July 11, 2017

For our 5th annual Help Kids be Kids online fundraiser we are raising funds to help support and enhance our Therapy Dog Program!

Our patients’ faces light up when Elsa walks through the halls. She is incredibly gentle and affectionate whether she’s helping a patient deal with a long-term illness, cope with chronic pain or get through physical therapy.

Elsa is in high demand. There are more patients who would benefit from spending time with her, but she only has so many hours in the day. This campaign will support Therapy Dog Program and help us get closer to giving her a four-legged brother or sister in the future!

Here’s how employees can help:

  • Share on Facebook and Twitter. Let your friends and family know that they can join you and help make sure our Therapy Dog Program can continue to grow!
  • Support this program by making a donation. Consider making a donation yourself to enhance the Therapy Dog Program: texaschildrens.org/puppylove.

Together we can make a difference for our patients!

July 5, 2017

It’s time to get active with the Houston Texans! Running of the Bulls 5K Run and Walk presented by H-E-B and TORO’s Kids 1K presented by Texas Children’s Hospital are back for 2017, and special early bird pricing is available now!

Early bird pricing ends on Friday, July 7 at 5 p.m., so register NOW to secure the best price available for this year’s event!

When: Sunday, September 17, 2017
Where: NRG Park
What: Competitive 5K Run: $30, Non-competitive 5K Run/Walk: $25, TORO’s Kids 1K: $20

You’ll get the full Texans experience at the Finish Line presented by Mattress Firm by running through the Houston Texans gameday bull tunnel and finishing on the floor of NRG Stadium for our post-race party! The party will feature free food and drinks, live music, giveaways, autographs from Texans celebrities, and more!

To register or for more information, click here.

June 22, 2017

The nation is possibly less than a week away from seeing the passage of a new health care bill – the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This is the bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obamacare. After weeks of review, the U.S. Senate unveiled its version of the health care bill on Thursday. It’s important for Texas Children’s employees to understand how the bill could potentially impact the patients in our care, as significant cuts to Medicaid are proposed.
“A lot of people may not realize that more than 50 percent of Texas Children’s Hospital patients rely on Medicaid,” said Texas Children’s President and CEO Mark Wallace. “This program is essential to Texas Children’s mission of providing care to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Children do not choose to be born into poverty, and they should not be penalized for their circumstances by having the government reduce their access to health care.”

Texas’ Medicaid program enrolls approximately 4.2 million people. Among those, more than 3 million – or about 75 percent – are children and pregnant women. They make up 75 percent of the covered population, yet they account for less than 25 percent of current Medicaid costs. This is because Medicaid gives children access to a medical home with a regular pediatrician, well-child exams and preventive services, which keeps them healthier and their health care costs lower.

“Put simply, the majority of Texas’ Medicaid population – low-income mothers and children – are not the reason program costs are high,” Wallace said. “Yet, they will suffer the most if legislation that fundamentally changes the Medicaid program goes forward.”

Texas Children’s Health Plan covers more than 430,000 children and pregnant women in Medicaid and CHIP. Based on the provisions outlined in the Senate’s version of the bill released today, millions of non-disabled children and pregnant women who rely on Medicaid could experience cuts to their health care. The Senate is pushing to vote on the bill before the July 4 congressional recess.

Texas Children’s is working to educate and influence lawmakers on the importance of Medicaid for our patient families and those across the country cared for at children’s hospitals.

“Since Medicaid is a state-federal partnership, we’re meeting with lawmakers in Austin and D.C. and encouraging them to protect the children and pregnant women who are most vulnerable to the proposed cuts to Medicaid,” said Texas Children’s Government Relations Director Rosie Valadez McStay.

“At the same time, we – Texas Children’s staff and employees – can do our part to advocate for our patients by reaching out to our elected representatives and ask them to protect health care. If we’re vocal and consistent in reaching out to those elected to represent us, we can help craft health care policy that could make a real difference for all children.”

We need you to speak up for our patients. Visit the Speak Now for Kids website to send a letter to Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn about why we must protect health care for children and pregnant women. Even if you already sent a letter in response to Mr. Wallace’s request last month, please do it again – every time you speak up, it makes an impact.

June 20, 2017

Summer camp came to the Cancer Center last week creating a nice surprise for patients and families arriving for an appointment, consultation or treatment.

“It makes it less stressful on the parents for sure,” said Andrea Carter as she watched her 6-year-old daughter stuff a plush sea turtle with soft cotton. “It makes the time go by much faster.”

Organized by Camp Periwinkle and sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, the two-day affair included Disney-themed decorations, various arts and crafts, face painting, games, music and more. The camp was held in the Cancer Center’s infusion and waiting room areas for easy access to all.

“From the second they get off the elevator we want them to hear and see the fun,” said Erin Locke, community programs director for Camp Periwinkle. “We want them to forget about why they are here and just have a good time.”

This is the sixth year Camp Periwinkle has been held at the Cancer Center and the first year for Northwestern Mutual to sponsor the event.

Northwestern Mutual employee Patrice Swanson volunteered at the camp and said it was a joy to participate in such a wonderful occasion.

“Any time you can come and help encourage families who are going through a difficult time is good,” she said.

To learn more about Camp Periwinkle click here. To learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer Center click here.

As part of our commitment to improve the elevator experience for our patients and their families, our employees have enthusiastically participated in the StairWELL Challenge this month. To date, 1,982 participants have signed up for the StairWELL Challenge, completing two to eight flights of stairs each day.

It’s not too late to sign-up for the challenge! Click here to register. Commit to the challenge as an individual and encourage your co-workers to participate with you!

Check out what your peers are doing throughout the organization by clicking on the links below:

Accounting and Payroll Team at the Meyer Building
Texas Children’s Health Plan Team

Remember to share your StairWELL photos and videos with the Well-Being team at wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.

For more information about the challenge, visit the Well-Being page on Connect.

June 13, 2017

Molly Mae LeBlanc, daughter of Texas Children’s employees Jill and Andy LeBlanc, passed away at Texas Children’s on May 6, 2017. Molly was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) prior to her birth. She battled her kidney and liver disease valiantly and spent much time being cared for at Texas Children’s by many different services and members of our health care team. Molly was a beloved member of the Texas Children’s family and will forever be remembered as an exemplary model of hope and love.

Jill and Andy have chosen Texas Children’s as the beneficiary of donations made in Molly’s memory. The monetary gifts received will be used to benefit the child life program and to establish a nursing scholarship in Molly’s name. Donations may be directed to Texas Children’s Hospital, Office of Development, Suite 5214 PO Box 300630, Houston, Texas 77230-0630. Please specify that the donation is in memory of Molly Mae LeBlanc.

You may also submit your donation online by clicking here. Specify donation amount and type. Under gift designation, click “other.” Under my gift info, click “in memory of,” then type in “Molly Mae LeBlanc.” Complete the online form by entering your contact and payment information. If you have any questions about making a donation, contact giving@texaschildrens.org  or call ext. 4-6806.

Also, please join us for Kendra Gives Back Party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, in Rice Village at 2411 Times Boulevard, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77005. Twenty percent of the proceeds will benefit Texas Children’s Hospital for The Molly Mae LeBlanc Nursing Scholarship.

On May 10, Direct Energy, one of Texas Children’s faithful supporters, generously donated about 200 toiletry kits to the hospital. The kits will be distributed to families in an effort to make their stay at the hospital easier and to ensure their focus stays on their child.

About 80 Direct Energy leaders assembled the toiletry kits during a team building activity benefitting the community. The kits are packed with items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, antibacterial lotion, soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream and more.

“Direct Energy is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, and one way we are doing that is through our partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital,” said Jessica Mahaffey, vice president of external affairs for Direct Energy. “Our employees find volunteering and supporting the mission of Texas Children’s Hospital a very meaningful way to give back to the community by helping children and their families when they need it most.”

In 2015, Direct Energy committed $5million to the expansion of Texas Children’s Heart Center, the largest corporate commitment ever made to a Texas Children’s campaign. In addition, Direct Energy and one of its family brands, One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating, have volunteered in many activities in support of the hospital.

To date, more than 500 Direct Energy employees have volunteered over 1,188 hours at both the hospital and at Direct Energy offices, assembling various craft packets for patients and families. Twice a month employees volunteer at the hospital, either creating themed crafts with the children in The Zone or making snow cones for patients and families, delivering tea and cookies to parents and delivering games, craft, toys, and smiles with the Direct Energy Fun Cart on patient floors.

Employees also collect toiletry items from Direct Energy colleagues, which are then delivered monthly to the Ronald McDonald House at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Direct Energy is also a proud partner and philanthropic supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Funds raised for this network of 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada, including Texas Children’s Hospital, are used to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care-all to save and improved the lives of children.

“Texas Children’s Hospital is so fortunate to have Direct Energy as a community partner. Volunteerism is a core value at Direct Energy and is modeled at every level of the organization,” Director of Patient Support Services Paige Schulz. “In just two short years, the employees at Direct Energy have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the patients, families and staff of Texas Children’s.”

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related services providers with nearly five million residential and commercial customers. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and four provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.

About One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating

About One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating® is currently ranked as the #1 HVAC franchise in Entrepreneur magazine’s annual Franchise 500 (January 2017) and #30 overall. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating puts an emphasis on trust, customer service and courtesy. Franchised One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning locations are independently owned and operated businesses. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is part of the Direct Energy family of brands. ©2017 Clockwork IP, LLC