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March 9, 2026

Smiles, Italian food, cupcakes and a photo booth marked the celebration of 15 years of caring for children at Texas Children’s West Campus. Team members, including nurses and physicians, gathered to enjoy the festivities and reflect on the hospital’s growth and impact.

“Fifteen years ago, we opened Texas Children’s West with a vision to bring outstanding pediatric care closer to families on the west side of Houston,” said Dr. Ketrese White, President of Texas Children’s West and The Woodlands. “It is thanks to the more than 1,300 dedicated physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers whose commitment has made this hospital a trusted place of healing and hope for generations of children.”

Special guest Katherine Go, now 27, who began receiving care at the hospital at age 12 and participated in the groundbreaking for West Campus in 2008, joined the celebration. “The team supported me every step of the way and my family, and I are deeply grateful for all they have provided over the years,” Go said.

Since opening in 2011, West Campus has grown into a leading pediatric facility, providing more than 50,000 annual emergency visits, numerous pediatric subspecialties, and advanced surgical and outpatient services. Every part of the hospital is designed to make families feel supported and children feel at home.

We are proud of this milestone and the dedication of everyone who makes care at West Campus possible. We also appreciate the Food and Nutrition Services team for making and serving the delicious meal and the Security Services team for keeping everyone safe during the unforgettable celebration. 

Some Texas Children’s Heart Center team members once sat on the other side of the exam room. 

Born with congenital heart defects, they navigated surgeries, medications and frequent cardiology visits as children. Those experiences later inspired careers caring for children with similar conditions. 

Dr. Thomas Glenn, a pediatric and adult congenital cardiologist, was born with a single-ventricle heart defect and underwent three surgeries just days after birth. “I know what it feels like to sit in that exam room, scared and uncertain,” Dr. Glenn said. “It helps me connect with families in a way only someone who’s been there can.” 

Aubrey Campbell, a nurse practitioner on the congenital heart surgery team, had heart surgery at six days old. “I can show them my scar and say, ‘You’ll get through this,'” Aubrey said. “It creates trust instantly.” 

Lorrie Hill, a physician assistant in the pediatric intensive care unit, grew up with a complex heart defect and later received a heart transplant at Texas Children’s in 2021. She now uses her own experience to guide patients through challenges. “Walking these halls as a patient taught me resilience,” Lorrie said. “Now I get to help other kids find their strength, too.” 

We are proud of team members like Dr. Glenn, Aubrey and Lorrie, who walk our halls with purpose and ensure every patient receives exceptional care each
day.

Click here to read the story from the Houston Chronicle. 

March 3, 2026

Purpose and compassion have shaped Dr. Jackie Ward’s career at Texas Children’s.

As System Chief Nurse Executive, she leads thousands of nurses and prioritizes their support so they can deliver exceptional care to patients and families.

“You have to see people as people first, not just as someone wearing a badge,” Dr. Ward said. “When people know you care, they will give their very best.”

Dr. Ward developed this people-first philosophy early in life. She watched her mother spend 36 years at Texas Children’s and return home each day fulfilled and proud. That example sparked her interest in healthcare and defined her sense of purpose.

As a teenager, she shadowed many disciplines at Texas Children’s and planned to become a pediatrician. Over time, she chose a different path: one that combined clinical expertise with human connection.

“Nursing spoke to me through its nurturing side,” she said. “It’s both an art and a science.”

Dr. Ward began her career at Texas Children’s in 1993 as an inpatient hematology-oncology nurse. She cared for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments and learned to treat the whole person, not just the illness. She also built a deep respect for teamwork and the role collaboration plays in delivering high-quality care.

Dr. Ward carried these lessons into leadership. She leads with consistency, honesty and fairness and follows the hospital’s HEART values. She focuses on building an environment where nurses feel supported, valued and empowered to do their best work.

“Every day I ask myself what I can do to make the lives of our teammates better,” she said. “When we support one another and embrace our HEART values, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.”

In honor of International Women’s Day, Texas Children’s is proud to recognize women team members like Dr. Ward who shape the hospital’s culture and care. Women represent 83% of Texas Children’s workforce, including the 4,500 nurses who serve patients and families from around the world.

Their expertise, dedication and care are integral to the hospital’s mission and the countless lives they touch every day.

A couple of weeks ago, we shared our Grateful Patient campaign with you. Since then, gratitude has moved beyond the screen and onto our campuses.

Our Campus Gratitude Walls are up, and they’re already filling with heartfelt messages from patients, families and team members. Notes of appreciation, encouragement and recognition are appearing across our locations, each one reflecting the compassion, teamwork and commitment that define Texas Children’s.

Patients and families are taking time to recognize the people who made a difference in their care. Now, we encourage you to do the same.

Gratitude Walls are located at all four campuses, creating space to celebrate the people and moments that make our organization extraordinary. Leave a note for a colleague, team member, mentor or meaningful patient interaction. Every message brings our HEART values to life.

There are sticky notes with the following prompts to help you get started on your recognition:

• Because of you, I felt…

• I knew I was in good hands when…

• One small thing that made a big difference…

• I’ll never forget the way you…

• You inspired me by…

• You made my day brighter by…

Campus locations:

• The Medical Center – Near the Fresh Bistro by the frozen yogurt machine

• Austin Campus – Near the welcome desk on the first floor

• West Campus – Near the cafeteria on the first floor

• Woodlands Campus – Near the cafeteria in the main lobby on the first floor

Not campus-based? You can still take part. Visit our Virtual Gratitude Wall to read messages and share your own note of appreciation. Click here to add your message.

Let’s continue filling these walls with the pride, gratitude and recognition that make Texas Children’s such a special place to work and receive care.

Texas Children’s Houston Open Ticket Giveaway

To extend the spirit of gratitude, team members can enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Texas Children’s Houston Open, March 26 – 29 at Memorial Park Golf Course. Two team members with the most HEARTfelt responses will be selected.

How to Enter:

• Record a 30-60 second vertical video (good lighting, face visible) using the prompt: “[Team member’s name], you inspire me by ___.”

• Click here to upload your video by the February 27 deadline.

Not selected? Team members can still receive 20% off general admission tickets, automatically applied at checkout. Click here to purchase. 

If you have a patient story rooted in gratitude, email TCC@texaschildrens.org. We look forward to continuing to honoring the incredible impact you make every day!

March 2, 2026