April 28, 2026

At the Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI), the belief that the unsolvable can be solved drives every advancement. To mark 15 years of progress, physicians, researchers, donors and special guests recently gathered at the Houston Museum of Natural Science to recognize the Duncan NRI’s history of transforming laboratory insights into clinical action.

President and CEO Dr. Debbie Sukin delivered remarks about the Duncan NRI’s evolution into a global leader defined by a patient-focused approach. Founding Director Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi noted that this vision fueled a rapid expansion from eight labs to 43 — now spanning neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases in both children and adults — and highlighted the critical importance of philanthropy in advancing their work.

Since opening, the Duncan NRI team has identified the causes of nearly 100 rare conditions and transitioned seven treatment strategies into clinical trials. These milestones strengthen the Duncan NRI’s ability to tackle complex brain diseases, offering hope to patients and families around the world.

This progress is anchored by generous philanthropic and community advocates who partner in the research process. During the gala program, NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel shared how his son’s journey helped advance the Duncan NRI’s research in Rett syndrome. Sadly, his son, Henry, died from the condition, but his legacy fuels the ongoing push for a cure, as researchers continue to study his cells. Eva Longoria, an actress and philanthropist, shared how her work with Eva’s Heroes, inspired by her sister, provides community support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She also expressed her appreciation for the impact the Duncan NRI has on those facing neurological disorders.

“The Duncan NRI 15th Anniversary Gala raised more than $13 million and celebrated Dr. Zoghbi and her globally renowned team of award-winning scientists for the brilliant discoveries they have made, but this is only the beginning,” Vice President of Philanthropy Virginia Tomlinson said. “As they enter the next exciting chapter, they will continue solving the unsolvable and translating their discoveries into life-changing treatments.”

We are proud of our Duncan NRI team for the research breakthroughs and clinical advancements they continue to achieve. The team’s commitment is not only transforming how we treat complex neurological disorders, but it is also helping patients move past the limitations of their diagnoses toward a better quality of life.

Click here to view 15 neurological research advancements the Duncan NRI team has made.

April 27, 2026

A crowd gathered around a mobile unit on campus as a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the arrival of a new approach to clinical training.

The Simulation Center hosted the event to open the Texas Children’s Mobile Simulation Unit, extending advanced simulation-based education beyond traditional training centers. The unit enables simulation‑trained providers to deliver high‑quality, hands‑on simulation experiences at locations across the region to support education, preparedness and patient safety wherever training is needed most.

Vice President Tarra Kerr opened the ceremony before the ribbon was cut, officially unveiling the unit. Attendees toured the space, exploring a fully equipped simulated clinical environment designed for realistic, scenario-based training. The celebration also featured cookies shaped like the unit and themed giveaways.

The Mobile Simulation Unit serves as a deployable training environment, bringing structured, high-fidelity education directly into clinical and in-situ settings.

Program Features:

  • High-fidelity simulation across neonatal, pediatric and obstetric care

  • Trauma, emergency response and resuscitation scenarios

  • Procedural skills training in realistic clinical environments

  • Interprofessional teamwork and communication exercises

  • On-site and in-situ training for approved teams and partner sites

  • Facilitated debriefing to support clinical reasoning and performance improvement 

“Mobile Simulation brings high-fidelity, hands-on training directly to our community partners and our teams, making learning more accessible, relevant and impactful,” said Royanne Lichliter, director, Quality Education, Simulation, and Continuing Medical Education. “By practicing in real or realistic environments, team members can build confidence, strengthen teamwork and prepare for high-risk, low-frequency events, all while supporting safe, high-quality care for our patients and families.” 

If you are a simulation-trained team member, you can click here to request to use the Mobile Simulation Unit.

Our commitment to excellence defines who we are at Texas Children’s. Delivering exceptional care, maintaining the highest standards of performance and achieving leading benchmarks in quality and safety are what make us truly stand out.

The Achievement Award Incentive Plan (formerly P3) reinforces this mission as we work toward shared goals in patient experience, quality, service, safety and access. By meeting these objectives and the financial circuit-breaker, we are able to sustain and exceed our high standards while recognizing team members for their dedication.

The Q2 goals update for the Achievement Award are included below and available on the Texas Children’s Incentive Plan site.

To be eligible for the payout, team members must meet all the following requirements:

  • Must have been hired on or before April 15 of the performance period

  • Must have received a “Successful” or higher rating on their performance review for the current performance period

  • Must not be classified as a temporary employee

  • Must not be eligible for any other bonus program

  • Must be actively employed on the payout date

Amazing May is almost here, turning your favorite local flavors and outings into a powerful force of hope for our patients and families.
 

Starting May 1, this monthlong celebration unites a diverse lineup of Houston businesses that will donate a portion of their proceeds to Texas Children’s. Whether you are grabbing lunch or planning a weekend adventure, team members can transform any spring activity into a meaningful gift to help create healthier futures for children. Throughout the month, you can also give back by clicking here to donate directly to our organization.

Participating businesses include: 

  • Antone’s Famous Po-Boys: Donates 5% of every Texas Children’s Clubhouse sandwich; customers may round up.

  • Armando’s: Customers may round up their bill to give back.

  • Barbacana: Donates 15% of net sales from a featured dish.

  • Bludorn: Donates $1 from every dessert sold.

  • Bon Better Snacks: Donates 15% from events and online sales.

  • Drake’s Hollywood: Contributes a portion of overall sales.

  • El Rancho Supermercado: Customers may round up at checkout.

  • Fish Company Taco: Offers easy round-up donations.

  • Good Charlie’s Oyster and Seafood: Donates $1 per dessert.

  • Hudson House: Donates a portion of sales to the cause.

  • Kids Love Life Empower Cards: Donates $5 per card deck purchase.

  • Lori’s Gifts: Shoppers can round up purchases in-store.

  • Lulu’s: Invites customers to round up their total.

  • Navy Blue: Donates $1 per dessert with optional extra gifts.

  • Noah’s Ark: Supports through round-up donations.

  • Nothing Bundt Cakes Katy Westgate: Donates 15% of sales May 11 and 12.

  • ParkerJoe: Gives back through event ticket and merchandise sales.

  • Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House: Customers may round up their bill.

  • Rim Tanon: Donates $1 per Pad Thai order.

  • Saint Arnold: Encourages round-up donations.

  • Terrace 54 Bar + Table: Donates 20% of select drink sales.

  • Thai Cottage: Donates 50 cents per dine-in Pad Thai.

  • The Original Ninfa’s: Donates 100% of select menu item sales.

  • The Village Bakery: Gives $4.50 per signature cookie sold.

  • Three Brothers Bakery: Donates 50% of specialty cookie sales.

  • Wonderwild: Contributes a portion of sales plus roundups.
     

Click here to view all the participating businesses and plan your month of impact.

April 22, 2026

Texas Children’s President and CEO Dr. Debra F. Sukin has been recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of its Great Leaders in Healthcare for 2026, an honor recognizing leaders who are shaping the future of care through innovation, collaboration and a deep commitment to those they serve.

Under her leadership, Texas Children’s continues to move forward, expanding access, advancing research and strengthening how teams work together to improve outcomes for patients and families. Recent efforts include launching the Texas Children’s Research Institute, establishing the Texas Children’s Physician Organization and advancing the Kinder Children’s Cancer Center to further elevate pediatric cancer care, research and clinical trials.

View the full Becker’s list: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/great-leaders-in-healthcare-2026/

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sukin and recognizing the teams whose work helps move care forward every day.

April 21, 2026

Texas Children’s joined forces with the City of Houston to host Fleet Week for the first time, honoring the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard while bringing their missions to life through interactive experiences for our community. 

The inaugural Fleet Week Houston brought more than 1,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to Houston as part of America 250. In collaboration with city partners, our Government Affairs, Community Benefits and Partnerships, and Child Life teams helped design and support opportunities for service members to connect with patients, families and team members.

That connection took shape the moment events began. A military working dog moved swiftly through commands as families gathered nearby, followed by the U.S. Navy Guard Drill Team moving in precise, synchronized formation. The Coast Guard was represented through a boat robot demonstration, while the Navy Band played patriotic music as patients, families and team members explored robotics stations and a rescue vehicle display. Patients and team members also stepped into a bomb suit presented by the Marine Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, experiencing firsthand the weight and complexity of the gear.

The experience carried onto the USS Kearsarge for Pilot for a Day, where three patients, alongside team members, stepped onto the flight deck in custom flight suits, met Navy pilots and received certificates marking the moment. Meanwhile, veteran Dr. Timothy (Tim) Porea welcomed visiting service members, strengthening the bond between those who serve and those who care for others.

“Fleet Week Houston created a meaningful connection for our patients and team members to experience the spirit of service, resilience and innovation,” said Shazia Arroyo, project manager, Community Benefits and Partnerships. “For patients, it brought excitement, inspiration and a reminder that big dreams are within reach. For team members, it was a chance to honor and celebrate service, teamwork and excellence while strengthening pride, connection and community across our workforce.”

We appreciate our team members who helped make Fleet Week Houston a success for our community and visiting service members.

View the photos below that capture the special moments from Houston Fleet Week. 

       

Texas Children’s team members showed up in a big way for this year’s Employee Engagement Survey, reaching an outstanding 94.5% participation rate across the organization.

This level of engagement ensures feedback reflects voices from across our system and will help strengthen our teams and the experience of working at Texas Children’s.

To celebrate this achievement, breakfast tacos will be provided for team members across Texas Children’s on Thursday, April 23, with distribution varying by location.

Hospital Campus Distribution Details

Time: 6:30 – 9 a.m.

  • Texas Medical Center Campus: Fresh Bistro Café and Mark Wallace Tower Food Court

  • Austin Campus: Little Longhorn Café

  • West Campus: Dot’s Café

  • The Woodlands Campus: Treehouse Café

Team members should bring their badge to receive one taco. Three options will be available:

  • Bacon, egg and cheese

  • Meatless potato, egg and cheese

  • Non-Dairy: egg (no cheese) with gluten-free tortilla

Beverages will not be provided; drinks may be purchased at café locations.

To help ensure everyone can enjoy the celebration, team members are encouraged to follow distribution guidelines. Leaders will coordinate group pickups on behalf of their teams as needed.

Team members at Texas Children’s Pediatrics, Specialty Care, Urgent Care, Meyer and other locations should look to their leaders for information about local celebration plans.

We’d love to see your celebrations! Please send photos to TCC@texaschildrens.org.

Thank you for sharing your voice. Your feedback plays an important role in shaping what comes next across Texas Children’s.