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September 29, 2025

Karol Musher has witnessed extraordinary change in her 54 years as a speech language pathologist at Texas Children’s. When she first arrived, there were no computers and just a single hospital building. Today, both she and the institution have grown tremendously, yet her passion for helping patients has remained constant.

Unlike many speech pathologists who focus primarily on articulation and spoken language, Karol has devoted much of her career to helping children and young adults build skills in reading, spelling and writing. From preschoolers as young as four to college-aged students, she has guided countless patients to find their voices through the written word.

What has kept Karol here for more than five decades is her love for the work and the relationships she’s built with patients and families. While many friends and colleagues have moved on to retirement during her tenure, Karol has remained a fixture in the department. She has shared previously she cannot imagine doing anything else that would feel more meaningful or impactful or bring value to families.

For over three decades, fellow Speech Language Pathologist Cathy Turk has shared a journey of dedication, laughter and lifelong learning with Karol. “It has been my privilege to work alongside Karol for more than 30 years. From my very first day at TCH, she welcomed me and made me feel like part of the team. Karol has been so much more than a colleague, she has been a true and treasured friend. It’s been an honor to witness her dedication, compassion and heart every single day. Here’s to you, Karol; may your retirement be filled with joy, fulfillment and new adventures. Keep shining… you truly are the best!”

Karol’s influence has extended well beyond the walls of Texas Children’s. A lifelong advocate for education, she has held numerous roles that have shaped programs and communities across Houston. She served as a part-time educational consultant at St. John’s School, an adjunct assistant professor in the University of Houston Department of Communication Disorders and led the founding of the STARS Program at the Jewish Community Center, an initiative supporting children with autism. Today, the Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program at the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School continues her legacy by providing a comprehensive, team-based approach to help preschoolers with disabilities and developmental delays reach their fullest potential.

Her leadership has also touched many other organizations. She served on the Bureau of Jewish Education through the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, played a central role in developing programs for children with special needs, and led as president of the Houston Jewish Community Center board from 2001–2003. She has been a board member at the Emery-Weiner School, a consultant for KIPP Academy, and a member of KIPP’s board from 1997–2002.

Karol’s impact on her patients and their families, her colleagues and the community at large is immeasurable. We thank her for her years of dedicated service.

September holds a special place in our hearts for both our patients and our teams. While we stand beside our patients every day, this month provides an opportunity to amplify our voices even louder in honor of childhood cancer.

Gold is the color of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and symbolizes the strength and resilience of children fighting cancer. From gold ribbons and gold attire to special email signatures and events, the support shined brightly across the organization.

Across our hospital campuses we came together throughout the month with each campus hosting Going Gold events in partnership with The Faris Foundation.

The Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic in the Rio Grande Valley hosted a carnival where patients, families and their community came out to build awareness for childhood cancer. Everyone was engaged! 

Each location’s event was unique. They were all filled with joy, encouragement and love for our patients and their families. Parades of cheering employees and smiling pups, giveaways, games, treats and activities all lifted patients’ spirits. 

“This event invites our patients and families to spend a joyful morning with our care teams and connect with the many supporters who stand beside them as they fight,” said Amy Valdez, assistant clinical director, Outpatient Services, West Campus. “The day radiates hope and positivity as we unite in the fight for a cure and work together to spread awareness. Our families deeply cherish this opportunity, and we are honored to be able to provide it year after year.”

View the photos from all the events below.

For parents in the NICU, life can feel overwhelming. Their days are filled with worry, uncertainty and the constant stress of navigating their baby’s medical journey. In a typical birth experience, parents would be at home, reading and talking to their newborn. But in the NICU, parents can be overwhelmed by medical updates, monitors and procedures. Many parents don’t realize that reading to their baby is not only an option, but a powerful one.

Babies can benefit from the comfort of a parent’s voice. Reading aloud is a way to bond, to nurture brain and language development, and to give parents something meaningful they can do in a time when so much feels out of their control.

That’s where the Little Listeners Program comes in. Founded in 2019, Little Listeners was created to encourage parent-child bonding through reading. It also aims to improve literacy awareness and help parents build their own library at home.

This September, to celebrate National Literacy Month and NICU Awareness Month, Little Listeners hosted its annual five-day Read-A-Thon, expanding this year to include our Woodlands NICU campus. The theme, “Blast Off with Reading,” was inspired by a book written by a former NICU mom, The Adventures of Asher of Rocket, which tells the story of her son’s NICU journey through his own eyes.

The event brought families together to share stories, discover new books and escape the constant weight of NICU life. Feedback from parents reinforced the benefits and impact, “During the start of her stay at Texas Children’s, we got to participate in a weeklong Read-A-Thon event where children’s books were delivered to all NICU patients and family’s daily free of charge. It was a way for families to connect to their little ones when things are hard, scary or parents aren’t quite sure how to form a bond. The program was so meaningful to our family.”

Another parent shared, “The event was so amazing. The books were all great. Reading to our baby gave us a chance to take a break and escape the stress and worry. It helped us feel connected to our baby in such a special way.”

Over the five-day event, 1,664 books were placed into the hands of 180 families in the Medical Center, plus 74 books for families in The Woodlands. Every family also received bilingual books, along with bookmarks filled with reading tips. Since its beginning, the program has proudly distributed thousands of books, many made possible through generous donations from former NICU families, community partners and Pi Beta Phi grants.

From books given at admission, to bi-monthly deliveries from our Child Life and Music Therapy teams and books on CPR education that teach safe sleep and infant care, the program encourages and fosters an environment to encourage reading and building a library.

The Read-A-Thon also brought a little fun into the NICU with daily prizes, QR codes for logging reading and awarded a Family Reading Champion.

September 23, 2025

As we prepare for another flu season, we are guided by our duty and responsibility to protect our patients, our community and each other. As a global leader in health care, we will continue to lead the way in caring for those we serve. To support this commitment, for the fourth consecutive year, Texas Children’s will require all team members receive a flu vaccination or have an approved exemption to be in compliance and maintain employment.

Receiving the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu illness while reducing the risk of serious flu-related complications and hospitalizations. All U.S. flu vaccines for the 2025-26 season will be trivalent, meaning they protect against three specific flu strains.  

What’s New

• Exemptions. Employees will be able to request a medical or religious exemption from this requirement by Monday, October 13. The exemption forms will be available on the digital assistant later this month.
  Details on how to submit a new request is included below for all team members, including those who joined Texas Children’s after April 1, 2025 and want to request a medical or religious exemption.

• Deadline for Compliance. You have until Wednesday, November 5 at 10 a.m. to receive the flu vaccination or have an approved exemption to maintain employment at Texas Children’s.

• Connect Feature. A link to the Employee Health virtual assistant tool is available in the Current Initiatives section on the Connect homepage.

 
What You Need to Know

• Vaccine Availability. There are multiple ways to receive a flu vaccine.

  • Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP). Team members can schedule their flu vaccine during their child’s onsite appointment at any TCP, but you will need to submit proof through the Employee Health Virtual Assistant tool.

  • Flu Events. North Austin Campus, The Medical Center, West Campus, The Woodlands and TCHP will offer free flu vaccinations starting Tuesday, September 23. 

  • Outside Provider. You can receive the vaccine through your doctor or pharmacy but will need to submit proof through the Employee Health Virtual Assistant tool.

  • Employee Health. One-on-one appointments can be scheduled starting September 23.
     

• Medical Staff Flu Vaccine Requirement. All Texas Children’s Hospital Medical Staff members are required to complete the flu attestation process by November 5 at 10am. Medical Staff will receive an application directly from Texas Children’s Provider Navigator to document their flu shot.

  • Information collected by Texas Children’s Medical Staff Office does not substitute your employer’s requirement of submission. Baylor faculty must submit through the BCM Flu Vaccine app if they received the vaccine outside of Baylor, including at a Texas Children’s flu vaccine event. Baylor team members will need their ECA to access the app. Those who cannot access the app can also send their vaccine record to vaccinecompliance@bcm.edu and the attestation information will be entered on their behalf.
     

• Employee Health Virtual Assistant Tool. Visit texaschildrens.org/employeevaccines (you may need to refresh your browser) on or off the network to submit proof and access exemption requests forms, consent form, flu event schedules and FAQs.
   

• Submit Proof. If you receive the flu vaccine at a TCP, doctor’s office or pharmacy, you will need to submit proof of vaccination via the Employee Health Virtual Assistant tool, which is accessible off the network. Please upload a photo of the flu vaccination record received during your appointment. Please ensure the writing is legible and includes your full legal name and birth date. A flu vaccine receipt from a pharmacy will not be accepted as proof of a flu vaccine administration record. You will not need to submit proof of vaccination if you receive the vaccine at a Texas Children’s flu vaccine event or in a one-on-one appointment with Employee Health.
   

• Exemptions. Employees will be able to request a medical or religious exemption from this requirement by Monday, October 13 at 5 pm. The exemption forms will be available on the digital assistant later this month.
   

• Consent Form. This form is required for those who wish to receive their flu vaccine at a Texas Children’s flu event or through a one-on-one appointment with Employee Health. It can be completed at an event or through the Employee Health Virtual Assistant.
   

• Event Schedule. Receive your vaccine at one of the vaccine events throughout Texas Children’s.
   

• FAQs. Access a detailed FAQ document.
   

• Contact Information. If you have any questions, please contact Employee Health at 
  (832) 824-2150, option 5, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or send an email to employeehealthfluvaccinations@texaschildrens.org.
   

The mission we fulfill at Texas Children’s is profoundly important and everything you do makes a difference for the children, women and families who rely on us. Thank you for the compassionate, exemplary care you provide to our patients, their families and each other.

 

 

En Español

Mientras nos preparamos para otra temporada de gripe, nos guiamos por nuestro deber y responsabilidad de proteger a nuestros pacientes, a nuestra comunidad y a los demás. Como líder mundial en atención médica, seguiremos siendo líderes en el cuidado de aquellos a quienes servimos. Para respaldar este compromiso, por cuarto año consecutivo, Texas Children’s exigirá que todos los miembros de su equipo se vacunen contra la gripe o cuenten con una exención aprobada para cumplir con la normativa y conservar su empleo.

Vacunarse contra la gripe es la mejor manera de prevenir la enfermedad y, al mismo tiempo, reducir el riesgo de complicaciones graves y hospitalizaciones relacionadas con la gripe. Todas las vacunas contra la gripe en EE. UU. para la temporada 2025-26 serán trivalentes, lo que significa que protegen contra tres cepas específicas de gripe.  

Qué Hay de Nuevo

• Exención: Los empleados podrán solicitar una exención médica o religiosa de este requisito a partir del lunes 13 de octubre. Los formularios de exención estarán disponibles en el asistente digital a finales de este mes.
  A continuación, se incluye información sobre cómo presentar una nueva solicitud para todos los miembros del equipo, incluidos aquellos que se incorporaron a Texas Children’s después del 1 de abril del 2025 y desean solicitar una exención médica o religiosa.

• Fecha límite para el cumplimiento. Tiene hasta el miércoles 5 de noviembre a las 10 a. m. para recibir la vacuna contra la gripe o tener una exención aprobada para mantener el empleo en Texas Children’s.

• Connect Un enlace a la herramienta de asistente virtual de Employee Health está disponible en la sección Iniciativas actuales en la página de inicio de Connect.

 
Lo Que Usted Debe Saber

• Disponibilidad de Vacunas: Existen múltiples formas de recibir la vacuna contra la gripe.

  • Texas Children’s Pediatrics(TCP). Los miembros del equipo pueden programar su vacuna contra la gripe durante la cita de su niño en TCP, pero deberán enviar un comprobante a través de la herramienta Employee Health Virtual Assistant.

  • Eventos para la Gripe North Austin Campus, The Medical Center, West Campus, The Woodlands y TCHP ofrecerán vacunas contra la gripe gratuitas comenzando el martes, 23 de septiembre. 

  • Proveedor Externo: Puede recibir la vacuna a través de su médico o farmacia, pero deberá presentar un comprobante a través de la herramienta Employee Health Virtual Assistant.

  • Employee Health. Citas en Persona pueden ser programadas comenzando el 23 de septiembre.
     

• Requisito de vacunación contra la gripe para el personal médico. Todo el personal médico del Texas Children’s Hospital debe completar el proceso de certificación de vacunación contra la gripe antes del 5 de noviembre a las 10:00 a. m. El personal médico recibirá una solicitud directamente del Navegador de Proveedores del Texas Children’s para documentar su vacunación contra la gripe.
   

• La información recopilada por la Oficina del Personal Médico del Texas Children’s no sustituye el requisito de envío de su empleador. El personal docente de Baylor debe enviar la solicitud a través de la aplicación de vacunación contra la gripe del BCM si se vacunó fuera de Baylor, incluso en un evento de vacunación contra la gripe del Texas Children’s. Los miembros del equipo de Baylor necesitarán su ECA para acceder a la aplicación. Quienes no puedan acceder a la aplicación también pueden enviar su registro de vacunación a vaccinecompliance@bcm.edu y la información de certificación se procesará en su nombre.
   

• Herramienta de Employee Health Virtual Assistant. Visite texaschildrens.org/employeevaccines (es posible que necesite actualizar su navegador) dentro o fuera de la red para enviar pruebas y acceder a formularios de solicitud de exención, formulario de consentimiento, programación de eventos de gripe y preguntas frecuentes.
   

• Presentar Comprobante: Si recibe la vacuna contra la gripe en un TCP, consultorio médico o farmacia, deberá presentar un comprobante de vacunación a través de la herramienta Employee Health Virtual Assistant, la cual es accesible fuera de la red. Por favor, envíe una foto del registro de vacunación contra la gripe que recibió durante su cita. Asegúrese de que la letra sea legible e incluya su nombre completo y fecha de nacimiento. No se aceptará un recibo de vacunación contra la gripe de una farmacia como comprobante de vacunación. No necesitará presentar comprobante de vacunación si recibe la vacuna en un evento de vacunación contra la gripe de Texas Children’s o en una cita individual con el Departamento de Employee Health.
   

• Exención: Los empleados podrán solicitar una exención médica o religiosa de este requisito a partir del lunes 13 de octubre a las 5pm. Los formularios de exención estarán disponibles en el asistente digital a finales de este mes.
   

• Formulario de Consentimiento. Este formulario es necesario para quienes deseen recibir su vacuna contra la gripe en un evento contra la gripe de Texas Children’s o mediante una cita individual con el Departamento de Employee Health. Se puede completar en un evento o a través de Employee Health Virtual Assistant.
   

• Programación de Eventos. Reciba su vacuna en uno de los eventos de vacunación en todo Texas Children’s.
   

• PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES Accese el documento detallado FAQ.
   

• Información de Contacto. Si tiene preguntas, por favor comuníquese con Employee Health al 
  (832) 824-2150, opción 5, lunes-viernes de 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. o mande un correo electrónico a employeehealthfluvaccinations@texaschildrens.org.
   

La misión que cumplimos en Texas Children’s es fundamental y todo lo que usted hace marca la diferencia para los niños, las mujeres y las familias que confían en nosotros. Gracias por la atención compasiva y ejemplar que usted brinda a nuestros pacientes, sus familias y entre sí.

September 22, 2025

The Kidney Transplant team recently reached an extraordinary milestone: their 700th kidney transplant. To mark the occasion, team members came together for a fun and festive celebration. Among those reflecting on this journey were two transplant coordinators, both of whom have dedicated more than a decade to this life-changing work.

Dana Harney, transplant coordinator, is approaching her 12th year at Texas Children’s and has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the program. While recalling countless meaningful moments, one stood out from nine years ago: “One of the greatest experiences I’ve had here was helping four waitlisted patients receive their transplants within just 18 hours. One of the recipients, a 28-year-old, was active on the waitlist for 13 years and that surgery marked the 400th kidney transplant. To think we have had 300 additional transplants since March 11, 2016, and I have been a part of each one, is unfathomable! I have truly been a part of history in the making.”  

“It is an absolute privilege to be a part of the renal transplant team at Texas Children’s Hospital and work alongside intelligent, assertive, autonomous coordinators who serve our patients tirelessly,” she continued. “I am excited to embrace and embark on the next steps for my future within kidney transplant division of Transplant Services.”  

A kidney transplant coordinator plays a vital role in guiding families through the complex process, coordinating all activities with the highest quality of care. They serve our patients tirelessly, weathering late nights coordinating care and conducting difficult conversations all while staying on call for potential transplantation. 

Transplant Coordinator Kirti Bhakta, who has worked in kidney transplant for the past 13 years, described the most rewarding part of her job, “There’s nothing more satisfying for a transplant coordinator than hearing the call from the OR: ‘We have reperfusion time.’ Celebrating our program’s 700th kidney transplant brings me immense joy, knowing that’s one less child who will need dialysis.”

Kirti has witnessed significant changes in the role over the years from adapting to new regulations and to constantly staying prepared for UNOS and CMS site visits. Her journey has included countless cherished moments, each leaving a lasting impression. “I remember the first kidney transplant I coordinated on my own—during a rare Houston snowfall when the roads were icy. Leadership told us to stay home, but I was determined to drive in and set up the transplant. Setting up that transplant and watching our talented transplant surgeons at work is something I will never forget.”

The kidney team continues to grow, averaging 36-38 transplants per year, with another record year on the horizon. With this growth comes the challenge of a longer waitlist, but the team is no longer limited to local Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) for organ offers and can now search within a 250 nautical mile radius of our hospital.

For Kirti, the future is bright, “As leadership evolves, so does innovation, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. I look forward to spending the next 13 years in transplant, committed to the same passion and dedication that has guided me all these years.”

Click here to learn more about the Kidney Transplant Program.

 

September 15, 2025

The moment Nurse Louella Keys stepped in to the Medical Center Emergency Center as a volunteer, her life changed. She recalled, “My best memory of Texas Children’s is knowing at that moment, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I felt like God led me to that moment because it felt like home.” Louella recently celebrated her 30th year as a nurse at Texas Children’s. This anniversary was even more special because her daughter, Lanaye, was there to celebrate with her as a co-worker in the West Campus EC. 

Nurses Mary Ann Callejo and Sygnore Valdeavilla also share Louella’s decades of service having worked for Texas Children’s for 26 and 25 years, respectively. While different roads led them to Texas Children’s, they all ended up at West Campus and came together to open the WC Emergency Center in 2011. 

Sygnore remarked, “I’m grateful to Texas Children’s for the opportunity to pioneer the West Campus EC. I take pride in seeing and participating in the growth of the campus as a community hospital. From having a 14-bed ER capacity to 25 beds in under three years and also going from a level 5 trauma to a level 4 in a community hospital while aiming to become level 3, that’s incredible.”

Mary Ann has since moved to the Float Pool, but they all maintain their friendships, respect for each other’s skills and deep passion for the work. While each believes in the power of compassionate care to help families through the toughest moments, they agreed what also keeps them at Texas Children’s is their work families. “My coworkers have definitely kept me here,” said Mary Ann. “At West Campus, we get to know each other so well because our campus is smaller. I have made so many friends during my time here. It makes a huge difference when you enjoy the people you work with.”

Louella also commented, “Texas Children’s is so incredibly special because of the people who work here. All of us give the best parts of ourselves to the kids we take care of every day we come to work. It doesn’t matter what role you have here, we are all important in that child’s care.” 

Sygnore also works alongside her daughter Camille, who joined the WC EC in 2022, and during her recent 25th anniversary party talked about why she’s still here. “I feel this great pride that I DID THIS! I love what I do, being a peds ER Nurse. It gives me great joy when I see patients respond to my care. It’s simple moments that mean the most like when a patient gave me a drawn picture of his family and I was in it. What began as a job 25 years ago has become a true source of purpose and pride for me.” 

All three nurses imparted sage advice for nurses or anyone who wants to build a career at Texas Children’s:

• Louella: “You work at the best place in the world so learn everything you can and make every moment count because you never know when you’re going to change someone’s life.” 

• Mary Ann: “Give your best effort to the patients and their families. Have fun and interact with the kids on their level. Be a team player and help your coworkers. Get involved and participate in activities that will help you grow professionally and personally. Invest in your well-being also and practice self-care. We can’t take care of our patients if we don’t take care of ourselves.” 

• Sygnore: “Be kind to everyone, especially to yourself… give yourself time to grow, to learn everything you can learn, and to take opportunities to do right when they’re presented to you. These will help define the future you.” 

These nurses are a shining example of living our HEART values every day. We thank them for their many years of dedicated service and compassionate care. You are amazing!