May 12, 2020

Chief of Critical Care Dr. Lara Shekerdemian is the lead author on multicenter research that came out this week in JAMA Pediatrics. The research describes characteristics and outcomes of children with COVID-19 admitted to U.S. and Canadian Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

The study looked at 48 cases from 14 hospitals, infants up to age 21, during late March and early April. Two of the children died. Eighteen were placed on ventilators and two of them remain on the breathing machines more than a month later. None of the children in the study were stricken by the new mysterious inflammatory syndrome linked to the coronavirus that can cause life-threatening cardiac issues in children. They suffered from the virus’s primary line of attack: the severe respiratory problems that have afflicted tens of thousands of American adults.

Over all, the research both reinforces the evidence that only a small percentage of children will be severely affected by the virus and confirms that some can become devastatingly ill. Shekerdemian has conducted several interviews with national media about her findings. To learn more, click here to read the story published in JAMA and click here to read a story about the study in the New York Times.

Known for its philanthropic spirit, the Houston community rallies around those in need when times are tough. And in the wake of COVID-19, the circumstances have been no different.

As soon as news spread of the pandemic’s possible impact on our region, local businesses jumped at an opportunity to support our employees. Mostly recently — and overwhelmingly — Texas Children’s Hospital was gifted more than 2,000 cases of Coca-Cola products.

Coca-Cola’s monumental gift is at the top of a long and notable list of companies that includes HEB, Papa John’s Pizza, Salata, Southern Ice Cream and Frito Lay, just to name a few. More than a 1,000 employees at all three hospitals have benefited from the charitable donations.

Facilities Operations in partnership with the Office of Philanthropy are responsible for receiving corporate donations and distributing them to the intended department.

“Texas Children’s makes a strong impact on our community,” said Bert Gumeringer, senior vice president for Facilities Operations. “In times like these people want to help us. Large corporations reach out, but also small businesses and grateful parents who may be struggling themselves. I wonder how they do it. It’s incredible.”

Gumeringer added that many corporate sponsors also target their gifts. Some companies may want to feed employees who work at the loading dock or in housekeeping or on the nursing units. “It’s completely their choice and we are so appreciative.”

If you are contacted by a local business that would like to give a gift, please see the guidelines spelled out on the COVID-19 Connect page under Food/Meal donations guidelines. All food items are inspected for the safety of our employees. All food items are inspected for the safety of our employees.

As National Nurses Week comes to a close, Mark Wallace recognizes our nurses for their strength and resilience on the front lines and shares how each of us can encourage and lift each other up as we face new challenges ahead. Read more

May 11, 2020

As the Official Children’s Hospital of the Houston Texans, Texas Children’s receives frequent visits from the football team’s players throughout the year. These visits infuse an element of fun in what can be a long stay for many of our patients.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has halted physical visits to the hospital, it hasn’t stopped the Texans from reaching out to our patients and providing them with a dose of much-needed joy during these uncertain times.

On May 5, Texans players Greg Mancz and Tyrell Adams surprised Texas Children’s Heart Center patients with a very special virtual visit. They chatted with patients over FaceTime about everything from Texas BBQ to who can run the fastest. According to Adams, Mancz is the one with the speed.

Although these lighthearted conversations looked different because of COVID-19, they still brought many smiles to patients who are looking for ways to break up the daily hospital routine.

View photos from the virtual visit with the players below.

We all are looking forward to future visits from our partners and friends with the Houston Texans.

The Employee Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF) can assist eligible employees with monetary grants, gift cards for basic needs and priority on labor pool shifts.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) team can also provide a list of other needed resources that may be applicable to your situation.

EFAF eligibility requirements, instructions for submitting a confidential application and more details are available on the COVID-19 Resources site under “Employee Assistance.”

Relying on each other 

The following passage was written by Texas Children’s Chaplain Natalie Peters.

These hands are tired. This heart is tired. This soul is tired. But yet we keep on. I keep hearing the words unprecedented times over and over again. But I find myself wondering what unprecedented means and could also endure. Speaking for myself, I’ve been on a roller coaster of emotions. Today alone I’ve felt a huge range of emotions, including hope, hopelessness, happiness, anger, and the list goes on. To top it off, these lows are getting harder to crawl out of.

I imagine that what I’m experiencing is also being felt by several members of my fellow Texas Children’s family. The world around us is adapting to the “new normal,” yet we don’t exactly know what that is. Such uncertainty takes a toll on us but in different ways. Most of us, however, are all experiencing loss and grief at a much bigger capacity than we imagine.

In these times of extremes, we rely on each other. Prior to the pandemic, I sometimes felt like I was just scratching the surface with conversations I had with colleagues, patients and families. As the pandemic has unfolded and my routine has changed, I’ve learned to appreciate every interaction. What used to be just a wave in the hallway is now a fruitful conversation. As an introvert, I value my space but lately I find myself craving these interactions.

Finding hope gets easier at times and harder at others. Even when we smile, we can’t see the full effect. But we continue to strive on and do our jobs. We show up to work and support each other every day simply by showing up. We as a Texas Children’s family rely on each other and hold each other accountable. Mark Wallace’s Leadership Maxim NO. 8 reads “Skate to where the puck is going to be, not where the puck is.” Currently, the world around us is changing and we have to adapt. As much as I say I’m flexible, I honestly am not. But I’m getting better at it. We better ourselves. We learn from past and current mistakes and better the future.

We as Texas Children’s #oneamazingteam have watched the world around us crumble and yet stand strong as we begin the process of rebuilding. We will rebuild with resilience, grace and grit of the past and with the hopes of the future. A future we know  we built together by being on the frontlines during this pandemic. We support each other, through thick and thin. While ever living in the present, we look toward the future. The saying “the future is bright” has resonated so much for me personally these past two months. Because of all the darkness and uncertainty, the bright light that is coming will be everything we could hope for, and more!

 

May 6, 2020

On May 6, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels conducted a spectacular 30-minute flyover across the Houston area including the Texas Medical Center to salute our health care workers, first responders and other essential employees who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coinciding with National Nurses Week, the Navy jets flew in formation over several hospitals including Texas Children’s to show their solidarity and support to our frontline heroes during these challenging times.

In case you missed it, you can watch this video of the Blue Angels’ special tribute in the skies. View the photo gallery below.