying for Samantha and Brian, but through it all, they had enormous faith in the entire staff. “Everyone in the NICU inspires such confidence,” Samantha said. “We never once doubted the incredible care they were receiving.”

To this day, Samantha and Brian are still amazed at the patience, confidence and warmth of the doctors, nurses and staff at Texas Children’s NICU.

“Our sons would not be here — would not exist today — without

Texas Children’s,” said Brian. “Whether that’s because of the

prenatal care we were given or the interventions the boys received

when they were born, they wouldn’t be alive if the people at

Texas Children’s Hospital weren’t the best at what they do.”

Hear more from the Brantleys at

aspire.texaschildrens.org/brantleys

The Bad Pants Open Grateful Patient FamilyThe Brantley Family

Samantha and Brian Brantley and their children

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13

$320,000

400+

MORE THAN

GUESTS

raised forTexas Children’s

Cancer Center

the largestaudience ever

T exas Children’s Cancer Center’s cast

of Community and Patient Champions

walked the Runway for a Cure at the

eighth annual Celebration of Champions fashion

presentation and luncheon. The event, emceed

by Fox 26’s Melissa Wilson, lauded a group of

outstanding community leaders and heroic

young cancer survivors, who all wore the season’s

ensembles for work and play provided by fashion

retailers Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillard’s.

B E N E F I T I N G T E X AS C H I L D R E N ’S CA N C E R C E N T E ROctober 2015 River Oaks Country Club

C E L E B R AT I O N O F C H A M P I O N S

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C E L E B R AT I O N O F C H A M P I O N S

2015 Community Champions Barbara Lowrie and Henry BrooksJo Lynn, Gregg, Christine and Kimberly FalgoutDoe and Henry FlorsheimMary and Tony GracelyNancy R. Calles and Dr. Mark W. KlineBarbara and Ulyesse LeGrangePenny and Paul Loyd, Jr.Rahul MehtaShelby Hodge and Shafik RifaatAlicia and Lance SmithTiffany and Rick SmithElizabeth and Alan SteinBetty and Jesse TutorCyvia and Melvyn Wolff

Event ChairsSidney FaustJudi McGeeScott BasingerElsie Eckert

Celebration of ChampionsTorch of Victory Committee

Lilly and Thurmon AndressDenise and Philip BahrMelissa and Steven BatchelderGinger and Byron BertrandJennifer Stokes ButlerFlo CradyJoann and Bill CrassasRose and Harry CullenMichael DaleJan DuncanConnie and Byron DyerLes EckertDon FaustTena and Tyson FaustMr. Martin and Dr. Kelli Cohen FeinEllie and Michael FranciscoBetsy GarlingerDiane and Harry GendelJane and Bob GriffinRaouf and Cecilia HadadLeisa Holland-NelsonMelissa and Jason HoltonRobert and Marianne IvanyStacey C. KayemNeda LadjevardianDebby LeightonCora Sue and Harry MachCarolyn and Mike MannEd McMahonCarmen and Frank NadolneyLisa and Mike O'LearyJeff and Pat PonthierRegina RogersSybil F. RoosRonda RossJerry and Lisa SimonDonna and Robert StokesNancy and Hans StrohmerSarah and Terry StuckeyMargaret Alkek WilliamsJessica Younger

Fighting for a Dream

An afternoon at the ballet was all it took

for a little redheaded girl, all starry-eyed

and freckle-faced, to chart the course for

her life. After that performance of The Nutcracker,

Peyton Richardson, then three years old, poured

herself into ballet, practicing tirelessly and

envisioning herself on the world’s great stages.

But early in 2015, Peyton’s dream seemed

in jeopardy. She was lethargic. She was losing

weight. Then a diagnosis came: acute lymphocytic

leukemia (ALL). But despite the diagnosis, a fire still

burned inside Peyton, something Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer,

an ALL expert and director of Texas Children’s

Cancer Center’s Long-Term Survivor Program,

could see immediately.

“I could tell right from the beginning that Peyton

was quite the spirit,” Dr. Dreyer said. “She’s so

artistic and poised.”

Peyton’s road to recovery was a long one, with

eight months of aggressive chemotherapy followed

by three more years of treatments. None of that

stopped her from walking proudly down the runway

as a cancer survivor at Celebration of Champions.

And she didn’t stop there. Not even cancer could

make Peyton give up on her dream. She jumped back

into ballet classes and into the eighth grade. That

indomitable spirit prompted Dr. Dreyer to recommend

Peyton’s participation in a contest for children

with cancer sponsored by Northwestern Mutual.

Applicants were asked to submit videos in which they

tell their story and then describe their idea of a great

adventure. The winner would have that adventure

adapted as the design for a Rose Parade float.

On New Year’s Day, Peyton’s dream came to

life as she and her family sat atop a custom-built

parade float, featuring an intricately carved music

box inlaid with more than 10,000 pink roses and

a 15-foot tall ballerina dancing “en pointe” among

the world’s great cityscapes. Peyton herself was

dressed in a custom Tiffany blue dress, handmade

by the costumers at the Houston Ballet.

“Ballet is harder than cancer. Cancer is

temporary. I’m not going to let cancer take ballet

away from me.” – Peyton Richardson

See more event photos ataspire.texaschildrens.org/champions2015

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TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITALTHE WOODLANDSProgress on Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands over the last one-and-a-half years has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the excitement continues to build!

The new facilities that will serve communities

north of Houston were the focus of The

Forum Luncheon The Woodlands last

spring, where guests enjoyed a 3-D virtual tour

of the emergency center, an inpatient room, the

pediatric intensive care unit, the physical medicine

and rehabilitation unit, and an operating room. To

emphasize the critical need for more dedicated

pediatric care in these communities, the audience

also heard from several patient families whose

children’s lives were saved by the world-class care

they received at Texas Children’s. However, each of

these families faced a literal race against time and

Houston traffic to receive the specialty care that

was then available only at the Texas Medical Center

campus. Soon, that same expertise and subspecialty

care will be available close to home.

Donors Dawn and Richard Rawson also discussed

the motivation behind their gift and challenged

others in the community to join them in supporting

Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands.

At the Forum Luncheon The Woodlands last fall,

the presentations focused Texas Children’s most

important assets — its people. Guests were treated

to a panel discussion on three specialty service

lines that will be available at the new hospital:

Sports Medicine, Oncology/Hematology and

Otolaryngology. Tenured Texas Children’s faculty

members Drs. Al Hergenroeder, Susan Blaney and

Carla Giannoni introduced some stellar recruits in

these areas — Drs. Kristen Ernest, Michael Gleason

and Charles Hughes. Donors Marta and Steve Pate,

on behalf of the entire Pate family, and Shirley and

Ralph Alexander spoke about the philanthropic

spirit inherent in The Woodlands, what motivated

them to give so generously, and the need for others

to join in helping Texas Children’s Hospital increase

its access to care.

Last August, Texas Children’s Hospital and

Tellepsen Builders celebrated the topping out

of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands

with more than 700 members of the community

January 31, 2014Groundbreaking ceremony for Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands.

October 4, 2016Medical office building opens

August 14, 2015Topping Out ceremony

April, 2017Inpatient tower opens

The WoodlandsTEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

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in attendance. Traditionally, a topping out

is a builders’ rite held when the last beam

or structural element is put in place during

construction. Usually, a small tree or branch is

adorned with flags or ribbons and raised to the

top of the new structure.

To commemorate this exciting milestone,

a Promise Campaign tree — decorated with

promises from Texas Children’s leadership team

and employees to current and future patients — was

hoisted, as President and CEO Mark A. Wallace

spoke to guests about what will be the region’s

first and only dedicated children’s hospital and

emergency center.

Now, we are just a few weeks away from

the opening on October 4 of Texas Children’s

Hospital The Woodlands Medical Office Building,

which will house our subspecialty outpatient

clinics. The inpatient tower will open in April

2017, complete with a pediatric emergency

center, four operating rooms, 28 intensive care

beds, 12 radiology rooms, a helipad and more

than 1,000 free parking spaces.

At Texas Children’s, one of our promises is

to deliver the right care, at the right time, in

the right place. Texas Children’s Hospital The

Woodlands is one of the ways we are keeping

that promise.

T E X A S C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I TA L T H E W O O D L A N D S

2017OPENING

25 emergency center rooms

32inpatient care beds

28intensive care beds

12radiology rooms

4 operating rooms

1,000+ free parking spaces

THE WOODLANDS LEADERSHIP TEAM

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jeffrey

Shilt, Chief Surgical Officer, to the

leadership team at Texas Children’s

Hospital The Woodlands.

Dr. Shilt comes to Texas Children’s from St.

Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho, where

he was an active pediatric orthopedic surgeon and

director of the hospital’s Spasticity Clinic and motion

analysis lab for children and adults. Prior to his time

in Idaho, he held positions as associate professor

and residency program director at Wake Forest

University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Dr. Shilt’s research interests include management of

spasticity in cerebral palsy, sports performance and

treatment of endurance sports injuries.

Dr. Jeffrey Shilt Chief Surgical Officer

“My promise is to rise to the expectations of patient satisfaction in our community by providing state-of-the-art, top-notch

surgical services.”

Michelle Riley-Brown President

“My promise is to always keep patients and families at the front of every

decision we make.”

Dr. Charles Hankins Chief Medical Officer

“My promise is that each and every day, we will roll up our sleeves and dig in

to make health care in this community better than it was the day before.”

ISSUE 3 – 2016

17

This spring, Texas Children’s Hospital

presented two very special Forum

Luncheons in Houston and The

Woodlands. Both programs paid tribute to the

legacy of David Vetter, arguably the most famous

patient ever treated at Texas Children’s. David

was born in September 1971 with a primary

immune disorder known as severe combined

immune deficiency (SCID). With his body unable

to protect itself against infection, David lived for

12 years inside a series of plastic isolation units

at Texas Children’s Hospital and in his home

near The Woodlands.

Between the two events, nearly 1,000 people

gathered to hear a panel of experts in the field

of immunology at Texas Children’s: Dr. William

Shearer, former section chief of Allergy and

Immunology; Dr. Celine Hanson, a long-time

physician in the Allergy and Immunology

service; and Dr. Jordan Orange, section chief

of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology.

They discussed a variety of topics, including the

incredible impact the knowledge gained from

David’s life is still making in the field of immunology

today, why newborn screening is so important, and

research and treatment advances in immunology on

the horizon. At The Woodlands event, guests were

treated to a wonderful performance by the choir

of David Elementary School, named after

David Vetter and located in The Woodlands.

Each year, this school holds the David Dream

Run. All proceeds support the David Center at

Texas Children’s

Hospital, which

provides care in many

areas, including

allergy, asthma,

immune dysfunction

and HIV/AIDS. For

the past two years,

all proceeds from

David’s Dream Run

have supported the

newly established David

Clinic, which will be housed

at Texas Children’s Hospital The

Woodlands. Dr. Javier Chinen — who

many years ago cold-called the state health

department along with Drs. Shearer and Hanson

to lobby for required newborn screening for SCID

in Texas — was introduced as the director of the

David Clinic.

Carol Ann Demaret, David’s mother,

concluded each event by speaking about David’s

life and the inspiration it provides to so many —

even today. She was joined on the stage by three

patient families whose children were born with

SCID and are now living healthy lives thanks

to successful bone marrow transplants. These

children highlight how far science has come

since David’s birth and the incredible knowledge

gained from his life. As Mrs. Demaret said of

her son, “While he never touched the world,

the world was touched by him.”

SPRING 2016 FORUM LUNCHEONS

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P RO F I L E S I N P H I L A N T H RO P Y

THE DRIVING POWER OF PROMISEN A N CY G O R D O N

PROMISE C A M PA I G N C O - C H A I R

When Nancy Gordon walks through the halls at Texas Children’s

Hospital, she’s there to recharge for the enormous task at hand:

raising money so we can fulfill our promise to provide the very

best care to all the children who come to us for help.

“When I see children who are not well enough to enjoy all the wonderful

things our city has to offer, my heart goes out to them,” Nancy said.

Nancy channels this compassion into her service at Texas Children’s. For three

decades, she has worked hard to raise funds to help expand the hospital’s facilities

and to recruit the brightest specialists in pediatric medicine. She is a powerhouse,

serving on the hospital’s initial Development Council and chairing fundraising

events prior to joining Texas Children’s Board of Trustees in 1998.

According to Nancy’s husband Jim, “Nancy is not a morning person,

but if it has something to do with Texas Children’s — she is up and out!”

Nancy’s contributions as a trustee have centered on capital campaign

fundraising. She recently stepped up as a co-chair of the $475 million

Promise Campaign. Her passion is the hospital’s passion: ensuring that

Texas Children’s has everything it needs to provide the very best care at

the right time and in the right place.

So what drives Nancy? Well, she has a personal stake in Texas Children’s

that makes her experience truly rich and rewarding. One of her sons was a

patient at the hospital as a baby, and her niece, who is now an adult, continues

to receive treatment at Texas Children’s for a congenital heart defect. She

certainly has the support and admiration of the leadership at Texas Children’s.

Most important, Nancy has made such an impact on her own family that Jim

and their sons — Ryan, Scott and Matthew — recently joined forces to make a

leadership gift in her honor to support the Promise Campaign.

“Over the years, her fundraising efforts for Texas Children’s have been

monumental. We’ve seen how hard she works behind the scenes, and it is truly

inspirational,” Ryan said.

Scott has also been moved by his mother’s tireless work ethic and

dedication to the hospital.

“I have seen firsthand her passion for helping any child in need, which

fuels her amazing drive to improve and grow the hospital alongside the

Texas Children’s team,” he said.

Giving to Texas Children’s has been a family matter among the

Gordons for many years. In 1990, a gift from the Meyer and Ida Gordon

Foundation helped fund the Texas Children’s Meyer and Ida Gordon

Emergency Center.

“The Gordons’ legacy of giving to Texas Children’s is remarkable,” Mark A.

Wallace, the hospital’s president and chief executive officer, said. “We have also

been incredibly fortunate to have Nancy serve as a board member, fundraiser

and advocate. She is a tireless leader whose wisdom and gracious ways compel

others to personally invest in Texas Children’s and what it is doing to advance

the health of our community.”

Nancy’s legacy of giving — of time, talent and treasure — will undoubtedly

live on.

“The time, effort and endless passion my mother puts into Texas Children’s

has been evident to me over the last 18 years,” said Matthew. “What has really

made me proud are the compliments we receive about her advocacy of the

hospital and its mission. My mother is a role model in the community; her

actions have set a standard in our family that my wife Whitney and I hope to

live up to.”

“My promise is to keep giving my time, energy, enthusiasm and heart to raise money so we can keep serving the community.”

– Nancy Gordon, Promise Campaign co-chair

Hear more from Nancy Gordon at

aspire.texaschildrens.org/gordon

ISSUE 3 – 2016

19

20Last November, Texas Children’s Hospital

celebrated the 20th anniversary of “What’s

Up, Doc?” Jennifer and David Ducote

chaired the beloved event, where 400 guests

joined more than 65 Texas Children’s

physicians and scientists at Texas Children’s

Pavilion for Women. There they discussed

hot-topic medical issues occurring

right here in Texas and in the broader

medical community.

For two decades, doctors, surgeons and

hospital leaders have mingled and talked

with guests in a relaxed and informal dinner

setting. The success and longevity of the

popular event lies in the rare access it provides to

these world-class medical professionals.

“What’s Up, Doc?” was founded in 1995 as a

way to educate the public about the depth and

breadth of the incredible things happening at

Texas Children’s Hospital every day. While the

event has grown over the years, the goal has

remained constant — to support the people of

Texas Children’s Hospital. Funds raised through

this special event have helped to recruit the best

and brightest from around the world and to keep

them at Texas Children’s.

“People have a natural fascination

with medicine and science,” said

Dr. Mark Kline, Texas Children’s

physician-in-chief. “What’s Up, Doc?”

offers a unique opportunity for

physicians and researchers to listen

to the questions people have and

provide some insights into what’s

happening today in medicine.”

65

20

400

MORE THAN

CELEBRATING

YEARS

NEARLY

Texas Children’sdoctors and

scientists

1996—2015

guests

T W E N T Y Y E A R S O F

See more event photos ataspire.texaschildrens.org/whatsupdoc2015

“WHAT’S UP, DOC?”20 YEARS LATER, IT’S STILL ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE

aspire.texaschildrens .org

20

" W H AT ' S U P, D O C ? "

2015 Jennifer and David Ducote

2014 Karla and Jorge Goudet

2013 Haley and Barrett Webster

2012 Amy and Peter Shaper

2011 Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen

2010 Stephanie and Brad Tucker

2009 Laura and Will Robertson

2008 Cari and John Griggs & Laura and Andrew McCullough

2007 Estela and David Cockrell & Stephanie and Ernie Cockrell

2006 Ginny and L.E. Simmons

2005 Kara and Aaron Howes

2004 Kirby and Scott McCool

2003 Joy and Scott Plantowsky

2002 Mollie and Dan Castaneda

2001 Susan and Mike Plank

2000 Charla and George Wilson

1999 Amy and Neil Leibman

1998 Stephanie Milligan

1997 Kelly Kayem

1996 Linda Evans and Nancy Gordon

20 YEARS OF PHILANTHROPY Past Event Chairs

ISSUE 3 – 2016

21

at Texas Children’s, the team there

really understands the emotional

needs of the families and the parents

in particular.”

Texas Children’s compassionate

care and commitment to the

community has also struck a chord

with Direct Energy employees.

A HEARTFELT COMMITMENTD I R ECT E N E R GY

But the conversation took

an unexpected turn when

the technician began

speaking about his young daughter

Camilla, who had been born with

a life-threatening heart defect that

required surgery when she was just

two weeks old. It was the experts at

Texas Children’s Hospital, he said,

who had saved his baby’s life.

And after a moment, as they

continued to drive, the technician

looked at his employer in earnest

and said, “Texas Children’s — they

do good. We should support them.”

Direct Energy president and CEO

Badar Khan was touched that day,

not only by the technician’s story,

but also by the connection the two

men shared. All three of Mr. Khan’s

The scene was something akin to reality TV — the CEO of a major corporation on a ride-

along with an air conditioning technician, the unlikely pair bouncing around in a company

truck together and exchanging pleasantries despite a slight language barrier. They inquired

after one another’s families and their daily lives. They talked about their children.

children, ranging in age from 1 to 11,

had experienced the world-class care

that Texas Children’s provides.

“I just can’t speak more highly of

the doctors, the nurses, the staff,”

said Mr. Khan. “These are tough

times — taking your child or your

baby to the hospital — and I think

Philanthropy and community

support are ingrained in the

corporate culture at Direct Energy,

with more than 6,000 employees

supporting causes and charities

worldwide. But for many years, one

organization especially has received

both generous support and volunteer

time — Texas Children’s Hospital.

This special dedication to

Texas Children’s mission motivated

Direct Energy to make a $5 million

gift to the Promise Campaign.

The gift will support expansion at

the Texas Medical Center campus —

and Texas Children’s Heart Center

in particular — and is the largest

corporate commitment ever to a

campaign priority at Texas Children’s.

“A promise is a commitment. It’s a commitment to be there through whatever’s happening around the world and when it matters the most. And we promise to be there for Texas Children’s."

– Badar Khan, president and CEO, Direct Energy

Hear more from Badar Khan at

aspire.texaschildrens.org/directenergy

“There is nothing like

volunteering your time

in anything that you

support. But I think

volunteering at

Texas Children’s

is special.”

– Badar Khan

aspire.texaschildrens .org

22

P RO F I L E S I N P H I L A N T H RO P Y

“In today’s environment,

where oil and gas prices

aren’t where they used

to be, it’s incredibly

important for companies

that can give to step up

and provide leadership.

I feel proud, I feel lucky

to work for a company

where we’re able to make

this kind of commitment,

and to an institution as

great as Texas Children’s.”

– Badar Khan

900

27,000

18

CONGENITAL

MORE THAN

echocardiograms

HEART

heartsurgeries

transplants

1,300

1,000

STRESS

CARDIAC

tests

catheterizations

Texas Children’s Heart Center has been leading the way in pediatric

cardiac care for more than 50 years and provides the full continuum

of care, including cardiology, congenital heart surgery, cardiovascular

anesthesiology and cardiovascular critical care. The Heart Center

also houses programs in adult congenital heart disease, coronary

anomalies, developmental outcomes and preventive cardiology.

By the Numbers 2015

TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEART CENTER

25,000MORE THAN

electrocardiograms

ISSUE 3 – 2016

23

President George W. BushPresident George W. BushFebruary 2015

Texas Children’s Cancer Center proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary

of An Evening with a Legend with a magnificent evening honoring

President George W. Bush. CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent

Bob Schieffer returned to the stage as the host for the first time since hosting the

2003 Legends event with Robert Duvall.

Presented by Wells Fargo, this memorable event was chaired by Carolyn and

David Light, Susan and David Light, and Melissa and Mano DeAyala. More than 1,000

attendees packed the Hilton Americas ballroom to hear President Bush and Bob Schieffer

in an intimate and jovial conversation about life, family and politics. President George

H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush accompanied their son to the event, which raised

$1.2 million for research. Texas Children’s Cancer Center treats more children

with cancer than any other organization in the United States.

Bringing the Party to the Kids 2015 Children’s Party

In conjunction with An Evening

with a Legend, the Children’s Party

committee hosts a pre-event each

year to celebrate the patients whom

the hospital proudly serves. Cancer

Center patients and their families

showed their patriotic pride at a

literacy-themed Children’s Party.

Patients participated in arts and

crafts, jewelry-making, storytelling

and even designing their own

U.S. flags with their handprints.

Meanwhile, their parents relaxed and

enjoyed complimentary massages.

CELEBRATING LEGENDARY AMERICANSAn Evening with a Legend Events

aspire.texaschildrens .org

24

Chancellor William H. McRaven

Big Fun for Little Texans 2016 Children’s Party

Texas Children’s Cancer Center patients and their families were treated to a morning of collegiate spirit and fun on

April 14, 2016, for the An Evening with a Legend Children’s Party. The University of Texas–themed party featured

Longhorn-inspired kids’ crafts, Shipley Do-Nuts and massages for parents. Patients and their siblings participated

in a special art project, painting a canvas of the state of Texas, filled with bluebonnets. Each flower represented

one of the 14 institutions that Chancellor McRaven oversees. Children had the opportunity to submit names for the

colorfully painted cow statue created by local artist Kermit Eisenhut.

May 2016

In the words of William H. McRaven, Chancellor of The University of Texas System,

“You can’t change the world alone.” This is certainly true in the fight against

devastating diseases like pediatric cancer. Thanks to the more than 800 guests

who came together for the 11th annual An Evening with a Legend, the event raised

more than $845,000 in support of Texas Children’s Cancer Center.

A sea of burnt orange flowers and tons of Longhorn pride filled The Westin

Galleria ballroom for this sold-out evening, presented by Wells Fargo. Cynthia

and John Adkins, Nancy and Jim Gordon, and Sonny and Jodie Jiles served as

honorary chairmen. The Houston Chapter of The University of Texas Longhorn

Alumni Band kicked off the night in true Longhorn spirit with a special rendition

of the UT fight song that had all guests on their feet. Mark A. Wallace, president

and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, served as the evening’s emcee, and

Dr. David Poplack, director of Texas Children’s Cancer Center, delivered welcome

remarks, speaking on behalf of the patients and families at the Cancer Center.

During an on-stage interview led by Mike Perrin, Athletics Director at The

University of Texas at Austin, the Chancellor discussed his vision for The University

of Texas System, his time as a Navy Admiral, and the mission he led to capture

Osama bin Laden. An unprecedented live auction featured the Chancellor’s personal

“wanted” poster of bin Laden, signed by the famous Navy SEAL Team Six he led as

Commander of United States Special Operations Command; a football signed by

Chancellor McRaven and Mike Perrin; and a special cow, Moo-T, named by a three-

year-old Texas Children’s Cancer Center patient and painted by Kermit Eisenhut in

honor of The University of Texas System.

Under the leadership and vision of the event founders, Lynn Baird, Flo Crady, Emily

Crosswell and Ned Torian, An Evening with a Legend has raised more than $47 million

for Texas Children’s Cancer Center.

A N E V E N I N G W I T H A L EG E N D

Event CommitteeLynn BairdFlo CradyEmily CrosswellNed Torian

2015 Children’s Party ChairsShelley BarineauMelissa DeAyalaSusan LightTrish MorilleSusan Solcher

2016 Children’s Party ChairsShelley BarineauTrish MorilleSusan SolcherKelli Weinzierl

Favors ChairsJulie BergenKathy Zay

Past Legends2013: Paul Azinger, Butch Harmon, Mark O’Mearaand Ken Venturi2012: Gloria Gaynor, Nile Rodgers and the Pointer Sisters2011: Robert Duvall2010: The Junction Boys of Texas A&M2009: Col. B. Aldrin, Capt. A. Bean, Capt. G. Cernan and Capt. J. Lovell2008: Denton A. Cooley, MD2007: Darrell K Royal2006: Roger Clemens2005: Lance Armstrong

Chancellor William H. McRaven

ISSUE 3 – 2016

25

GIVING CHILDREN A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFET R A N S P L A N T S E R V I C E S AT T E X A S C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I TA L

For children with organ failure or damage that medicine alone can’t remedy, transplantation

offers hope for the future. A transplanted donor organ can maximize the chance for

survival and improve a child’s quality of life. This very special gift comes to dozens of

children each year through Transplant Services at Texas Children’s Hospital and through the

philanthropy of donors who so generously support this area.

In 2015, Texas Children’s surgeons performed 86 solid organ

transplants, making our program one of the largest and most active

pediatric transplant programs in the country.

The Transplant Services team often has success with cases other

programs might consider untreatable. For example, they performed

the hospital’s first triple heart, lung and liver transplant in one

procedure — one of only three ever performed in the United States.

Texas Children’s surgeons also performed the first pediatric lung-

kidney transplant in the nation. Since 2004, nine patients at

Texas Children’s have received double organ transplants — liver-

kidney, liver-lung, heart-lung, heart-kidney and lung-kidney. And on

March 11, 2016, renal transplant surgeons set a record, completing

four kidney transplants in 18 hours.

In addition to providing the best possible care for every child who

comes to us, including those who cannot find care elsewhere, Transplant

Services is advancing research and education in the field and has hosted

two major conferences. The group hosted its first Transplant Symposium

in 2014. It was a highly rated event, and on September 4, 2015,

184 individuals attended the second symposium.

“Texas Children’s continues to earn its reputation as having one of the

best pediatric transplant programs in the country,” Dr. John Goss, medical

director of Transplant Services, said. “We continue to produce great

outcomes for our patients, and I believe our success is a testimony to

the skill and commitment of our multidisciplinary team.”

The following stories demonstrate why transplantation is often called

the most amazing medical miracle.

ONE OF THE LARGEST AND BEST PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANT CENTERS IN THE NATION

aspire.texaschildrens .org

26

Like any grandmother, Cindy Smith wanted

to pass something special on to her first

grandbaby, Clara Boddie. It turned out to be

something that no one could have imagined.

“Doctors discovered Clara’s kidney problem

during my pregnancy but said we couldn’t do

anything more at the time other than monitor

her condition through weekly ultrasounds,”

Clara’s mother, Kate Boddie of San Antonio,

said. “So I spent a lot of time praying.”

Clara was placed on dialysis just a week after

being born with a single impaired kidney. But

in March 2015, Kate’s prayers were answered

when it was discovered that her mother Cindy’s

kidney was a perfect match for Clara. Cindy

eagerly volunteered to be the organ donor for

her granddaughter.

Experts at Texas Children’s successfully

performed the transplant surgery that restored

Clara’s health — the best possible gift for her

and her family. Cindy had the opportunity to

give the kidney that saved and changed her

granddaughter’s life. Knowing her mother was

not only healthy, but also willing to be a living

donor, Kate was able to focus her attention and

energy on Clara. She stayed with her daughter at

Texas Children’s for six weeks after the surgery.

During this time, she watched Clara progress

daily with the compassionate, quality care that

the transplant team provided.

“I am so blown away by how much a

transplant affects someone,” Kate said.

“Clara is extremely healthy and is growing

and doing well.”

■ CLARA BODDIE AND HER GRANDMOTHER’S GIFT

■ JULIANA GRAVES, TEXAS CHILDREN’S YOUNGEST HEART TRANSPLANT PATIENT

Riki and Chris Graves of Corpus Christi

have much to celebrate — most notably, Riki’s

life and the life of their two-year-old daughter

Juliana — both of which were at stake just a few

years ago.

On her 38th birthday, Riki received a

diagnosis of breast cancer. At the time, she

was six weeks pregnant with her second

child. A move to Houston for cancer treatment

put Riki and Chris closer to Texas Children’s

Hospital, where experts diagnosed another life-

threatening condition: a congenital heart defect

known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome in

their unborn daughter.

Riki postponed her cancer treatments

to ensure the best possible outcome for

Juliana. She soon learned that her daughter’s

best chance for survival depended on the

availability of a donor’s heart and the skilled

hands of Texas Children’s heart transplant

team. But the situation looked even more grim

when heart failure prompted Juliana’s early

delivery at just 36 weeks on April 9, 2014.

“Juliana’s underdeveloped heart was so

malformed that it could not be repaired,” Dr.

Jeff Dreyer, medical director of the Cardiac

Transplant Program at Texas Children’s,

said. “The only option was to perform a heart

transplant, but she didn’t have three to six

months to wait for an organ donor.”

Miraculously, a heart became available just

five days after Juliana’s parents placed her

on the wait list. Juliana’s transplant surgery

was a success, and she became the youngest

heart transplant patient in the history of

Texas Children’s. Not long after, Riki finished

her cancer treatment.

Today, both Juliana and Riki are doing well,

something the Graves family celebrates every

day. They also give thanks for those who share

the precious gift of life through organ donation.

“I am so blown

away by how much

a transplant affects

someone.”

“The only option was

to perform a heart

transplant, but she

didn’t have three to six

months to wait for an

organ donor.”

T R A N S P L A N T S E RV I C E S

ISSUE 3 – 2016

27

Bella Tomlinson was born in 2011 at 34 weeks

in Jacksonville, North Carolina, amid the fury of

Hurricane Irene. Unfortunately, this was not the

only storm she faced early in life. Bella was home

for only about a month after her birth before her

mother sensed something was wrong and took

her to the doctor.

“It sounded like she had a cold, but her

oxygen level wasn’t registering,” her mother

Maya said. “She had a bad set of lungs and was

put on a ventilator at just two months old.”

After doctors had conducted what seemed

like every test possible, there was still no clear

explanation of what was going on with Bella.

That’s when one of her doctors advised Maya

to reach out to Dr. George Mallory, a pediatric

pulmonologist at Texas Children’s. Practically

over the phone, Dr. Mallory diagnosed Bella

with a rare genetic disorder. A team from the

Kangaroo Crew, Texas Children’s emergency

transport system, brought Bella and her

mother to the hospital, where her diagnosis

was confirmed. Bella needed a double

lung transplant.

Maya found out on a Saturday morning that a

set of donor lungs had become available. By 6:30

that evening, the doctors reported that all had

gone well with Bella’s transplantation surgery.

She now had a second chance at life.

“It’s amazing to see how far Bella has come,”

Maya said. “She is a normal, energetic four-year-

old as well as a superstar and an inspiration to a

lot of people.”

■ BELLA TOMLINSON, A SUPERSTAR WHO HAS WEATHERED LIFE’S STORM

T R A N S P L A N T S E RV I C E S

A PROMISE TO CARE FOR ALL CHILDREN IN NEED OF CRITICAL CARE

More children like Clara, Juliana and Bella are coming

to Texas Children’s every day for the high-quality critical

care that the hospital’s specialists provide. Texas Children’s

is committed to meeting even the most complex medical

needs of every one of its patients. That’s one of the reasons

for the construction of a new Pediatric Tower at its Texas

Medical Center (TMC) campus, which will allow for the

expansion and enhancement of all critical, surgical and

emergency care services.

The 19-story Pediatric Tower will house additional

intensive care units (ICUs) that will be located in close

proximity to 12 high-acuity operating rooms. Each ICU

room will have sufficient space for the patient’s family

and all the advanced equipment and technology used

today to deliver the best care possible. In addition,

The Meyer and Ida Gordon Emergency Center will be

redesigned and expanded to provide more space for

families and patients who are waiting for care and to

increase efficiency in the delivery of this care. This is one

of the highest priorities within the Promise Campaign.

Ongoing philanthropic support from the community

will help Texas Children’s continue to fulfill its promise

to provide all children with the best care possible.

Every donor plays a vital role in giving children a

second chance at life.

Since 1990, donors and friends have contributed more than $4 million to support

Transplant Services. Each of the following donors has made a leadership gift to advance patient

care, education and research.

JLH Foundation, Inc.

Estate of Tobi Gordon

Randy Wood Estereo Latino Foundation Wilma J. Voss

South Texas Charitable Foundation

Baby David Treatment and

Liver Transplant Fund

Ruth and Ted Bauer Family Foundation

The Cade R. Alpard

Foundation for Pediatric Liver

Disease

“It sounded like

she had a cold, but her

oxygen level wasn’t

registering.”

aspire.texaschildrens .org

28

texaschildrens.org/promise

To take Karla from surgical gown to cap and gown.

A congenital disease not only jeopardized Karla’s dream of graduating high school — it threatened her life.

But dedicated surgical care teams at Texas Children’s Hospital helped turn her dream into a reality. Your gift

to the Promise Campaign can help even more children celebrate life’s cherished moments.

Make your promise. Donate today.

SIX DECADES OF MAKING A DIFFERENCET H E AU X I L I A RY TO T E X A S C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I TA L

For more than 60 years, The

Auxiliary to Texas Children’s

Hospital has filled a niche that

no other group could, providing

compassion to patients and their

families alike. When the hospital

was first founded, 300 women

volunteered for placements across

six service areas. Today, more

than 1,300 people of all ages and

walks of life give their time in over

100 positions.

“Volunteers are wonderful

representatives of Texas Children’s,

both inside the walls of the hospital

In the early 1950s, a small group of women with big plans and even bigger hearts decided

to dedicate their resources to a new children’s hospital in Houston. Their commitment to

helping children and families evolved into The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital, and so

began a story of generosity that has touched hundreds of thousands of lives.

and in the communities where

they work and live,” Paige Schulz,

director of Volunteer Services, said.

Auxiliary volunteers’ signature

red vests and smiling faces are

often the first sights patients

and families see when they walk

through the hospital’s doors. Their

energy and enthusiasm make a

huge difference throughout

Texas Children’s — at the Texas

Medical Center Campus, the West

Campus, the Pavilion for Women

and soon at Texas Children’s

Hospital The Woodlands.

“I am constantly amazed by

the power of the red vest,” Tina

Dooley, 2016 Auxiliary president,

said. “I can’t tell you how many

times I’ve been stopped at the

hospital and even at the grocery

store by doctors and families who

want to thank The Auxiliary for

making a difference.”

In addition to tens of thousands

of annual volunteer hours, The

Auxiliary is also one of the top 10

donors to Texas Children’s Hospital

and has given more than $6 million

to various capital campaigns and

hospital programs since 1999.

The group’s recent $1.5 million

commitment to the Promise Campaign

will support Texas Children’s Hospital

The Woodlands, helping set a path

for future volunteer opportunities

and also continuing The Auxiliary’s

legacy of giving.

“At Texas Children’s, volunteers

are committed to helping patients

and families,” Rocky Ghoneim,

immediate past president of The

Auxiliary, said. “It’s important for

us to maintain that connection as

the hospital grows.”

“My promise is to try and bring smiles and lessen stress during difficult times for our families and for our patients.”

– Tina Dooley, 2016 president, The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital

Hear more about The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital at

aspire.texaschildrens.org/auxiliary

aspire.texaschildrens .org

30

P RO F I L E S I N P H I L A N T H RO P Y

Are you interested in investigating opportunities to volunteer at Texas Children’s? Visit waystogive.texaschildrens.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/ for information.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNITYThe Auxiliary generously supports a wide array of programs for patients, families and

even Texas Children’s world-class experts.

Fellowships

Since 1977, The Auxiliary has awarded fellowships

to the hospital’s most promising physician-

scientists. Awards in 2015 totaled $450,000.

Wish lists

The Auxiliary budgets more than $200,000

a year to provide grants for departments to

purchase items that may not otherwise be

funded through the hospital’s budget.

Junior volunteers

Nearly 200 high school and college students

volunteer at the Texas Medical Center campus

and in the community.

The Auxiliary scholarship program

Six $3,000 college scholarships are awarded

annually to outstanding young volunteers.

Patient and family programs

Volunteers lend helping hands in many ways,

including holding sick babies, providing

companionship for patients, offering spiritual

care, transporting tea and activity carts, and

hosting holiday activities.

Gift and toy shops

The Auxiliary plays a pivotal role in the

operation of six gift shops and helps determine

how their revenues are reinvested back into

the hospital.

ISSUE 3 – 2016

31

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Texas Children’s Hospital1919 S. Braeswood Blvd., Ste. 5214Houston, Texas 77030

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ISSUE 3 – 2016