December 2020 Newsletter

December 2020 | Newsletter

STRO N GER TO G E T H E R 18 team members, 1 brave patient.

Strength in Numbers Meet the many faces supporting one patient’s cancer journey.

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he pain in his right leg started as a limp Jaxon thought he could walk off.

But by the end of the weekend, he was leaning on the wall to keep from falling.

And he was scared.

When his mom brought him to Children’s HealthSM, she had to practically carry her middle school-age son into the hospital.

Jaxon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer found in the long bones of your arms and legs.

The cancer also had spread

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to his left and right lungs.

This December marks one year since Jaxon’s family received his diagnosis.

Since then, he’s undergone knee replacement and a couple of lung surgeries, along with months of chemotherapy treatments.

For the last year, he’s been cared for and looked after by dozens of team members at the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Health.

We tracked down 18 team members who played a role in Jaxon’s care. Their

faces represent the web of hope in their own cancer support that surrounds one survival stories. oncology patient’s journey at The housekeepers, who Children’s Health: cleaned his room and The doctors, distracted his mom who broke news by talking about of the diagnosis the weather.

From day to his family And the security one, we have officer, who kept and monitored received the them safe, as much his treatment.

The surgeon, who in our world and their best care. removed two-thirds world was changing. of his femur and “From the very rebuilt his leg with beginning, I knew this a custom-designed is where we were supposed knee replacement. to be,” Jaxon’s mom, Shay, The nurses, who checked said. “From day one, we have his vitals and gave him received the best care.”

DECEMBER 2020

DR. ALEX CALLAN Assistant Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center; Pediatric Orthopedic Oncology Surgeon at Children’s Health

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When I’m operating on kids, the surgeries can be devastating. I have to cut out large segments of bone to cure the cancer.

Then, I have the challenge of reconstructing their arm or leg with metal or donor bone.

In Jax’s case, he has a special magnetic endoprosthesis (think giant knee replacement) that can expand as he grows.

No one goes into orthopedic surgery thinking they’re going to do oncology.

But I really like the connection that I make with the kids and their families as I help them through some of the most terrifying and difficult times in their lives.

I can name every kid I’ve treated here because they are each so special to me.

DR. RYAN CAMPBELL Manager of Spiritual Care, Children’s Medical Center Dallas

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Our chaplains walk with patients, family and staff members through some of the most sacred journeys.

Many of which are journeys they would never have wanted for one another or for themselves.

A question that constantly comes up is “Why does my child have cancer?” Doctors and nurses can talk about the pathology of it and how cancer develops in the body. But that doesn’t answer the existential question.

It’s a different kind of ‘why.’

As chaplains, we have to be able to sit with families and know that ‘why’ may never have an answer.

BRIDGETTE CASANOVA Child Life Assistant

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A lot of people think we just play with patients, but we try to give them a sense of normal play—like they were at home—to help bring joy and comfort to their hospitalization. Child Life assistants are here to take their minds off what is happening in their room.

The first time I met Jaxon was before COVID-19 when he came into the playroom with his brothers. We played The Game of Life. In the game, Jaxon went to college and made all this money, and I didn’t. He thought that was just hilarious.

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SEBRENA COLEMAN Environmental Services Team Lead

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I love to make things sparkly, clean and fresh.

That’s what I love about housekeeping—we come in, shine things up and the parents are really happy.

After you clean and sanitize everything, you see the beauty of it. It’s almost like an art. I’ve been in this field all my life, and people really appreciate a job well done.

I try to go above and beyond for Jaxon’s family and the other patients when I clean their rooms because I want them to feel special.

CINDY FLOM RN/Patient and Family Educator

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My job is to help newly diagnosed oncology patients understand their diagnosis, their treatment plan and care at home.

I also help prepare families for what’s ahead and support them through their time of crisis.

Oncology isn’t the doom-and-gloom some people think it is. There are really positive things that happen here. You see kids running the hallways when they technically should be sick from all their treatments.

And I’m always amazed at how strong and resilient parents are. I see the good in people through this.

DR. CHELSEE GREER Oncology/Hematology Fellow at Children’s Health

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When I was 12 years old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so I was really interested in going into hematology and oncology after that.

It’s a tricky space because I have a lot of empathy for my patients and their families, but their experience is not my experience.

Most of my patients don’t know I’m a childhood cancer survivor.

The first time I met Jaxon was in the clinic because his pediatrician had received some images that looked concerning. As a firstyear fellow, you meet with families first and share the diagnosis news with them.

Jaxon and his family were really surprised, but from day one their approach was, “This is what is happening. What are we going to do to fix it?”

TIFFANY HOPPER RN, Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

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When I was younger, my grandfather passed away from cancer. That played a big role in me wanting to take care of cancer patients. I wanted to do something to make a difference. Now, I’m Dr. Watt’s clinic nurse.

I enjoy taking care of families and patients and helping them have a good day, even if they’re not feeling well.

My mom is from a big family, and it was natural for me to take care of kids.

They’re so funny, and I love all the wise things they say.

ABBIE MAYNARD & SHAWN PATRELLO Seacrest Studios

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Shawn: We use radio and television news media to try to provide entertainment and distraction, but also engage them in a way that has therapeutic value.

Abbie: Our job is to bring joy to these kids. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Shawn: I’ve always loved being around kids. I was here for 12 years as a therapeutic clown when they had that program.

Kids haven’t lost what we’ve all lost. They’re still playful, and I love being in their company. The phrase “beyond honored” is one we both use quite a bit. We’re beyond honored to be in their presence, even if it’s only for five minutes.

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CINNAMON MANLEY Clinical Social Worker

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Social Work is part of an extended support team, and we provide families a safe space to process feelings and guide them as they contemplate many difficult decisions.

We also help with many practical issues, such as insurance, employment, longdistance travel, long hospital stays and changes in income. Because unfortunately, those issues must also be addressed while families are processing so much emotionally.

KAREN NORRIS Music Therapist

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I use music as a tool to work with kids. It’s a great way to connect with them.

I just did a session with a 5-year-old, and we played songs from “Frozen” and “Moana.” But in between singing, she was telling me how she missed her mom and dad, who had stepped away from the bedside.

It’s nice to be that safe person. If you can help a child, you’re not only helping them, you’re helping everyone else they touch down the road.

DR. SARAH PENNANT Pediatric Psychologist

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I’ve been here for the last year doing my postdoctoral fellowship, which is how I met Jaxon.

After completing my fellowship, I accepted a psychologist position in the Center for Pediatric Pain Management.

As a pediatric psychologist, we work with patients who are chronically ill and help them cope, and adjust to the hospital environment and new treatment plans.

Cancer is more than a physical illness. It impacts multiple domains of patients’ lives— going to school, seeing friends and family, playing sports—which can be isolating and frustrating. Even before COVID-19, these are all practices they had to adopt and manage.

We know there is a close relationship between the body and the mind.

Psychological support is an essential part of most patients’ treatment.

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JAIRO PINA RN, Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

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At the age of 16, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the Pauline Allen Gill Center.

Initially, I didn’t want to work in oncology because I was afraid I would relive the past. But then, I realized all the good I could bring by serving kids and their families going through similar experiences.

Before I decide to share my story, I always make sure my intentions are to benefit the patient, instead of talking about myself.

But with Jaxon, as soon as I knew he was an osteosarcoma patient, we clicked.

Everyone’s story and path are different, but I want to give families hope.

CALLI PINCKNEY RN, Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

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One of my close friends had leukemia when she was younger, and she always talked about her nurses and how they would watch movies with her and play games with her. I liked how there was a fun side to nursing.

A lot of people say it takes a special person to work with cancer patients, but there are different aspects of every floor and service lines that are difficult.

We literally know all our patients, and they all know who we are. Our kids come back every week, and for certain chemos, they come and stay for a month. Work is hard and some days are tough. But then I think about the kids I’m going to see today, and that keeps me coming back.

TIMOTHY RICHARDS Security Officer

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Before I came here, I was in the Army for 20 years. I’m retired now, but I traveled all over the world. My last station was at Fort Bliss in El Paso.

But I’ve been to Germany, Italy, Hawaii and three tours in Iraq.

When this job opened, it seemed like a good opportunity to give back to the community. I like keeping people safe. And after being in the military, I thought being around kids would lift me up. And in return, I could uplift them.

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SHARON STEWART Phlebotomist

When I meet with a child for the first time, I sit them down and first explain to them what I’m going to do. If they’ve never had their blood drawn before, we talk about what it feels like, and things I can do to make it easier for them.

It only takes that one initial stick for them to realize it’s not as bad as they think it is.

When they hear praises like “you’re doing a good job, you’re awesome,” they know nobody is here to hurt them. We’re here to help them.

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DR. TANYA WATT Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center; Oncologist/Hematologist at Children’s Health

I’ve always wanted to help children. I debated being a teacher or a physician.

The life-changing moment for me was working in an inner-city, after-school program in Boston, where I realized they had so many medical problems that they couldn’t focus on schoolwork. I decided I could still do the teaching I wanted to do as a physician and help them in a meaningful way.

I really like the deep relationships you form with patients and their families in oncology. And I like the fact that it’s constantly changing, and we’re constantly improving our treatments—ensuring more and more children survive.

When you give a patient this diagnosis, it’s life changing for the whole family, and as their doctor, you have to appreciate that.

EMISA WILLIAMS Environmental Services Housekeeper

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I clean patient rooms on the cancer floor. When I’m there, I try to talk to the parents and distract them from everything else that’s going on.

I’ll tell them about my dog. I have a miniature Australian shepherd named Cooper that is always chewing on my stuff!

When I met Jaxon, he told me about his pet guinea pig named Moon, who he misses when he’s at the hospital.

Lots of times, families will thank me for cleaning their room and talking to them. I try to be a bright spot in their day.

DECEMBER 2020

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axon stretched out his right leg as he eased himself down onto the shaggy bedroom floor, his pet guinea pig scurrying at his feet.

He stretched out her arms and wiggled them up and down for a social media series that features the pet

and shows glimpses of his cancer journey.

“Do you want to pet her?” Jaxon asked, holding up the white, fluffy guinea pig named Moon. “Don’t be scared. She doesn’t bite.”

Moon is Jaxon’s responsibility. It’s his job to keep her cage clean and filled

Fast Facts

with fresh food and water.

But he worries about Moon and misses her when he stays overnight at the hospital for cancer treatments.

He wants to run fast again.

He wants to score a soccer goal. He wants to grow up to be an animator and make others smile with his art.

He wants to be a kid. And sometimes, he still is.

“Just yesterday, he was outside playing in the rain with our neighbors,” Jaxon’s dad, Jason, said.

“It’s amazing coming from a knee replacement and lung surgery, he’s still the same Jaxon.”

ON THE PAULINE ALLEN GILL CENTER FOR CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS

The Pauline Allen Gill Center is the largest childhood cancer and blood disorders center in North Texas.

We treat 1 out of 5 children in Texas diagnosed with cancer.

We treat approximately 350 new patients each year.

Our team has more than 250 physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, social workers, Child Life specialists and nutritionists.

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Innovative robotic technology connects Children’s Health patients to the outside world

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Children’s Health team member peeked her head into 12-year-old Vienna’s patient room.

“Hi sweetheart, are you ready to meet the robot?”

The 4-foot-tall, Segway-looking machine with a video screen mounted on top (think no arms, legs or head like R2D2 from “Star Wars”) rolled down the hospital hallway.

Guided by Michelle Harvey—Educational Specialist at Children’s Health—via an iPad, the robot rounded the corner into the patient’s room.

Vienna—eyes wide—grinned when she saw Michelle’s face on the robot’s screen.

After a brief tutorial, it was Vienna’s turn to drive the robot down the hallway, onto the elevator and into Seacrest Studios, where she hosted a game of Wheel of Fortune played by other patients from their hospital rooms.

The VGo robot program allows Children’s Health to use this donor-funded robotic technology to help children too sick to attend school in-person participate in their classes virtually.

“A big issue we face is the isolation that our chronically ill populations encounter,” Michelle said. “The VGo robot helped remove that barrier, allowing patients to interact with their peers. Although it’s

“We try to think of different ways we can use this technology,” said Michelle Harvey, Educational Specialist at Children’s Health. “I’ve had a preschooler participate in circle time. I’ve had high school seniors attend pep rallies, participate in virtual graduations and music lessons where they’re in the hospital playing the tuba.”

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virtual, it was still an opportunity for faceto peers and sometimes schools. In some to-face contact.” ways, this unique social experiment that This robotic technology became we’re all participating in has leveled the particularly crucial when COVID-19 entered playing field for our students.” our community.

Several years ago, Michelle and Kelly As schools in North Texas closed and Ihejiawu, Director of School Services and turned to virtual learning, and Children’s the Family Resource Library, helped bring Health implemented extra safety the robot program to Children’s Health measures, team members after they learned about the in our School Services technology at a conference. department relied on the fleet They worked with Children’s The VGo robot helped of VGo robots to connect Medical Center Foundation to patients interact with apply for a grant to launch the patients to the world outside their peers. Although program, which only receives of their hospital rooms. it’s virtual, it was still external funding through In one case, the robot an opportunity for became the teacher in our inphilanthropy. Now, Children’s face-to-face contact. Health counts six robots, many patient psychiatry unit to keep students on track with their funded by donors. lessons as they concluded the “We try to think of different spring semester. ways to use this technology,” School Services also partnered with Michelle said. “I’ve had a preschooler Seacrest Studios—an interactive space participate in circle time. I’ve had high school highlighting radio and television inside seniors attend pep rallies, participate in Children’s Medical Center Dallas through virtual graduations and music lessons where the Red Balloon Network—to involve they’re in the hospital playing the tuba.” patients in game shows and activities when The Ruth Cheatham Foundation, which they couldn’t leave their hospital rooms due provides education services and financial to social distancing. aid for teens battling cancer, has funded “Our patients have been living in this a few of the Children’s Health robots, kind of isolation for a long time,” Michelle including one during COVID-19. said. “And it’s been hard to get that across For years, Lindsay Whittemore, President and Co-founder of The Ruth Cheatham Foundation, and her board members have understood the importance for teens to receive that social interaction found at school, especially for cancer patients who are isolated during treatment.

“And when COVID-19 came, we all got a taste of that isolation. Not to the same degree, but I think everyone can empathize with how important it is to have kids in the classroom. It really solidified why this technology is so necessary,” Lindsay said.

Michelle and Kelly said it’s crucial to keep education at the forefront of patient DECEMBER 2020

services at Children’s Health, especially during COVID-19. Staying connected to school supports patients in their recovery and helps improve their quality of life after their hospital stays.

“As we’ve noted throughout COVID-19, the emotional needs for our patients are critical,” Kelly said. “To have the connection with the robot to their peers or teacher continues to be very crucial during this time, as we continue to support our patients’ education needs and emotional wellbeing.”

What else you need to know SIX: Number of VGo robots at Children’s Health $8,000: Approximate cost of one robot, including maintenance 4 FEET: Height of VGo robot HOW IT WORKS: The Wi-Fi enabled robot allows kids dealing with long-term illness and injury to participate in school.

12 ways to give to Children’s Health this year-end 1

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CASH: Cash is often the simplest way to give. This year, the CARES Act offers incentives at every level, even a $300 tax deduction for non-itemizers when you give to a qualified charity like Children’s Health.

STOCKS: Though the stock market has seen volatile swings this year, gifting an appreciated, low-cost basis stock still offers multiple tax deduction benefits.

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IRA ROLLOVER: If you are 70 ½ years or older, a qualified charitable distribution directly from your IRA will not be considered part of your income and is often the most beneficial way for seniors to give.

DAFS: If you have a previously funded donor-advised fund (DAF), using the balance for year-end giving is a wonderful way to make life better for children without impacting your finances today.

MATCHING GIFT OPTIONS: If you work for a company, you may find one of the corporate benefits is that they offer employees matching gift options, giving you double the impact.

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ZERO TAX GIFT AND SALE: Make a gift out of part of an investment or property you intend to sell, avoid paying capital gains tax on part of the sale and receive cash back.

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION

As the season of giving approaches, there are several opportunities to give a gift that will have value long after the holidays are over.

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SECURITIES: Due to the current interest environment, when you use your securities to fund a LEAD trust, you can receive a tax deduction now for a larger amount than your annual gift, while allowing the trust to create payments to Children’s Health that will replace your usual annual gift. As an extra bonus, the asset will return to you at the end of the trust term.

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Photo Credit: vgocom.com

LIFE INSURANCE: Year-end is a great time to review your essential documents like life insurance policies, which may no longer be needed. Paid up, whole life policies often have value that can be donated and may offer you a tax deduction.

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OTHER ASSETS: Let us help you tidy up before you put up the holiday decorations.

If you have a vehicle, jewelry, art or even currency from that trip you can’t take now, you may be able to donate it to clean up both your home and your tax return.

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS: Perhaps you don’t have funds to give right now but want to make the world a better place this holiday season.

Add Children’s Health as a beneficiary to your IRA or 401(k).

It doesn’t cost you today, but will make life better for children tomorrow.

SHOP TO SUPPORT: Give back through your everyday shopping and dining with our retail partners. Select online and local retailers will return a portion of your purchases to support Children’s Health.

HOLIDAY EVENTS: Enjoy seasonal celebrations like the Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE 2020 fireworks spectacular, which has named Children’s Health as its first-ever beneficiary.

childrens.com/12ways

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CRI CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT UT SOUTHWESTERN

Jessalyn Ubellacker, Ph.D., lead author of the study and a Postdoctoral Researcher with Sean Morrison, Ph.D., Director of CRI and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator

The Secret of Lymph F

or decades, physicians have known that many kinds of cancer cells often spread first to lymph nodes before traveling to distant organs through the bloodstream.

New research from Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) provides insight into why this occurs, unveiling new targets for treatments that could inhibit the spread of cancer.

The study, published in Nature and supported by Children’s Medical Center Foundation donors, found melanoma cells that pass through the lymph nodes pick up a protective coating, allowing them to survive high levels of oxidative stress in the blood and go on to form distant tumors.

Most cancer deaths happen after cancer spreads to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis. This occurs when cancer cells from the primary tumor spread through blood vessels or migrate through lymphatic vessels before entering the blood.

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H O W LY M P H N O D E S H E L P CANCER CELLS SPREAD

“Previous research has focused on the high levels of oxidative stress how cancer cells metastasize through cancer cells experience when they the blood, but very little was known migrate through the blood. Exposure about how these cells compare to oxidative stress in the blood is to cells that metastasize through one reason why metastasis is a very lymphatics,” said Sean Morrison, inefficient process in which most Ph.D., Director of CRI and a Howard cancer cells die before they have an Hughes Medical Institute opportunity to grow at a (HHMI) Investigator. “Our distant site. data suggest that passing “After further analysis, Our data suggest through the lymphatics can we discovered that the that passing through promote the survival and oxidative stress in the the lymphatics can spread of melanoma cells blood causes the cancer promote the survival by protecting the cells cells to undergo a specific and spread of from the oxidative stress form of cell death called melanoma cells. they normally experience ferroptosis,” said Jessalyn during metastasis.”

Ubellacker, Ph.D., lead The researchers observed author of the study and how human melanoma cells behaved a Postdoctoral Researcher in the when injected intravenously or into the Morrison lab. “In contrast, cancer cells lymphatic system of mice. They found in lymph experience lower levels of that cancer cells injected into lymph oxidative stress and are protected nodes had a better chance of surviving from ferroptosis.” and forming tumors than those To better understand why melanoma injected directly into the blood. cells undergo ferroptosis in the blood Researchers hypothesized this but not the lymph, researchers looked difference could be explained by for metabolic differences between DECEMBER 2020

cancer cells in the blood versus the lymph.

They discovered cancer cells from the lymph had higher levels of a monounsaturated fatty acid known as oleic acid, which is the main component of olive oil. They then realized this monounsaturated fatty acid was incorporated into the membranes of cancer cells in the lymph. This diluted polyunsaturated fatty acids in the membranes of these cells, inhibiting the chemical reactions that lead to ferroptosis and protecting the cells.

This protective coating of oleic acid from the lymph allowed the cancer cells to safely enter the blood, travel to other locations and form metastatic tumors.

This explains why cancer cells often form tumors first in lymph nodes, before metastasizing to distant sites through the blood: They can load up on antioxidants in the lymph that protect the cells when they subsequently enter the blood.

“Now that we understand more about why cancer cells are most likely to metastasize initially through lymph, it raises the possibility of treating patients with drugs that target those protective mechanisms in the lymph to inhibit the early stages of metastasis,” Morrison said.

Dr. Sean Morrison, Director of CRI, elected to National Academy of Sciences E

arlier this year, Sean Morrison, Ph.D., Director of the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern and Professor of Pediatrics, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences— one of the highest honors for American scientists.

Dr. Morrison is honored for his significant discoveries in stem cell biology and cancer. His achievements include pioneering new methods to purify stem cells from multiple tissues and discovering molecular mechanisms that allow stem cells to persist throughout life and regenerate tissues after injury.

“I appreciate the recognition of my laboratory’s work, and all of the talented students and postdocs who have worked in the lab over the years, many of whom are now running their own laboratories. Thank you as well to my colleagues and collaborators in CRI as well as in the broader UT Southwestern and Children’s Heath communities for the remarkable environment they have created for research,” said Dr. Morrison, who is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in 2018.

Cancer metabolism researcher Dr. Ralph DeBerardinis elected to the National Academy of Medicine R

alph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D., a Professor at the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is known for his significant discoveries in cancer metabolism and research into childhood conditions known as inborn errors of metabolism. He is

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among 100 new members of NAM announced in October—one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.

“I’m so grateful to the academy for recognizing our work and for the people in my lab whose creativity and perseverance are responsible for the discoveries that led to this honor,” said

Dr. DeBerardinis, who is also Chief of the Division of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism at UT Southwestern and an Attending Physician at Children’s Health.

“I am fortunate to be in an environment that values mechanistic, disease-focused research

and cultivates the collaborative environment at CRI that has made our research possible. Thanks also to my family for their patience and support, and to all the patients who have participated in our studies over many years.”

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$7.5 million challenge grant supports innovative mental health initiative M

ental health is one of the largest, most complicated and costly challenges in pediatric health care, crossing all ethnicities and socioeconomic levels.

And these challenges have only been exacerbated by COVID-19.

Despite rising youth suicide rates and an increase in online bullying, Texas ranks near last in the nation for child and adolescent access to mental health services, according to the 2019 Beyond ABC report published

by Children’s Health. The report is an in-depth look at the quality of life for children in North Texas.

Other key findings from the report include: • 20% of children with depression and anxiety go undiagnosed and untreated.

• Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. among 15- to 24-year-olds.

• 1 in 5 adult Texans will experience a mental health concern at some point this year.

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he current approach to pediatric to help launch and support an initiative mental health cannot keep up to educate and train pediatricians to with the present demand and the diagnose and treat low to moderate growing number of children living in depression and anxiety, rallying the North Texas. community around a fresh start in Without significant tackling mental health transformation, children challenges facing kids will continue to go and families. untreated and suffer The key is to link early 20% of children serious consequences that screening with practical with depression will affect them and others strategies in a direct, costand anxiety go for years to come. Our effective way that will change undiagnosed current situation demands the mental health trajectory and untreated. innovative solutions that for Texas children. can lead to dramatic A collaboration between changes in treatment Children’s Health and and prevention as soon Meadows Mental Health as possible.

Policy Institute aims to directly address these challenges, but it will take philanthropy to make it happen. hildren’s Medical Center Foundation A contribution to this innovative has received an external challenge initiative for responding to pediatric grant of $7.5 million from long-time mental health in the community Children’s Health supporter the would be doubled in impact and Hamon Charitable Foundation, which help advance this crucial solution was established by the late Jake and to a critical need.

Nancy Hamon.

To learn more or support this project, The generous challenge grant is visit childrens.com/HamonGrant. given to encourage and inspire others

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bby, whose story we introduced to you in August, credits the care she received at Children’s Health through our Suicide Prevention and Resilience at Children’s (SPARC) program to having a profound impact on her life, following more than one suicide attempt due to online bullying that made her feel hopeless.

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DECEMBER 2020

Children’s Health named first-ever beneficiary of Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE 2020 celebration

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hris Kleinert looked up at the blue, practically cloudless sky that Reunion Tower seemed to cut through.

It was a sunny afternoon in early October and Kleinert, CEO of Hunt Consolidated Investments, was already imagining the colorful fireworks display that will illuminate the roughly 560-foot observation tower in downtown Dallas on New Year’s Eve. He said it’s the kind of celebration North Texas residents need— particularly after this year— to welcome 2021.

This year, the Reunion Tower NYE Foundation has been established in conjunction with the fireworks celebration to raise funds and honor a local nonprofit organization.

Children’s Health has been named as the event’s first beneficiary.

The display, which has been illuminating the Dallas skyline since 2016, is a symbol of strong community leaders choosing Children’s Health this year-end.

Kleinert clearly remembers the deciding moment: He was working from home (like many of us this year) and standing in his backyard, discussing the logistics of

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the event. It only took seconds to decide on Children’s Health as the first featured nonprofit.

“This event is our gift to the city of Dallas, and this year we want to celebrate our first responders,” said Kleinert. “We’re turning the page on 2020, and Children’s Health is an organization that speaks to excellence and is something the community can rally around after this challenging year.”

The event is one of the largest fireworks displays in the country and is a celebration everyone can safely watch from home on NBC5 or via livestream on Facebook and YouTube.

The show is a collaboration of partners including Hunt Realty Investments and

Reunion Tower; Visit Dallas; Downtown Dallas Inc.; the city of Dallas; and media partners Nexstar and NBC5.

The 10-minute show, combined with a custom LED light show, is the only 360-degree, panoramic fireworks spectacular in the Central time zone.

Hunt Realty Investments aspires to grow the event— and its partnership with Children’s Health—as media outlets continue to pick up the fireworks show. Last year, it was televised on 37 media markets across 14 states, including Hawaii.

“When it’s 11 o’clock here, everybody watches Times Square. But when the clock strikes midnight, we want everyone watching us,” Kleinert said.

More about this year’s NYE celebration • • • •

The 10-minute fireworks and LED light show will illuminate the Dallas sky at 11:59 p.m. CST. Tune in safely from home on NBC5 or via livestream on Facebook and YouTube.

The display is the only 360-degree, panoramic fireworks spectacular in the Central time zone.

Set to a music simulcast, the show features over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects from more than 90 firing locations, shot from 50 stories high—reaching over 800 feet in the air.

To learn more about the fireworks celebration and how else to get involved in Children’s Health this holiday season, visit childrens.com/NYE.

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Presort First Class Mail US Postage PAID Dallas, TX Permit No. 2866

2777 Stemmons Freeway | Suite 1700 Dallas, Texas 75207 give.childrens.com

President Brent E. Christopher

Support Children’s Health this holiday season!

Your support helps not only our patients but also the web of team members who play a vital role in their care.

To learn more about the foundation and to make a gift, visit give.childrens.com.

Chief Advancement Officer Laran O’Neill Senior Director, Communications and Stewardship Dana Beckman Senior Communications Specialist Nanette Light Manager, Strategic Communications Chelsea Whelpley

Digital Content Specialist Jason Brynsvold Contributors Marvis Browder Cristy Ecton Harmonie Farrow Colten Hendrik Nicola Lawrence Paulette Mulry Katie Regan Angelica Timpany Design Eric Rob & Isaac Photography Juan Pulido Lori Wilson