‘Twas the week before Christmas when patients, families and staff at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands welcomed a very special visitor. But it wasn’t Santa Claus, nor his elves. It was the All-Star shortstop for the Houston Astros – Carlos Correa.
The first stop on the visit was the main lobby, where Correa met with some of our cancer patients and their families before a dedication ceremony for the piano Correa donated last year after an inspiring visit to our campus in The Woodlands.
“The work that I saw being done here and the quality of the care the doctors and staff were providing was breathtaking,” Correa said. “It’s a privilege for me to be able to try and create a special experience for the patients and their families with my piano, and I hope it will provide a joyful distraction and entertainment for many years to come.”
To dedicate the instrument, Dr. Ricky Flores, clinical director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers at The Woodlands, played “Stella del mattino (Morning Star),” a piece whose beautiful simplicity he connects with the patients for whom Texas Children’s cares – who he says are simply beautiful.
“This piano has been an amazing gift to have here,” Flores said. “Many patients, and even some of our providers, have played it and enjoyed it so much. We are very grateful to Carlos for it.”
Following the ceremony, Correa and members of his family paid a special visit to the Acute Care Floor. They took time to pose for photos and to speak individually with several patients and their families who have spent the holidays in the hospital. Correa even talked favorite superheroes and movies. For those families, it was a holiday visit they surely won’t forget.
“I would like to thank the doctors, the patients and the staff at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands for inviting me,” Correa said. “I greatly admire the capabilities and commitment of the care providers and was inspired to witness the strength and courage of the patients they are treating. I hope my visit brought some happiness, joy and motivation for these wonderful people.”
