While growth is exciting, Cook Children’s know it brings challenges that can impact team members, visitors, neighbors and our community. Cook Children’s want to share the ‘what and why’ about the work the health care system is doing to continue to serve children and families.

Growing with the Community

Fort Worth, the greater DFW metro area and the surrounding regions that rely on Cook Children’s for specialty pediatric care are growing. Cook Children’s is prepared to grow with them.

“North Texas is expanding rapidly, and we’re here to match that expansion,” said Spencer Seals, senior vice president of Real Estate, Construction, and Facilities Planning for Cook Children's Health Care System. “Through the West Tower and other construction projects, we are building future capacity.”

With population growth comes increased demand for Cook Children’s services. For example, as the largest Level IV NICU in North Texas, Cook Children's cares for critically ill babies from hospitals both nearby and hundreds of miles away.

Cook Children’s also has one of the busiest emergency rooms in the nation, treating broken bones, severely ill children and patients transported by plane, helicopter and ambulance in need of lifesaving care. It’s not uncommon to see 500 to 600 patients in a single day during the peak season, with many requiring admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

As a result, beds in the PICU and NICU are frequently full, and children and families must wait for beds. To make sure Cook Children’s can be here for every child, the health care system created a 10-year plan designed to expand the campus and meet the needs of patients and families for decades to come.

Progress and Milestones

So far this year, Cook Children’s has made progress or completed numerous projects.

Kids’ Place
To make room for the West Tower expansion, the Kids’ Place Child Development Center - a daycare center for Cook Children’s staff - relocated from Southland Avenue to a new facility on Cook Children's Fort Worth campus along 9th Avenue between Cooper and Pruitt streets.

West Tower Infrastructure Takes Shape
Several foundational phases of the West Tower project are now complete.

Phase 1 of excavation, including installation of two tower cranes and construction of the basement structure, has been completed. The former Alliance for Children building has been demolished, and construction of the West Tower Garage is underway.

Meanwhile, crews continue expanding the South Utility Plant, which provides electrical power across the campus. As part of that work, teams excavated a major utility tunnel beneath 7th Avenue.

Building the Foundation

Much of the construction visible today is creating the infrastructure necessary to support the future West Tower.

The 10-story, 760,000-square-foot tower will house a new PICU, an expanded Heart Center and a Transitional Care Unit. It will also create opportunities to expand the NICU and Emergency Department within the existing hospital.

Many of the lane closures along 8th Avenue, Rosedale Street and throughout the Medical District have been necessary to relocate and upgrade utilities that support the future building. This work includes:

• Sewer lines

• Storm drains

• Internet access

• Irrigation

• Water flow

• Fire water

Teams are also relocating gas lines and Oncor power lines.

Cook Children’s hopes to wrap up the 8th road work by November.

After that, all West Tower construction should be contained to the Cook Children’s Fort Worth campus. There will still be construction on Rosedale, but that work is being done by the city on behalf of the entire Medical District.

As construction continues, Cook Children’s construction website is the best place to find up-to-date information of lane, road and sidewalk closures.

Seals explained that his team and their partners have done everything they can to mitigate the impact the construction has on the community, staff, and patients. For example, Cook Children’s avoided road closures on 7^th Avenue, where utility work needed to be done, by having crews tunneling beneath the street.

Still, Seals knows the lane closures and traffic can be a challenge. However, if Cook Children’s is going to grow with the community, the utility work was always a necessary growing pain.

“In order to meet the needs of the Cook Children’s system, we had to do this infrastructure work with or without the West Tower,” Seals explained. “And in order to expand the NICU, PICU and the Heart Center, we needed to add the tower. There is literally not enough room to do that without the West Tower addition.”

What to Expect Next

Before utilities can be connected to the West Tower, crews must lower portions of Terrell Avenue and 7th Avenue. This work will create the proper grade needed to manage stormwater around the future building. Terrell Avenue is expected to reopen to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic by summer 2027.

Over the next six months, Cook Children's expects to reach several additional milestones, including:

• Completion of utility work along 8th Avenue

• Continued construction of new parking garages

• Installation of three additional tower cranes

• Completion of the first of five major phases of West Tower construction

• Advancement of the second phase of basement construction

Looking Ahead

By late 2030, Cook Children’s will have added more than 200 beds in the West Tower, renovated parts of the hospital and built in extra space to prepare for future growth.

The West Tower reflects Cook Children’s growth - from 56 private rooms in the PICU to a state-of-the-art Heart Center, with everything a patient needs from surgery to discharge in contiguous space to more beds and spaces for families to heal.

With the space vacated in the existing hospital, Cook Children’s is undertaking a 155,000 square-foot renovation, including more cancer services, highly specialized interventional radiology and the addition of 37 NICU beds to bring the total to nearly 150 beds.

For more than a century, Cook Children’s has risen to meet the needs of the moment - the health care system has expanded its campus, evolved its technology and added services to improve the health and well-being of all children in its care. This expansion is a continuation of the system’s Promise, “Everything for the child.”

Cook Children’s appreciates your patience. You can read more about the expansion in this story, which is updated with the latest construction impacts.

RELATED STORIES
Let the Sunshine In: Cook Children's Advances Legacy of Healing and Hope with New Patient Tower
Cook Children’s Unveils Plan to Expand Critical Care to Meet Community Demand
Cook Children’s Looks to Expand Medical Campus to Keep Up with Unprecedented Growth in Fort Worth

Resources and tips for finding immunizations for children:

Navigating vaccines can feel overwhelming. Talk to your pediatrician.

• Schedule an appointment through Cook Children's.
• Find your nearest Texas Department of State Health service clinic for information on clinics.
• Call 211 for help.
• Call Tarrant County Public Health at 817-248-6299 to make an appointment or to find a walk-in clinic.
• Check with your local school district for vaccine events.

Raising a child brings up endless questions, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. As back-to-school season approaches, immunizations may be top of mind for families, and searching for clear, honest answers about what goes into their child's body and why. With so much conflicting information online, sorting facts from fear can feel overwhelming. Cook Children’s Health Care System helps parents and caregivers cut through the noise with trusted guidance from medical experts who are parents themselves.

Among the recommended immunizations, the RSV medication often raises questions.

Hospitalist Laura Romano, D.O., explains the key facts about RSV and the medication that prevents it.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a highly contagious virus that causes upper and lower respiratory symptoms in people of all ages. Symptoms range from a stuffy nose to difficulty breathing. While most cases are mild, severe infections can cause bacterial pneumonia or require hospitalization for oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids. Premature infants and babies with underlying heart or lung conditions face the highest risk.

Can RSV be prevented?

Yes! Pregnant women can receive an RSV vaccine to protect their babies, or infants can receive a preventive immunization during the winter. Some children qualify for more than one immunization so ask your pediatrician if your child needs a second dose. Thanks to maternal vaccines and infant immunizations, hospitals - including Cook Children’s - are seeing a drop in RSV hospitalizations.

What would you like families to know about RSV and its immunization?

RSV while mild for many can be fatal for some. RSV can affect everyone from young babies to our grandparents and can be fatal in both cases.

RSV is mild for most people but it can be fatal for some. RSV affects individuals of all ages - from infants to older adults - and can be deadly for high-risk populations across both groups.

Resources and tips for finding immunizations for children:

Navigating vaccines can feel overwhelming. Talk to your pediatrician.

• Schedule an appointment through Cook Children's.
• Find your nearest Texas Department of State Health service clinic for information on clinics.
• Call 211 for help.
• Call Tarrant County Public Health at 817-248-6299 to make an appointment or to find a walk-in clinic.
• Check with your local school district for vaccine events.

Raising a child brings up endless questions, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. As back-to-school season approaches, immunizations may be top of mind for families, and searching for clear, honest answers about what goes into their child's body and why. With so much conflicting information online, sorting facts from fear can feel overwhelming. Cook Children’s Health Care System helps parents and caregivers cut through the noise with trusted guidance from medical experts who are parents themselves.

Among the required school shots, the Hepatitis B vaccine often raises the most questions, especially when it comes to why infants and young kids need protection so early.

Hospitalist Laura Romano, D.O., explains the key facts about hepatitis B and the vaccine that prevents it.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

In adults, hepatitis B is usually spread through blood or intimate contact. In young children, however, the virus usually spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids. Transmission most commonly occurs during labor and delivery, but it can also happen through everyday activities, such as sharing a toothbrush or being bitten by a person who has the virus.

People infected with hepatitis B can spread the virus even if they show no symptoms. In fact, children often remain asymptomatic for years while still being contagious. This is especially concerning because infants and young children are more likely than adults to develop chronic, lifelong liver conditions, including permanent liver damage, cirrhosis (severe scarring), and liver cancer.

Treatment options for chronic hepatitis B are limited and focus primarily on halting the progression of liver damage rather than curing the virus itself. For severe cases where the liver has sustained significant damage, a liver transplant may ultimately be necessary.

How can the disease be prevented?

The most effective way to prevent hepatitis B is through vaccination. The vaccine is highly protective, offering about 95% effectiveness in preventing both acute and chronic infections. Since its routine inclusion in infant immunization schedules, rates of hepatitis B cases and associated liver cancer have steadily declined.

What would you like families to know about the hepatitis B vaccine and HBV?

• Hepatitis B is often misunderstood as a disease that only affects people engaging in high-risk or illegal behaviors. Anyone can contract the virus through everyday actions such as sharing a razor or toothbrush with someone who has the infection, even if that person shows no symptoms.
• Prenatal screening and maternal immunity testing alone are not enough to protect all children from hepatitis B. History has shown that targeting only 'high-risk' infants leaves gaps, leading to ongoing infections in both mothers and children that universal vaccination prevents.
• While some countries delay hepatitis B vaccination until children are older, their social and health care infrastructure differs significantly. Longer parental leave in those countries means children spend less time in daycare, where early exposure can occur. Also, universal health care access allows these countries to detect acute infections quickly and manage chronic cases more effectively.

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For Stephanie Acord, M.D., a pediatric neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders at Cook Children’s, those first conversations with parents are much more than explaining a diagnosis.

“For these families, the biggest thing is trying to learn to trust us,” said Dr. Acord. “We are going to do anything and everything that we can to get their child the best type of treatment, to have the best outcomes possible.”

That trust is especially important because with SMA, time matters.

Before Texas added SMA to its newborn screening panel in 2021, many children were diagnosed only after symptoms began to appear or older siblings were also diagnosed with SMA. Today, newborn screening allows specialists at Cook Children’s to identify babies much earlier and begin evaluating treatment options before symptoms develop.

“Besides stroke, where every minute counts, in the SMA world, essentially every day counts,” Dr. Acord said.

SMA is caused by a genetic change that prevents the body from producing enough survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which keeps motor neurons healthy. There are five types of SMA categorized by disease severity and the age at which symptoms begin. Even though no cure exists for this condition, there are four different types of medication that are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat SMA. One of them is SPINRAZA®, a treatment medication that was first approved by the FDA back in December of 2016.

Because Jesse’s newborn screening identified him early, his care team immediately began confirmatory testing while working to start treatment without unnecessary delays.

Rather than waiting weeks for additional approvals, Jesse began taking Evrysdi®, an oral medication that served as a bridge while the team secured authorization for a gene therapy medication called Zolgensma®. Jesse continued his oral medication as physicians closely monitored his progress.

Although Jesse continued to make progress with the first two treatments, Dr. Acord believed he could benefit from the third treatment, SPINRAZA®.

At Jesse’s one-year follow-up appointment, he had not yet reached some of the developmental milestones his care team had hoped to see. After several conversations and close follow-up visits with his family, Dr. Acord recommended adding the third treatment medication that Jesse had not yet received.

On March of 2026, before Jesse’s scheduled treatment appointment, the FDA announced the approval of a higher-dose regimen of SPINRAZA® for eligible patients. The approval did not introduce a new medication. Instead, it expanded dosing for an existing therapy that has been used to treat SMA since 2016, allowing eligible patients to receive a larger dose over a shorter period.

Recognizing the potential benefit, Dr. Acord and her team immediately contacted Jesse’s parents and discussed the newly approved dosing option.

“For Jesse, that meant he was getting more medication in a shorter period of time,” said Dr. Acord.

After discussing the risks and benefits, Jesse’s parents agreed.

Jesse became the first patient in Texas and only the second in the United States, to receive the newly approved higher-dose regimen at Cook Children’s.

“Instead of having to undergo four lumbar punctures, which are more invasive procedures, within a two-month period on the regular standard dosing regimen, he was going to undergo two of those, within a two-week period, but essentially get double that dose within two weeks compared to over two months,” Dr. Acord explained.

Within weeks of the first dose, Jesse’s family noticed changes. He began pulling himself up to stand, cruising along furniture, and clapping his hands. He even attempted to climb stairs. His family quickly learned how to appreciate the little things children normally do, and they took nothing for granted.

For Dr. Acord, those moments never lose their significance either.

“When children come walking in or they just walk across the room for the first time, your mouth hits the ground, and you're just like, ‘this is why I do what I do,’” said Dr. Acord.

Today, watching Jesse continue reaching new milestones gives the family hope they could not have imagined during those first frightening days after his diagnosis.

“I'm glad I took the chance on trying something new, because I just want to give him the best opportunity to walk,” said Lupe Vasquez, Jesse’s mother.

Looking back, she hopes other parents facing an SMA diagnosis will give themselves grace.

“I would tell [other parents] that they're not alone. I know exactly how it feels whether it's SMA or another disease.” Lupe said. “Take care of your mental health… you have to make sure that you are okay too.”

Thanks to early screening, medical innovation, and a team committed to finding every possible advantage, Jesse’s journey is just beginning. Each new milestone serves as a reminder that, for children with SMA, every small step forward can change the course of a lifetime.

Resources and tips for finding immunizations for children:

Navigating vaccines can feel overwhelming. Talk to your pediatrician.

• Schedule an appointment through Cook Children's.
• Find your nearest Texas Department of State Health Service Clinic.
• Call 211 for help.
• Call Tarrant County Public Health at 817-248-6299 to make an appointment or to find a walk-in clinic.
• Check with your local school district for vaccine events.

Just weeks before students return to the classroom, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a health alert following four reported cases of measles in July. According to DSHS, all four cases occurred within a single family after a family member traveled out of state.

With back-to-school season underway, pediatricians at Cook Children’s Health Care System are sharing key information about how measles moves through communities and how families can protect their children.

Measles is highly contagious. One infected person can potentially infect 12 to 18 unvaccinated individuals. The virus spreads through infectious respiratory droplets and airborne transmission (from coughing or sneezing), where tiny droplets can remain suspended in the air.

Cook Children’s experts say the best way to prevent getting and spreading the virus is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is required by most school districts and Cook Children’s understands that navigating conflicting information about vaccines can feel overwhelming. Mary Suzanne Whitworth, M.D., medical director of Cook Children’s Infectious Diseases, explains the key facts about the measles and the MMR vaccine.

What is measles

Measles is a viral infection caused by the rubeola virus, which is not the same as rubella. The virus is very small, which makes it more contagious. It can remain in the air of a room for up to two hours after an infected patient leaves. Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after infection.

Symptoms include:

• Rash
• Fever, sometimes over 104º Fahrenheit or 40 º Celsius
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Tiredness

Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and, in rare cases, brain damage or death.

How can measles be prevented?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically given to children on their first birthday (12 months old), followed by a booster at age 4. Talk to your pediatrician about questions and concerns. Children traveling outside the United States may be able eligible to receive the vaccine before their first birthday.

Because measles remains airborne for up to two hours, if 10 unvaccinated children are in a room with one infected child, nine of them will likely contract the virus.

In addition to getting vaccinated, the spread of measles can be mitigated by proper hygiene. This includes:

• Handwashing
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

What would you like families to know about measles and the MMR vaccine?

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, measles immunization rates have declined in recent years due to missed checkups during the pandemic, parental concerns and vaccine misinformation.

Measles also remains common in many parts of the world. Most recent U.S. cases stemmed from unvaccinated travelers returning from abroad. This drop in vaccination coverage makes communities vulnerable to disease resurgence.

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• Top 10 Questions Parents Ask About Vaccines

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Daniel was born with beta thalassemia major, a genetic blood disorder that prevents his body from producing healthy, functional hemoglobin.

“His red blood cells can't carry oxygen, so every 21 days, we come here for what we call a ‘refill’ for him to get about two units of donor red blood cells,” said Allison Wendler, Daniel’s mom.

For six to eight hours the infusion center becomes Daniel’s playground.

“He gets to play Roblox most of the day. He also gets to play on the Xbox and the PS5,” said Allison. “Steve, the therapy dog, comes a lot of times on Friday, and we love visiting with Steve.”

Timothy L. McCavit, M.D., MSCS, a pediatric hematologist at Cook Children's, has treated Daniel since he was adopted seven years ago. He has watched Daniel grow and thrive thanks to blood donors.

“Regular access to blood allows him to be a normal child,” said Dr. McCavit.

Each transfusion Daniel receives comes from donors through Carter BloodCare. Behind every unit of blood, there is a donor with a unique story.

On Tuesday, for the first time, Daniel and his family met some of the people who help keep him alive.

Two Parallel Journeys, One Perfect Match

Jeff Noble has been donating blood for the past six years. His own medical diagnosis requires him to do so.

“I have too much iron in my blood,” said Noble.

Noble was one of six donors who attended a special celebration for Daniel hosted by Carter BloodCare. The surprise reveal allowed Daniel’s donors to see the real-world, daily impact of their selflessness.

“Daniel would not be alive today if it weren't for donors,” said Allison.

Because of Noble and donors like him, Daniel doesn’t just survive; he thrives. He recently attended basketball camp and won the game ball for playing the best offense and defense.

Dr. McCavit hopes Daniel’s story encourages others to donate and lead community blood donation drives.

“Because the need is never ending,” said Dr. McCavit.

A Critical Shortage

Carter Bloodcare reports it is currently experiencing a critical blood shortage, with less than a single day’s supply of certain blood types on the shelves.

Dr. McCavit encourages anyone who is able to donate, noting that it’s a quick and easy process.

“I donate regularly, so I absolutely try to put my money where my mouth is in terms of encouraging people to donate,” said Dr. McCavit.

Cook Children’s utilizes blood transfusions for its most vulnerable patients, from premature infants weighing less than two pounds to teenagers. Dr. McCavit explained that blood transfusions are used in a variety of settings from the intensive care unit, operating rooms, the emergency department, and for children undergoing treatment for cancer and other blood disorders.

Fast Facts on Blood Donation:

• One donation can save up to three lives.

• Every 2 seconds, someone needs blood.
• Only 3% of eligible Americans donate blood.

To Donate visit Carter BloodCare.

Cook Children’s Health Care System is seeing a steep increase in serious injuries associated with these vehicles, including skull fractures, facial fractures, finger amputations and severe extremity fractures.

According to Cook Children's trauma registry data, injuries surged during the first half of 2026 compared with all of 2025. E-bike-related trauma cases increased 500%, rising from eight to 48 cases, while e-scooter injuries climbed 97%, from 29 to 57 cases. Because the trauma registry captures only the most severe injuries, the total number of emergency department visits is even higher.

This surge also saw a widening age gap: while the age range for these injuries so far in 2026 spans 4 to 17 years, the prior year saw a narrower range of 10 to 16 years for e-bikes and 4 to 17 for e-scooter injuries.

During the first two weeks of summer break alone, Cook Children’s treated 25 patients for e-bike and e-scooter injuries and 16 children for other personal electric vehicles. Many of those patients required admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

“With e-bikes, kids are often not wearing appropriate protective gear or helmets,” said Taylor Louden, M.D., medical director of emergency services at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth. “Sadly, we have had children struck by cars while riding on the road because they do not understand basic traffic laws.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that children younger than 12 should not operate any e-bike capable of traveling faster than 10 mph.

Dr. Louden emphasized the importance of proper helmets.

“Always wear a helmet when riding anything with wheels,” said Dr. Louden, “For these faster e-bikes, we recommend a BMX-style helmet with face protection.”

Under the Texas Transportation Code, an e-bike is a bicycle with fully operational pedals, a motor of less than 750 watts, and an assisted top speed of 28 mph or less. Texas classifies e-bikes into three categories. While there are no age restrictions for riding a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike, riders must be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.

Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager for Cook Children's, said families should remember that e-bikes and e-scooters are vehicles, not toys.

Evans and Dr. Louden offer the following safety tips for families:

Summer Ride Safety for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

• Adult supervision: Children should not ride these vehicles without direct adult supervision. Children younger than 12 should not operate them.
• Always wear a helmet: Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet. Helmets are the most important piece of safety equipment, but not all helmets are designed for e-bikes and e-scooters. Check the safety standards below to ensure children are wearing the appropriate helmet for the vehicle’s speed.
  • CPSC: All bicycle helmets sold in the U.S. must meet this standard. These are best for traditional bicycles and low-speed scooters.
  • ASTM F1952: Provides more protection than a standard bicycle helmet and may be good choice for riders traveling at speeds below 20 mph.
  • NTA 8776: Designed specifically for e-bike and e-scooter riders. This is the preferred choice for riders travelling at speeds above 28 mph.
  • DOT FMVSS-218: Provides the highest level of protection on this list and is best suited for higher speeds above or riding near heavy traffic.
    
• Perform a safety check before every ride:
  • Check the tires. Ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the sidewall.
  • Test brake levers. Squeeze the brake levers while rolling the vehicle forward and backward.
  • Inspect vehicle. Check for loose parts or anything that appears damaged or abnormal.
    
• Follow the rules of the road:
  • Always ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic. Use the bike lane when available.
  • Stop and look both ways before entering a street or crossing an intersection.
  • Stop at all intersections.
  • Obey all traffic lights and signs.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not talk on the phone, text, or wear earbuds while riding.
    
• Night rides: Wear bright, reflective clothing and ensure the e-bike or e-scooter is equipped with light and reflectors.

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Weight is one of the most personal things people carry and one of the hardest topics to talk about, especially for kids growing up and still learning who they are. When weight gain or fluctuations are out of one’s control, it can also become overwhelming and cause feelings of hopelessness. In those times, often the best action to take is to seek medical support. 

That’s exactly what Leslie Tewell did for her now 15-year-old son, Blain Tewell. Seeing Amani Terrell, M.D., Board Certified Pediatrician and Obesity Medicine Specialist with Cook Children’s Pediatrics Keller Parkway changed Blain’s life.

Obesity Medicine Care at Cook Children's - Keller Parkway

After 12 years of helping patients at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Keller Parkway, Dr. Terrell’s recent transition into obesity medicine felt natural. Year after year during routine checkups, she noticed children struggle with their weight and knew that many providers lacked the tools to truly help them. Too often, the advice was “exercise and eat healthy” and she wanted to do more. Now board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, she brings specialized expertise to every patient she sees.

“The sad reality is that 1 of every 4 children in North Texas has an obesity diagnosis,” Dr. Terrell said. “And most people don’t realize that obesity is a biological response.”

This perspective helps her patients understand their weight challenges go far beyond diet choices. Blain has been seeing Dr. Terrell for more than 10 years now and appreciates her thoughtful approach, not just focusing on one aspect of his health.

“Dr. Terrell’s consistency has been the most helpful and the way she takes time to understand me as a whole person,” Blain said.

Learning Throughout the Weight Loss Journey

Blain and Leslie have learned that weight loss takes time and that it’s important to focus on Blain’s well-being and health, not just numbers.

“I’ve learned more about making balanced choices and listening to my body,” Blain said. “My mom and I both learned the importance of patience and the encouragement I’ve needed along the way.”

Dr. Terrell has also helped Blain build his confidence and self-awareness.

“Blain is a very sweet young man,” Dr. Terrell said. “Awareness is important and with his biology and family history of health challenges, he’s at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. He’s now maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, and he feels a lot better and is happier with his progress.”

Paying attention to his nutrition, exercising, and learning about medication options including GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) have also helped Blain.

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. The medications reduce hunger, increase feeling full, and improve blood sugar control and have become common as an effective way to help patients lose weight.

Developing New Habits and Everyday Routines

Throughout the last year, Blain has been focusing on small habits that are easier to sustain -regular routines, being mindful of calories, and staying active in ways that are more manageable for him.

Having parental guidance, support and understanding makes it easier for kids to take steps and reach their goals. Leslie has tried to keep things balanced and not overwhelming. Her goal as a parent has been to support Blain and help him build lifelong habits, ensuring he feels encouraged and capable of his hopes and aspirations.

“Kids are looking for a better quality of life,” Dr. Terrell said.  “And the kids that are most successful in their goals are the ones who have their whole family involved.”

Kids often do better when their parents exercise with them, help them make healthier eating choices, and set goals together that are challenging but attainable.

Healthy Advice for Families

A lot of kids feel pressure about their weight challenges. They can even be afraid to talk with close relatives. It’s important for kids to feel safe opening up about their weight and what they are experiencing in school, and during regular daily activities.

“Take things one step at a time and focus on progress, not perfection,” Leslie said. “Most importantly, keep the focus on encouragement and overall well-being rather than pressure.”

Dr. Terrell also wants parents to understand that obesity is often a biological factor, not a result of willpower or poor parenting. She encourages parents to speak up and to share their concerns about their child’s weight with their doctor. They can even ask their doctor to speak with them in private.

“Sometimes talking about weight is triggering and we want to make sure everyone feels comfortable so we can learn about what their concerns are,” Dr. Terrell said.

Although it’s often difficult in the moment, it’s worth taking the time to have the conversation, especially when it can drastically improve a child’s health and well-being and even have a positive effect on the whole family.

According to Daniel Guzman, M.D., a pediatric emergency medicine physician with Cook Children’s Health Care System, children are treated in emergency departments every year for fireworks-related injuries, including burns, eye trauma and hand injuries. While many families associate these injuries with the person lighting the fireworks, children and other bystanders can also be at risk.

Although fireworks are a beloved Fourt of July tradition, Cook Children’s Health Care System, encourages families to celebrate safely and understand the risks fireworks can pose to children.

What type of fireworks injuries do children often experience?

Fireworks can cause serious injuries in a matter of seconds. Even legal consumer fireworks can burn at temperatures high enough to cause severe skin damage.

Some of the most common fireworks-related injuries include:

• Burns to the hands, fingers and face
• Eye injuries that can threaten vision
• Cuts and lacerations
• Hearing damage from loud explosions
• Falls or other injuries while running away from fireworks

Sparklers aren’t as safe as they seem

Sparklers are often considered a safer option for young children, but they can be surprisingly dangerous.

 “Many parents feel that sparklers are safe because they don’t explode, however, the risk for burns is significant because they can reach 2000˚F (1093˚C) which is hot enough to melt some metals and cause severe burns.” said Dr. Guzman.

 Young children may accidentally touch the hot wire, wave sparklers near others, or drop them onto bare feet. Using glow sticks instead of sparklers is a safer, brighter, and more fun way to celebrate.

Fireworks safety tips for families

The safest way for children to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professional public display rather than using fireworks at home according to Dr. Guzman.

If your family chooses to use legal consumer fireworks, help reduce the risk by following these safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle or light fireworks.
• Keep children and pets a safe distance away from fireworks.
• Ensure a sober adult supervises all fireworks.
• Read and follow all instructions on the packaging.
• Never relight a firework that doesn’t ignite properly.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.
• Never point or throw fireworks toward another person or pet.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away.
• Avoid homemade or illegal fireworks.

What should you do if a child is injured?

If a child is burned by fireworks, move them away from the source of the injury. Cool the burn with cool water as soon as possible, remove clothing from the burned areas and apply a gauze bandage or clean, soft cloth. Seek medical care attention right away, especially for burns involving the face, hands, feet, joints or large areas of skin.

If a child has an eye injury, “do not rub the eye or attempt to wash it out; call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department,” said Dr. Guzman.

Other Fourth of July safety reminders

Fireworks aren’t the only risk during Independence Day celebrations. Parents can also help keep children safe by:

• Never leaving children unattended near pools, lakes or other bodies of water.
• Making sure children wear properly fitted life jackets when appropriate.
• Keeping kids hydrated, especially during extreme heat.
• Taking frequent breaks from outdoor activities.
• Applying and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day.
• Grilling outdoors only, keeping children at least 3 feet away from hot grills.
• Keeping matches, lighters and lighter fluid out of children’s reach.

The safest celebration is a prepared one

The Fourth of July should be remembered for time with family, not a trip to the emergency department. Choosing professional fireworks displays, supervising children and practicing simple safety precautions can help families enjoy a fun and memorable holiday while reducing the risk of serious injuries.

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• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Aim for Safety

• Big Game, Big Safety: Preventing Hot Car Tragedies

That assistance includes help with insurance approval, scheduling appointments, language translation and lodging in Fort Worth. It’s practical support for tasks such as retrieving and sending medical records and navigating transportation.

Leading specialties that attract international patients to Cook Children’s include cardiovascular surgery, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology and oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, and orthopedics.

Awareness of Cook Children’s has grown in part due to events organized by Monica Martina, M.D. and Ana Paula Cuevas-Rivas, M.D. in their role as liaisons for Cook Children’s business development in Latin American countries. Several specialists from Cook Children’s have presented their work in medical conferences around the world, offering their expertise and support.

Relationships are also being built in the Middle East. A representative based in Dubai works in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman on behalf of Cook Children’s. Bassima Dalle facilitates conferences, meetings and speaker engagements between dignitaries in the Middle East and Cook Children’s specialists. Patients have come to Cook Children’s from Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait and Pakistan. 

Patients have also traveled to Cook Children’s from European countries -- Germany, Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Romania and Hungary – as well as many countries in Latin America.

In Fort Worth, meanwhile, pediatricians from Mexico travel to Cook Children’s for an immersive academic experience sponsored by HiPP Organic, an infant formula company. These gatherings give small groups of Mexican pediatricians a chance to form trusted relationships with their counterparts at Cook Children’s.

Cook Children’s pediatric gastroenterologist Clifton Huang, M.D. is one of what the GHS staff calls their champion physicians. Dr. Huang has tremendous respect for his colleagues abroad and appreciation for their collaboration. Before accepting an international patient, GHS works to ensure that Cook Children’s can offer a solution that isn’t available in their own country.

Access to molecular imaging puts Cook Children’s at the forefront of technology, Dr. Huang said. Advantages include fewer procedures, quicker answers and personalized therapy. “These are the things we are doing at Cook Children’s.”

What to Expect

Sometimes the first contact starts when a physician refers their patient to Cook Children’s. Sometimes the parents reach out directly. After the case is reviewed by GHS and accepted by a Cook Children’s physician, the family receives a plan of care.

The GHS team works to overcome barriers. They handle the approvals from the insurance or embassy, and if neither is involved, GHS provides a cost estimate to the family. GHS also provides guidance on visas when needed.

Here’s what else international families can expect from GHS:

• Information, resources and a checklist of items to bring, such as a list of prescriptions

• A clinical coordinator assigned to your family as a main point of contact

• Appointments with all specialties your child needs

• Translation services available in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian and French

• Communication with your primary physician for seamless continuation of care

As a clinical coordinator for GHS, Eliza Head serves as a dedicated patient advocate – a vital bridge between international families and our clinical teams – and coordinates operational logistics. Clinical coordinators manage the entire continuum of care for international families, not only for Cook Children’s, but with their home country providers too.

“It’s a full VIP concierge service for our international patients,” Eliza said. “We take them under our wing.”

Eliza accompanies her families to their appointments at the Fort Worth medical center. Because she is bilingual and a certified medical interpreter, Spanish-speaking families can rely on her for accurate translation. She shows families around the medical center, including the Family Health Library.

Eliza also prepares continuing education materials to send home after the visit. With parental consent, GHS shares the child’s records with the referring physician in their home country. 

Hospitality matters too. International patients visit Build-a-Bear, courtesy of GHS, to create a special keepsake. GHS also recommends a list of area attractions to see.

It’s rewarding, Eliza says, to help handle logistics so that parents can focus on their child. She pointed out the joy of seeing a patient with cerebral palsy take their first steps with a gait trainer. “We’re changing lives, and that’s what’s awesome.”

RELATED STORY:

• Family from Mexico Finds Innovative Care at Cook Children’s

A subtle strength takes root.

It’s found in every supportive smile

And every brave pursuit.

It’s the anchor guiding the way,

A heart so proud and true—

The hope at Cook Children’s

Starts with fathers like you.

This Father’s Day weekend, Cook Children’s celebrated the incredible dads, father figures, and caregivers who bring strength and hope to patients every single day. Festivities span the entire health care system, bringing families together for meaningful quality time at medical center campuses in Prosper and Fort Worth. 

At the medical center in Fort Worth, the system's tiniest treasures celebrated their very first Father’s Day with their families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Across town at the Prosper campus, families gathered in the atrium to create handcrafted picture frames, unique artwork, and lasting memories.

In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General recognized firearm violence as a critical public health crisis in the United States. Nationwide, firearms have risen to become the number one cause of mortality among children. Data from the CCHSC revealed that between 2024 and 2026, the hospital encountered 121 unintentional firearm injuries, alongside five pediatric fatalities stemming directly from firearm trauma.

The forum focused on community-driven solutions. A recurring consensus emerged among the panelists: sustainable intervention requires bringing the youth into the conversation, acknowledging and resolving the compounding personal traumas they carry before those crises escalate into violence.

Panelist Rodney McIntosh, Pastor and Director of the non-profit organization Violence Intervention and Prevention Fort Worth (VIPFW), urged community members to actively integrate young people into the safety dialogue, equipping them with foundational tools in social-emotional learning and actionable conflict de-escalation tactics.

Daniel Guzman, M.D., an emergency room physician and program director for Cook Children’s Aim for Safety program, brought a frontline medical perspective, illustrating the realities of firearm accidents in the home and emphasizing that responsible storage and education can reduce injury.

The evening closed with a powerful challenge to the audience:

“We challenge you to do something,” said Eric Gonzalez, Program Manager for Injury Prevention at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children’s Health Care System. “Ask your community, schools, family: why wait to have a conversation when we can do this right now?”

Fort Worth leaders urge parents, educators, and neighbors to initiate open, judgment-free discussions about firearm safety within their homes and community. Keep guns secured. Protect your children. Lock up all firearms.

Related Stories:   

• Experts Urge Safe Gun Storage as School's Out

• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Aim for Safety

• Empowering Families: Gun Safety

The summer is gearing up, and camps have already begun! For some Cook Children’s patients, the joys and anticipation of camp are dancing through their minds. Camp is nothing short of magical. There is something so fulfilling about stepping out of your normal day-to-day life and stepping into a space filled with encouragement, joy and challenges that make you feel like you are literally on top of the world. New friendships are created, fears are overcome and new discoveries are made – about self, others, and the world.

For patients at Cook Children’s, a week at summer camp can feel impossible given physical, medical and emotional challenges. For the parents and caregivers of these patients, fear takes over at the thought of every possible bad scenario. This is where Camps for Kids at Cook Children’s takes the wheel. Camps for Kids exists to provide a camp experience for children that are not able to participate in a traditional camp due to physical and medical needs.

Cook Children’s has offered camps to patients since 1981 and partners with camps around Texas to host a week or weekend. Currently camps are held at Camp John Marc, Camp Carter, Camp for All, Camp Mak-A-Dream and Camp El Tesoro. Camp Sanguinity was the first camp offered in the summer of 1981 to children with cancer and their siblings. In 1995, more camps were added to the summer line up. Camps for Kids was established in 2001 as an official camp program to support more diagnoses and populations. 

Today, Cook Children’s Camps for Kids offers 14 week long summer camps and 15 weekend camps throughout the year. These camps serve many different populations of patients which requires a large number of medical staff and volunteers to ensure that each camper is safe and has the best experience possible. Teams from all over the medical center and across multiple departments come together to direct and staff camps. Many Cook Children's team members use their own time to volunteer at camps throughout the year. It is a beautiful collaboration of many different parts of the Cook Children’s community coming together to serve.

Summer Camps include:

• Camp Reynal – Kids with kidney disease
• Camp Mak-A-Dream – Young adults with cancer
• Camp Discovery (day camp) – Kids with ADHD
• Camp TLC – Kids with spina bifida
• Camp Oasis – Kids with Chron’s and colitis
• Camp MDA – Kids with muscular dystrophy
• Camp Moss – Kids with heart disease
• Camp Lancelot – Kids with Type 1 diabetes
• Camp Sanguinity – Kids with cancer and their siblings
• Camp Jubilee – Kids with sickle cell anemia
• Camp Spark (day camp) – Kids with epilepsy
• Camp Ailihpomeh – Kids with hemophilia
• Camp Hope – Kids with HIV
• Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro (Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro de la Vida) – Kids who have experienced the death of a loved one

Many of the weekend camps are family camps which provides another level of support to patients, siblings and family unit. Having the opportunity to process and learn together while also experiencing the magic of camp and activities alongside one another strengthens these patients and families.

Weekend Camps include:

• Camp ID – Families from Infections Disease clinic
• Camp O’Hana – Families of cancer survivors
• Camp Courage – Teen sibling camp
• Camp Strong – Families from Cook Children's rehabilitation unit
• Camp Believe – Teens with bladder exstrophy
• Camp Renal – Teens with kidney disease
• Camp Rheumies – Teens with a rheumatology diagnosis
• Camp RISE – Families who have experienced a trauma
• Camp Morning Star – Families who have lost a child
• Camp NOW – Families from neuro/oncology
• Camp Rise – Teens with Type 1 diabetes
• Camp E.E.G – Family with a child who has epilepsy
• Camp LIGHT – Teens with cancer
• Camp Star – Teens from rehabilitation unit
• Camp Tecumseh – Families of patients with HIV

What Makes Camp Special

 “Camp is important for kids for so many reasons," says Katie Campbell, CCLS, Camps for Kids Coordinator. "There are the universal reasons like the opportunity to be exposed to new things, learn new skills, develop their independence, and build new friendships. What makes Camps for Kids special is that it provides kids with an opportunity to attend camp that may not qualify for other camps because of their medical needs. Camps for Kids allows kids to attend camp and meet other kids who have similar diagnosis or shared experiences. The community that is created around those shared experiences provides perspective for campers and adults involved and decreases the amount of isolation kids feel based upon their diagnosis. Meeting someone else who also gets chemotherapy, had to have heart surgery, needs insulin, or has a brother or sister who has to go to the hospital for a long time is powerful. Camps for Kids has been able to grow the weekend family camp program over the last ten years and the opportunities to create community and provide support to one another has been healing for entire families as well.”

Jessica Russell, CCLS shares a few thoughts from campers: “One of our campers was excited that she met someone else who had similar medical experiences as her. She said, ‘She’s basically just like me!’ Another camper shared that she feels like camp is a second home.”

Kimberly Sheehan, RN is a former Emergency Department nurse and long-time camp volunteer. For 10 years she has been volunteering at Camp El Tesoro De La Vida for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. She is also a Warm Place volunteer and helps facilitate a sibling grief group every other week. She sees the differences between regular group therapy and a week at camp. She shares how quickly the children at camp connect on the first day. They are asked to stand up with their peers depending on the loved one that they have lost – father, mother, brother, sister, grandparent. This is how they start their week. Sheehan says that they initially look incredibly sad and then look around and realize that all the people standing with them know exactly how they feel. She said this is the moment when conversations begin between campers about their losses. “These kids have been given a safe place where they get to talk about all the feelings they have associated with losing a loved one. The uniqueness of camp is that they are living in a cabin with kids their age who l know exactly how it feels to lose someone and they are forced to live together all week and navigate their emotions together,” says Sheehan. She says a week at camp changes how they show up to group therapy. They are more willing to process and talk after a week at camp.

Sheehan goes on to explain one of the most profound aspects of camp. “This camp is so different because these kids are so open in therapy time during camp. They may be crying because they verbalized something out loud that they have never been given the opportunity to say before, but then an hour later, they are playing in the pool or doing archery. It gives them the opportunity to feel all the big emotions and sit with those emotions for a little bit of time while also realizing these feelings are not permanent and they can recover. I truly think that makes them realize they can feel big emotions and still go about their day/life.” The same is true for kids with a medical diagnosis. They realize that they can face the challenge of their diagnosis while still climbing the rock wall all the way to the top!

From soaring through the air on zip-line to swimming for the first time ever to catching their first fish, patients experience the thrill of being brave and capable outside of medical treatments or grief. They get to experience joy alongside their bravery. From stargazing under the Texas sky to creating a stunning piece of art, campers get a moment to process their challenges and fears. Sitting around a dining table with new friends who have shared the same hard as each other is empowering and comforting. The work of camp goes beyond a week or a weekend. It is a life-changing and life-giving experience.

A child life specialist with Camp Morning Star, a camp for families that have lost a child, shared a powerful story. She shared of a family that experienced huge challenges following the death of one of their children. One sibling was struggling with their own new medical diagnosis and had retreated into a very dark space. Their pain was apparent in all aspects of their life. At the end of a weekend together at Camp Morning Star, the sibling’s mom shared that the weekend together was the first time she had seen her child’s old self begin to resurface, and she was so grateful. During this same time of sharing, another mom shared that she also had lost a sibling at a young age and had a period of darkness in her life. She took the opportunity to encourage this mom to remain present for her child. This is the beauty of camp. Nothing compares to families coming together, getting to know one another over a weekend, and then encouraging and supporting one another through their challenges.

"Cook Children's at its best"

Camps for Kids continues to grow and offer more camps and opportunities to Cook Children’s patients and families. “I know that I am biased, but I believe that Camps for Kids is a shining example of Cook Children’s at its best. The amount of partnership it takes to provide a high-quality program takes commitment and engagement from the entire multidisciplinary team- doctors, nurses, advance practice providers, child life specialist, chaplains, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, clinical therapist, pharmacists, nurse educators, social workers, creative artists, facility dogs, and volunteers. Experiencing the teamwork is impressive and only strengthens the relationship the teams have with one another within the medical center,” says Campbell.

Camp is truly remarkable. It is a magical time when all things feel right in the world and weight is lifted off of hearts and souls. New friendships. New healing. New experiences. Camps for Kids allows children to be present in the reality of their life while realizing that their reality doesn’t have to limit their fun or their reality of also being a kid! Campbell states, “Camp makes a difference for everyone involved.”

A moment tweleve Cook Children patients will never forget. 

At the June 14 match, these young soccer fans stepped onto the pitch as Coca Cola Flag Bearers at the FIFA World Cup 2026, helping set the stage for kickoff and bringing the spirit of the tournament to life. Coca Cola, in collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network is proud to celebrate these fans.

Every single flag bearer has overcome significant medical challenges. Representing unity, pride, and the global spirit of the game, Cook Children's is grateful to Coca-Cola and Children's Miracle Network for bringing these resilient young fans to the pitch for an experience of a lifetime.

Twelve Cook Children’s patients will take the global stage on June 14 at Dallas Stadium for the inaugural FIFA World Cup 2026™ game in North Texas. The teenagers will not just be in attendance; they will serve as official Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup 2026 Flag Bearers, carrying the national flags for Japan and Netherlands onto the pitch.

 Cook Children’s Health Care System made it official on June 1 during a “Flag Bearer Signing Day”. In front of friends, family, and hospital staff, the teens signed the Peaks the Dragon soccer ball to commemorate the milestone.

Two Brothers, One Unforgettable Call 

“I'm going the World Cup!” said Christian Meza. “I’m going to watch some of my favorite players play. It’s just a lot of emotion for me.”

Christian’s mother, Margarita Fuentes, received the call for the pitch while he was undergoing treatment at Cook Children’s. Christian noticed the phone call was lasting longer than usual. When he asked about it, his mother delivered the once-in-a lifetime news.

“I'm literally talking to the phlebotomist like I'm going to the World Cup,” recalls Christian, “I'm just really spilling my heart out to them.” 

Attending the match was once a distant dream for Christian and his brother, Landon Meza, especially after they previously looked up ticket prices and realized it felt unattainable. The brothers have played the FIFA video game for as long as they can remember. Now, they are transitioning from the virtual game to the actual field. 

Through a partnership between Children’s Miracle Network and Coca-Cola, Cook Children’s Health Care System was chosen to provide all 12 Flag Bearers for the opening FIFA World Cup 2026™ match at Dallas Stadium on June 14. The official pre-match ceremony requires 12 youth participants (ages 13–17) per match to carry national flags onto the pitch. Cook Children’s is a proud member of the Children’s Miracle Network and receives 100% of funds raised through its corporate partnerships and initiatives.

While these brothers share a passion for soccer, every single flag bearer chosen has overcome significant medical challenges. Representing unity, pride, and the global spirit of the game, Coca-Cola is bringing these resilient young fans to the pitch for an unforgettable experience.

Meet the 12 inspiring Cook Children’s flag bearers heading to the World Cup:

Name: Christian Meza

Age: 15

Hometown: Arlington

Superpower: One of my greatest skills and talents is barbecuing and smoking food. I enjoy learning different cooking techniques, managing the smoker and making meals to enjoy outside. I am also really good at gaming on my PS5.

Medical goal: My goal is to achieve full remission from ulcerative colitis and support healing and recovery of my kidney health.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: I love the service the staff and care team provide. Everyone is always so nice.

Favorite soccer players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gigi Buffon

Name: Cristo Hernandez

Age: 17

Hometown: Fort Worth

Superpower: Be able to build things quickly and focus on my goals.

Medical goal: To finish my treatment and be happy with myself.            

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Seeing the dogs that help in the hospital and Peaks.                                                                                                        

Favorite soccer player: Alvaro Fidalgo

Name: Dylan Gross

Age: 13

Hometown: Fort Worth

Superpower: Confidence

Medical goal: To not have my hemoglobin below 8-9

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: They make me feel safe and comfortable.

Favorite soccer player: Messi

Name: Emily Avila

Age: 17

Hometown: Fort Worth

Superpower: Kind, sympathetic, attentive and compassionate

Medical goal: Being medicine free.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: I like the snacks, staff, care teams, AYA Careteam.

Favorite soccer team: Club América

Name: Jaden Lowery

Age: 16

Hometown: Grand Prairie

Superpower: Bringing positivity and encouragement to the people around me, even during difficult situations

Medical win: Beating leukemia lymphoma at the age of six.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: The inviting staff and the way they make everyone feel welcome

Favorite soccer player: Alejandro Balde
 

Name: Kian Francis

Age: 16

Hometown: San Angelo

Medical Goal: Remission in 2 months.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: People and popcorn at Goodies to Go.

Name: Landon Meza

Age: 14

Hometown: Arlington

Superpower: Being creative, building things and figuring out how stuff works. I really enjoy robotics and STEM activities because they let me solve problems, think outside the box while creating cool projects.

Medical goal: Be healthy overall and continue to manage my asthma.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: The game room, the nice care team and the café.

Favorite soccer players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Landon Donovan

Name: Gunnar Stovall

Age: 17

Hometown: Grandview/Alvardo

Superpower: Powerlifting

Medical Win: I feel like my win is learning that my diagnosis (all of them) are life long and that I have to take it day by day and push through. 

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Nurse and doctors are nice and always want to help.

Favorite soccer player: Messi

Name: Molly Hipple

Age: 13

Hometown: Abilene

Superpower: Playing the trombone.

Medical goal: For my hair to grow back.            

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Seeing Steve and Bianca.

Name: Noa Davila

Age: 17

Hometown: Euless

Superpower: Goalkeeper skills

Medical win: Beating Cancer

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: The loving staff.

Favorite soccer player: Federico Valverde

Name: Sergio Herrera

Age: 17

Hometown: North Richland Hills

Superpower: Reading

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Everyone’s very nice.

Favorite soccer player: Vini Jr.

Name: Wesley Duncan

Age: 16

Hometown: Weatherford

Superpower: I’m proud of my ability to be able to understand computers and coding.

Medical win: Being alive right now, I consider myself lucky to be living day after day, and I treat every day as if it’s a treasure.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: My favorite thing about Cook's is the friendly nurses that take care of us as patients, my nurses are more like some of my best friends than people who take care of me.

Related Stories:  

• Navigating Pediatric Emergency and Urgent Care During the Tournament
• Prepping Little Fans for Major Crowds
• Big Game, Big Responsibility: Water Safety

The annual "Bed Pan Open" welcomed pro golfers Nick Dunlap, Mason Howell, Charley Hoffman, and Doug Ghim for a day of fun. For more than 20 years, the Bed Pan Open has given patients a fun break from their routine at the medical center.

Patients, families, caregivers, and employees worked their way around a creative miniature golf course designed by Cook Children’s Child Life, Volunteer Services, and Linbeck. The unique course transformed bed pans into imaginative obstacles, featuring everything from a pirate ship to "Peak’s Palace" castle. 

The event brought immense joy to the atrium as patient athletes shared laughs, sank putts, and even got a few championship pointers from the pros themselves.

“Cook Children's is really invested in prevention in our community, and it's written into our promise,” said Jillian Mitchell, program coordinator for the injury prevention team at the Center for Community Health. 

Drowning is the leading cause of injury for children ages 1 to 4 at the highest risk. According to the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, Cook Children’s Medical Centers in Fort Worth and Prosper treated 224 drowning-related injuries from 2021 to 2023. These incidents occurred in bathtubs, open water (lakes, rivers, and ponds), and pools or hot tubs.  

Cook Children's Health Care System shows a slight decrease in drownings in the last five years: 

Mitchell notes that as summer vacation and hot weather arrive, families will be looking to cool off, but months may have passed since the last dip in the pool. 

“As we're heading out to any kind of open water or to a pool, it's important to have preparation top of mind,” said Mitchell. 

Lifesaving Access: Loaner Life Jacket Station 

To help protect swimmers in open water, Cook Children’s supports more than 60 Loaner Life Jacket Stations across North Texas. The stations provide five different sizes of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, ranging from infant to adult, which families can borrow and return free of charge. Each station features educational graphics detailing how to properly fit and secure the vests. 

Local officials at Lake Worth report that the stations are heavily utilized, with life jackets consistently borrowed and safely returned by the end of each weekend day. 

“We want to make sure that that resource is available for families that maybe don't have the opportunity to get a life jacket for their child,” said Mitchell. In 2025 alone, the program distributed more than 1,800 U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets to area lakes across Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Stephens counties.  

Water Safety Tips 

• Transition time
  • Make sure to put a life jacket on children before you get out of the car.
  • If a child goes missing, check the water first.
• Designate a Water Watcher to ensure constant visual supervision.
  • A Water Watcher should be in-reach of the children in the pool.
  • A 10-15 minute shift rotation is recommended. During that time, Water Watchers should not be distracted by conversations, cell phones, reading, etc.
• Keep backyards and bathrooms safe.
  • Dump all water buckets and empty kiddie pools when they are not in use.
  • Install multiple barriers in areas leading to pools and spas: pool fences, self-closing, self-latching gates and door alarms.
  • Keep the pool area picked up and clear of toys and other items which might attract an unsupervised child.
  • Never leave children unattended in the bathtub.
• Wear “U.S. Coast Guard-Approved” or “USCG approved,” life jackets
  • As your child grows, the life jacket needs to meet their new weight.
  • Get a new life jacket if there are rips and tears or if the straps are fraying.
  • Do not rely on floats or other toys to keep children safe.
• Sign up for CPR and swim lessons.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting children in swim lessons as young as 12 months old to reduce the risk of drowning.
  • The National Drowning Prevention Alliance provides parents with a printable questionnaire to help identify the right swim program for their children.
• Have a safety plan in place.
  • If an emergency does happen, remember that seconds count. Call 911 immediately and then begin CPR while EMS is in route.
  • Know water conditions before you get into open water. Water conditions in lakes and oceans can vary on a daily basis.
  • Sit near a lifeguard if there is one present. 

"Combining swim lessons, life jackets, dedicated water watchers, brightly colored swimsuits, and pool fences creates multiple layers of protection," Mitchell said. "The more layers of safety you put in place, the lower the risk of drowning."

Related stories: 

• Big Game, Big Safety: Preventing Hot Car Tragedies 

• Make a Splash: Why Swim Lessons are Essential This Summer 

• The Power of Prevention: Cook Children's Reports a Drop in Drownings 

• Lifeguard Your Child: 6 Tips for Keeping Bathtime Safe in Every Season 

Texas spring is an early indicator of summer. While mornings may begin at a mild 60°F, temperatures often quickly rise into the 80s by midday. To ensure the community stays safe as the heat intensifies, Cook Children's Health Care System experts Viviana Esparza, program coordinator for community health, and Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager, are urging families to stay informed.  Their goal is simple: preventing

“Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a second,” said Evans.

The first hot car death in the nation this year was reported in late March. A 1-year-old in Florida was left in the vehicle while the outside temperature was 86 degrees.

“In just 10 minutes temperatures can rise 20 degrees in a car,” explained Esparza.

In 2025, Texas recorded eight hot car deaths, nationwide 31 hot car deaths were reported according to noheatstroke.com. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shows the state surpassed the number of hot car deaths in early July with four fatalities. These figures make vehicular heatstroke the second-leading cause of vehicle-related deaths for children under 15, trailing only car crashes.

“A child's body heats up about three to five times faster than an adult and so the heat really takes a toll on them,” explained Evans.

The data behind the danger

According to Kids and Car Safety, 52.9% of hot car child deaths occur when a child is forgotten. Parents or caregivers can suffer from exhaustion due to lack of sleep, stress, and changes in their normal routine. Any one of these can cause a parent or caregiver's memory to fail at a time when it’s least expected.

Additionally, 23.8% of these deaths are due to a child gaining access to an unlocked vehicle or a child getting the keys. Evans recommends teaching toddlers and preschool-aged children to honk the horn if they become trapped, enabling them to draw attention to the vehicle.

Esparza noted the third most common cause is knowingly leaving a child in a vehicle for a quick errand. DSHS emphasizes a cracked window does not protect a child or pet from heatstroke.

Prevention is Key

Evans and Esparza encourage families to remember the acronym ACT to prevent a hot car death.

• A: AVOID heatstroke and other heat-related injuries by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. When the vehicle is at home, keep the doors locked and keys or key fobs out of a child's reach.
• C: CREATE reminders. Place an item you need in the back of your car or next to your child, such as a bag, wallet or cellphone. This is especially important if you're not following your normal routine. If your child is with a care provider, ensure vehicle-related procedures are in place, such as vehicle searches or locking vehicles when not in use. Use technology to your advantage and use apps or other communication methods with your childcare provider.
• T: TAKE action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1. Emergency personnel want you to call, and they are trained to respond swiftly to these situations. One call could save a life.

Related stories:

• Preventing Hot Car Tragedies: Experts Offer Vital Tips as Texas Sees Spike in Child Deaths
• How to Spot a Counterfeit Car Seat
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Car Safety

Ricky Morris is dedicated to the Cook Children’s promise not just at work, but in every aspect of his life. In honor of Nurse's Week, we are sharing Ricky’s story and how he embodies our values inside and outside of Cook Children’s walls. 

Ricky has been a member of the Cook Children’s family for 15 years across a variety of units.  

He served as a patient care technician in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Behavioral Health unit until a recent move to the Nurse Residency Program.

Over the years, he and his wife have not only had four biological children, but they also added 12 foster children to their family. The couple adopted six children and fostered six more who, as Ricky puts it, “adopted us.” Three of the children have complex medical issues, and two are still patients at Cook Children’s.  

Ricky and his Cook Children's family

The Morris’ oldest adopted daughter is the reason they started fostering. The couple are active in their church’s youth ministry group and became close with a family who was fostering 11 girls. After a year of knowing one another, one of the girls “said very point blank she was looking for a family,” Ricky said. “And she just said, ‘y’all could adopt me.’ And that’s how it all started.” 

The Morris’ adopted the 11-year-old girl as well as her brother and half-sister in 2006 and 2007. In 2010, they started working with three medically complex children and adopted them, too. Over the next five years, they fostered six other children who aged out of foster care, but are considered part of the family all the same. Their family gatherings, Ricky said, “are what you would consider organization chaos.” 

Since Ricky joined the nurse residency program in October, he has been able to meet many of the people who have taken care of his kids. He remembers their dedication to his children and is able to see them provide that same continuity of care for every child they treat.

Two of his children are still patients at Cook Children’s, and when he brings them to appointments, he is still amazed “at the outstanding care they receive.” That consistent, attentive care is why Ricky loves Cook Children’s.  

“Cook Children’s looks at the individual child like a child; not a number, not a case study,” he said. “Each child is met where they are, and worked with individually and on an individual basis, on an individual care plan. Like the Promise says, each life is sacred.” 

The collaboration at Cook Children’s makes that individualized care possible, he said. Everyone does their part to do what is best for the patients and their families.  

Relating to his patients and families

Ricky’s colleagues are proud to have him on the Nurse Residency Program, said Lizzie Marshall, Manager of the Nurse Residency.  

“Ricky came into the Nurse Residency Program with an open mind and a genuine humility for the process of rotating through multiple units,” said Lizzie Marshall, Nurse Manager.  

Recently, Ricky moved to Hematology and Oncology as his home unit. While he fully embraced the experience of each rotation, Lizzie said, he is “truly thriving” with hematology and oncology patients. 

Ricky brings a unique perspective and empathy to patients on this unit, because he, too, is a cancer survivor. In 2021, Ricky said he sat with a patient on the oncology floor as a sitter. The first night, he told his wife that’s where he needed to be. That same year, he was diagnosed with cancer. 

“And I felt even more called to be in the oncology department,” he said. “To understand and relate with them on different procedures and options.” He is able to empathize with the struggles and fear that the diagnosis brings. Lizzie said Ricky is a natural leader and consistently goes above and beyond.  

“During this year’s ice storm, he even made arrangements to stay near the hospital to ensure he could work his shifts and continue caring for our patients,” she said. “He shows up early, stays late, and is a constant source of support for both his teammates and the patients he serves.” 

She’d hold his hand and talk to him during the sudden stiffness or muscle spasms and blank stare. She made sure he wasn’t choking. She stayed calm.

And whenever Luke had to be hospitalized at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, Lexi visited as much as she could. She got to know the neurology nurses, cuddled her favorite therapy dog, and watched as the staff treated Luke with innovative procedures and kindness.

Details that cater to kids made an impression on Lexi under the Blue Peaks. From the playroom to the holographic fairy on the wall … Cook Children’s was magical in her eyes. 

Lexi can’t remember a time she didn’t want to be a nurse. And she found her perfect fit in February 2025 when she started working as a registered nurse in familiar territory: the Cook Children’s neurology department. No longer a visitor, Lexi made Cook Children’s her workplace home. 

For more than a decade while they lived under the same roof, Lexi assisted her brother when his seizures flared up. That experience in caregiving gave Lexi a soft heart and a skillset that she now puts into practice caring for others. Seizures don’t intimidate her. She also sees the world through the eyes of patients’ siblings; she understands their questions and concerns.

“I love pediatric nursing. Children are resilient. They can go through so much, and their little bodies are so tired, but they bounce back and they handle it like champs,” she said. “I love taking care of the patients and their families, talking them through diagnosis, through treatment plans, everything.”

Lexi’s presence by Luke’s side has comforted him during countless seizures over the years. And if you ask Luke what makes his sister a great nurse, he’ll tell you: “Because she cares.”

Onset of Epilepsy

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical bursts in the brain. Luke was 5 years old and Lexi was 11 in 2013 when his first seizure happened during a Mario Kart video game at their home in Arlington.

“I tried to hand him the remote, and he just couldn’t pay attention, and he couldn’t hear me,” she said. “I ran to get Mom in the other room, and by the time I came back, he was blue and shaking on the ground.” 

Luke rode by ambulance to Cook Children’s, the first of many hospitalizations. His seizures began to occur multiple times a day, sometimes in frequent clusters that medication couldn’t control. He was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS).  

As a teen Lexi helped their mom, Ami Waggoner, do research on Luke’s disorder. Lexi lived in the same house with her brother and parents for about 10 years after his epilepsy symptoms started. If she was around when Luke had a seizure, Lexi stepped up. She knew her role: keep Luke safe and keep him company until the seizure passed. She’d ask him to squeeze her hand or give a thumbs up if he couldn’t speak. Sometimes she’d record a video of the seizure to show his doctors. 

Ami, who is also a nurse, noticed maturity and nursing traits in Lexi from an early age. A few examples:

• At home whenever Luke had a seizure, Lexi knew where to find the rescue medications and the steps to follow.

• As a softball player and busy teen, Lexi made time after school to hang out with Luke when he was hospitalized.   

• As a volunteer at monthly neurology support group for Cook Children’s families, she provided crafts and activities for children while their parents attended the meetings. The parents knew Lexi was comfortable around seizures, and they trusted her.

Lexi’s face is Luke’s favorite sight to see when he comes out of a seizure, their mom said. Lexi always responded to her brother’s medical needs by keeping her cool and encouraging him every step of the way.  

Choosing Cook Children’s

Lexi worked as a patient care technician while attending the Tarrant County College nursing program. Her first nursing job was at another Fort Worth hospital. But while attending the 2024 Christmas party for neurology patient families at Cook Children’s, she realized she missed the magic. She wanted to work at Cook Children’s.

Ami remembers what Lexi said after deciding to work with pediatric patients like Luke. I think this is my place. This is what I feel like I'm made for.

When Lexi pivoted in her nursing career to join Cook Children’s Neurology, her mother saw all the pieces fall into place. “So yeah, I’m extremely proud,” Ami said. “It’s grown into this amazing thing where she wants to help so many others.”

Lexi works night shift on the medical center’s fourth floor, which includes the epilepsy monitoring unit. Some of her colleagues have helped care for Luke through the years. If Luke is admitted, Lexi can’t be his nurse.

During her teenage years she absorbed the Cook Children’s culture each time she visited her brother in the hospital. She saw nurses practicing safety, respect, generosity and other values. She felt the impact of family-centered care. Now, in a journey that’s come full circle, she’s back at Cook Children’s and paying it forward.

“I definitely have a passion for epilepsy. I have a passion for finding the cure. I have a passion for helping out the siblings on our unit as well,” she said.

When she encounters a patient’s sibling, she checks to make sure they’re OK. Lexi takes time to explain whatever medical procedure their brother or sister is undergoing, like the electrodes hooked up for electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring.  

Lisa Mayfield, RN got to know Lexi while taking care of Luke for many years on the epilepsy unit at Cook Children’s. She remembers Lexi cheering him up by bringing his favorite snacks, watching movies with him and walking with him around the unit. His seizures didn’t rattle her.

“I was beyond excited when Lexi joined our team,” Lisa said. “She has a unique prospective that she can share with her patients and their families. She has empathy and an understanding that is unique to families that live with epilepsy every day but don’t let it define them. Lexi is an amazing nurse with critical thinking beyond her years. I am excited to watch her continue to grow in the field that she has been training for her whole life.”

When a new patient comes in, Lexi wants the family to know they’ll get the best neurology care possible from a team that delivers on the Cook Children’s Promise to do everything for the child. 

Celebrate the Struggle

Now age 18, Luke still experiences seizures every day. But his health and quality of life have improved thanks to a 2021 surgery at Cook Children’s that implanted a deep brain stimulation (DBS) tool. DBS -- a network of devices and wires -- sends small electrical impulses to specific areas of Luke’s brain. It’s designed to keep the worst seizure activity under control.

Luke’s parents collaborate with epileptologists Cynthia Keator, M.D. and  Jaehyung Lim, M.D., who oversees the DBS, and the specialists at the Jane and John Justin Neurosciences Center at Cook Children’s. They closely monitor how he tolerates different electrical amplitudes and speeds, and make adjustments as needed.

Because of DBS, Luke was able to cut back on medication. He can think more clearly. He’s more energetic.

The Waggoner family has the confidence to travel on vacations they couldn’t take prior to Luke’s DBS surgery. They appreciate the things Luke enjoys, especially trains and trips to the zoo. Their family motto? Celebrate the Struggle.  

“Living with Luke taught me to make the best of any situation. He always has a positive attitude,” Lexi said. “Even though I’ve moved out, Luke is still such a big part of my life. We’re very, very close. I’m thankful that he is doing as good as he is right now, and I love to spend time with him.”

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This accuracy directly impacts patient care. With a complete medication history including updates to the patients’ allergies, physicians can order medications from the retail pharmacy to be delivered to the bedside as part of the “Meds to Beds” program. Clinical technicians also assist with clinical tasks, reorder doses and coordinate discharges so patients leave with everything they need. If a patient is not tolerating a medication or has run out, clinical technicians work closely with pharmacists and the care team to resolve issues quickly. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), they also review transfer records and vaccine administration schedules to support safe care.

Clinical technicians are cross-trained to provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever they are needed in the hospital. In the ED, dedicated clinical technicians are available around the clock to assist pharmacists, improving both safety and turnaround time for medications. During codes, clinical technicians coordinate medication delivery to the bedside and assist the pharmacists with drawing up emergency medication doses.

Through the program, clinical technicians help patients identify and resolve issues with their medications.

“When we take medication histories, we sometimes find patients haven’t been taking their medications at all,” Hernandez said. “Other times, their symptoms are actually side effects from taking a medication incorrectly.”

Expanding a Program That Leads the Field
The clinical technician program began in 2013 to support clinical pharmacist activities on the inpatient units. From 2011 to 2012, pharmacy students piloted medication history taking in the ED. As a result of this pilot, medication history technicians were added in 2015 in the ED, inpatient units, and later, Perioperative Services.

In 2022, the medication history program merged with the clinical technician program, creating a more comprehensive, integrated service supported by additional full-time positions.  

Today, the program continues to grow. Pharmacy completion of medication histories has increased from 89% of admissions to 98% in 2025. The team is recognized as a leader in the field.

“We have one of the most robust programs in the country with research dedicated to this,” Yeh said.

That recognition extends beyond Cook Children’s. At a recent Children’s Hospital Association conference, the Cook Children’s program was highlighted as a model for medication history programs nationwide. Hospitals across the country have reached out to learn about the program’s structure and success.

Most importantly, the impact is felt by patients and families every day.

“We take a holistic approach to improving the patient experience, from transitions of care to how we measure success,” Yeh said. “This program makes a difference for patients every day.”

It was an incredible event filled with vibrant canvases and delicious bites, but the real masterpiece was the confidence and pride on students’ faces. 

As she’ll admit, pickleball has developed into big part of her life, becoming most of what she spends her time doing outside of medicine. After playing professional tennis for most of her life, Pitts picked up pickleball when one of her best friends started playing it professionally. She decided to try it one day, and while she struggled at first, she slowly started to love the sport. She found that it gave her a chance to be social and athletic at the same time. Soon, it became her favorite activity.

Pickleball is a great sport for people of all ages. There are many mental health benefits as it gives players an outlet and a fun form of physical activity. This sport also has a very social element to it, even Pitts shares she has made new friends through playing pickleball on various teams.

“I’m committed to helping young athletes have well-balanced, healthy and active lifestyles, but I’m also extremely passionate about helping young athletes prevent injuries and recover from them,” explains Pitts. “Having been a professional athlete myself and still playing in professional pickleball tournaments currently, I understand how difficult and frustrating injuries can be” she continues. "I want to be a mentor for them by supporting my patients through injury recovery and getting them back to playing the sport they love.”

That passion and commitment is why Pitts created the Pickleball Medicine program, the first pediatric program of its kind in the state. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, easy to learn, fast-paced, fun and social. Since it’s a new sport for some young athletes, Pitts wants to introduce players to pickleball while providing them with the knowledge of playing safely. She understands the mental and physical benefits of the sport and the importance of protecting young players’ bodies. She believes pickleball is following the same path as tennis, where it will become more competitive and lead to more injuries among young players trying a new sport. This program combines her background in medicine and pickleball, drawing on her expertise both inside and outside the clinic.

If you are interested in playing pickleball or possibly wanting to try it out, Dr. Pitts has some advice for young athletes:

• Wear the appropriate attire, such as court shoes. The correct footwear will help prevent ankle injuries
• Warm up and stretch before!
• Understand the basics
• Don’t be afraid, just try it! There are so many levels to it
• Have fun!

“We're seeing a large amount of counterfeit or non-compliant car seats come on the market, and they are a real safety hazard because they don't meet the testing standards,” said Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager at Cook Children's Health Care System.

Evans says the health care system has seen more than 15 counterfeit car seats since 2021.

The Hidden Cost of "Cheap" Seats

Experts from Cook Children's Health Care System, Viviana Esparza, program coordinator at the Center for Community Health, and Evans warn that while fake seats save money upfront, they fail when it matters most.

“The health and wellbeing of our children is of highest concern,” said Esparza. “The cost of a car seat doesn’t compare to the safety of a child.”

While counterfeit seats appear to be bargains, the price difference is often deceptive. Evans and Esparza recently encountered a knockoff Doona car seat at a safety event that cost $300, compared to the $650 retail price for a legitimate model.

“Often, parents are buying these from third-party sellers on TikTok Shop and Amazon,” Evans explained.

Red Flags: How to Identify a Fake

When shopping for car seats, Evans advises parents and caregivers to watch for counterfeits of popular brands. These knockoffs are often cheaper than their legitimate counterparts anddo not meet regulations to protect a child in the event of a car crash. 

Look for these warning signs:

• Materials: The plastic shell may feel thin, flexible, or even hollow.

• Harnesses: The chest clip may be missing, or the harness straps may not conform to U.S. width standards.

• Missing Documentation: Instructions may be missing or provided only in foreign languages.

• Lack of Labeling: Legitimate seats must have side labels with installation guides, weight limits, and manufacture dates. Fakes often have no labels or labels with poor grammar and typos.

Three Steps to Ensure Your Seat is Safe

• Buy Direct: Buy directly from the manufacturer or a reputable retail store.
• Call the seat manufacturer: They can help you determine if it’s a knockoff and will sometimes ask you to submit photos.
• Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST): Take your car seat to be checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. They are trained to help determine if it’s fake. 

Where to Get Help

Evans recommends parents and caregivers with a new car or booster seat, schedule a free inspection with a CPST.

• Visit freecarseatcheck.org and click “Book your appointment”
• Find a child passenger safety technician at safekids.org
• Find an inspection station through The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

If you discover the seat is a fake, stop using it immediately. Report the seller to the retailer and file a report at StopFakes.gov or with NHTSA.

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Since he was 2 years old, Gaites Fisher has had trouble breathing. In addition to severe asthma, Gaites has a condition in which his right aortic arch compresses his trachea, making it difficult for him to breathe. His mom, Angelaka Johnson, tried everything to help; she bought an air purifier, tried to track what triggered his attacks and researched endlessly for solutions to his asthma attacks.

But despite her best efforts, Gaites still ended up being hospitalized six times between the ages of 2 and 5. Allergies or a cold would sometimes trigger the attacks, and she would quickly find child care for her other two children and rush Gaites to the hospital.

“(I felt) like I failed as a mom because I couldn't get his asthma under control. And I didn't know how to help him more,” she said. “And I always felt so defeated having to go to the hospital, knowing we’ll probably end up staying overnight.”

In June 2025, after another hospital stay at Cook Children’s, Angelaka got a phone call about a program that aimed to help her and her son with his asthma.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I thought we would just be on the phone and she would give me info that I already had; that it would be more redundant,’ she said. “And it ended up being a lot more helpful than that.”

The Cook Children's Healthy Homes Program, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in January, provides free resources, support and education for families and children with severe asthma. Since its inception in 2016, staff have served 1,556 children across the eight-county service area. The goal of the program is to identify and manage the source of kids’ asthma - like dust, dander or mold - and keep families from getting to the point where they need emergency care.

Marquietta Jones was formerly a Healthy Homes program coordinator for eight years and was recently promoted to care coordination supervisor.

She explained how families are brought into the program. Community health workers reach out to families who have had multiple asthma-related emergency department or urgent care visits in the previous six months. The staff reach out to the family and schedule either an over-the-phone or in-person assessment and questionnaire about their home environment and asthma history.

Over three months, families get free one-on-one support by a community health worker to identify home environmental triggers, secure supplies and services and, if needed, obtain referrals to social and medical support.

Angelaka says she was a little skeptical when Community Health Worker Cristina Cantu took her through the assessment, but she quickly realized Healthy Homes didn’t just talk about resources and support; they followed through.

“Usually when you do these things where people say they aren’t going to charge you, they make you jump through hoops to get the things you need, or it wasn’t the things you need. Where in this case, they kind of over delivered. I was surprised,” she said.

The most common triggers for asthma are respiratory infections, weather changes, pollen and dust, but it can be difficult to narrow down what factors in a home exacerbate those triggers. For example, dirty A/C vents, dusty ceiling fans and leaky sinks are all commonly overlooked household issues that can make asthma worse. A large part of the Healthy Homes program is educating families on how to identify and clean those problem areas.

Angelaka had done plenty of research on her own about how to help her son’s asthma, but he still often had flare-ups that sometimes led to hospital visits. The mother of three is a full-time graduate school student, and Gaites’ asthma and hospitalization were hard for the entire family.

To help with Gaites’ breathing, Angelaka bought an air purifier, cleaned the house frequently, monitored his time outside when the weather changed and tried to track his triggers. So when Cantu from Healthy Homes called to talk to her about asthma, Angelaka wondered what the community health worker could tell her that she hadn’t already looked into herself.

But Cantu did not just dump information on Angelaka; she asked her questions. Through the program’s opening assessment, Cantu and Angelaka were able to figure out what she was already doing and what other resources could help further. Then, Healthy Homes provided those resources.

For example, Cantu taught Angelaka how to make her own cleaning solution that seems to be healthier for Gaites. Angelaka used to clean with a standard, store-bought cleaner and assumed any kind of dust removal was helpful for her son. But when she switched to the other cleaner made with Castille soap, vinegar, baking soda and hot water, she noticed he seemed to be coughing less.

Similarly, Angelaka didn’t realize that not all air purifiers clean the air in the way her son needs; Jones recommended an air purifier that has both a carbon and a HEPA filter. Healthy Homes gave Angelaka this more powerful air purifier, which she said has made the biggest change.

“I can’t explain enough the difference the air purifier makes,” she said. “It has definitely made a difference to me. When he’s in here, he’s playing, he’s not coughing, not sneezing. When he comes in from playing in the backyard, the air is clean in here.”

The Healthy Homes’ website includes a plethora of information and tips on identifying and managing asthma triggers. 

Perhaps most importantly, Cantu gave Angelaka emotional support. Gaites is on the autism spectrum, and Cantu showed Angelaka a Facebook group for moms of children with autism. She checks in with the family about once a week and sends Angelaka info on community resources. She and Angelaka created a binder with all of Gaites’ medical information, triggers, and emergency plans that Angelaka gave to family members, babysitters and Gaites’ school.

The binder of emergency information has made Angelaka more confident that Gaites’ teachers or school nurses will be able to help him if he has a flare up. That sense of security has made it easier for her to focus in classes, because she’s not constantly worried about him.

“When you’ve exhausted all your other resources that you may know on your own to do, it's good to have a program like this that helps you find resources…so that you can be more proactive instead of reactive with those asthma symptoms,” Angelaka said.

Healthy Homes is intentional about providing that all-encompassing support for families, Jones said. Aside from providing families with supplies, the program can provide resources for financial support and other basic needs. Community health workers give parents information about all kinds of community resources, not just those related to asthma. And with monthly check-ins throughout the three-month program, community health workers help families feel less isolated.

Beyond the initial improvement in child’s asthma, community health workers want families to be empowered to continue that care for the rest of their lives.

“We encourage our parents to be advocates for their child,” Jones said. “We want to be able to empower those parents to find ways to eliminate those triggers and to make sure everyone that's in contact with that child is on one accord.”

About 9% of the children in Cook Children’s eight-county service area have asthma. While serious, asthma is manageable.

For families who don’t qualify for the full program, Healthy Homes mails out information that includes a link to the Healthy Homes website. The website has videos on common asthma triggers and medication methods, as well as downloadable booklets available in nine languages.

For families like Angelaka's, the Healthy Homes program can mean all the difference for kids with asthma. On average, families who go through the Healthy Homes program have a 75% decrease in the number of emergency room visits, according to Healthy Homes’ data. In the six months since Gaites completed the program, he has not been to the emergency room at all.

This is a change, his mom said, from the two visits per year he has had since he was 2 years old.

Angelaka said she’s glad that Gaites and his siblings can focus on just being kids instead of worrying about being sick.

“Because he likes to run, he likes to run and he likes to jump. And that means a lot to me for him to just be happy and to just play without worrying,” she said.

If your child has asthma, you can check out Healthy Homes website for resources on identifying and managing asthma triggers.

Cari Burton, a child life specialist in Prosper, was excited to see the children enjoy the festivities. Child life specialists help children cope while in the hospital and bring a sense of normalcy to the hospital experience.

“Some families may be missing out on Easter celebrations at home and with events like this we can still bring the joy of the holiday to them here,” said Burton.

 Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center

Across town in Fort Worth, the Easter bunny took the stage at Cook Children’s newest Neighborhood Health Center in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood, connecting with the community.

The team at Casa de Los Sueños, a Fort Worth Housing Solutions community, bused their residents over to Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center. Families bonded, spending time together and hunting for Easter eggs. Neighbors relaxed together, enjoying the breezy spring weather. Children bonded while participating in all the outdoor activities, and the magic of Easter was spread to each child.

Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth

The Easter Bunny couldn’t leave North Texas without visiting patients and families at the Fort Worth medical center. Departments throughout the medical center set up a “bunny trail” to welcome patients, caregivers and families.

Tote bags made by volunteers were handed out to each attendee and taken to patient rooms for those who couldn’t go downstairs to the event. More than a dozen departments including facilities, nephrology and dialysis, and Mirror Mirror Hair and Nail Salon provided eggs filled with surprises.  

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, about 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. However, about half of all venomous snakebites are “dry,” meaning the snake does not release venom.

“Snakes are often in bluebonnets. You may want to reconsider sending your kids to sit or lay in them,” said Sharon Evans, injury prevention manager at Cook Children's Health Care System.

Snakebites are most common between April and October, with snakes typically most active in the morning and at dusk. Texas is known for two types of venomous snakes: pit vipers and coral snakes. North Texas is home to three species of pit vipers: copperheads, cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins) and rattlesnakes.

“If you are bitten go to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care Center for treatment and evaluation,” said Evans.

Once at the hospital, patients with moderate to severe envenomation may receive antivenom, which is readily available at Cook Children’s Medical Centers. Patients are closely monitored for symptom progression and may require hospital admission for observation and supportive care. 

Cook Children’s reported three snake bites as of March 2026. Last year, 25 snake bites were reported, the first one in April. In 2024, the first snakebite was reported in March. The system treated 27 snakebites that year.

Bluebonnets may not just be home to some slithery friends, but insects too. In cases of insect bites, such as fire ants, Evans suggests caregivers call the North Texas Poison Center.

“Be careful when your children are getting in there,” said Evans.

Evans shared advice for caregivers on how to enjoy the beautiful flowers, while avoiding a trip to the emergency department.  

Keeping safe:

• Look before you walk.
• Avoid walking in tall grass.
• Wear protective boots.
• Never attempt to touch or handle a snake, even if it appears dead.

 What to do if bitten by a snake:

• Do not try to capture, photograph, or kill the snake.
• Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or attempt to suck out venom.
• Immobilize the affected limb and keep it at heart level if possible.

 Signs of venomous snake bite:

• Blurred vision
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Fang marks
• Fever
• Increased salivation
• Localized pain and burning
• Muscle contractions
• Muscle incoordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness and tingling
• Rapid pulse rate
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling in the bite area
• Thirst
• Tissue death
• Weakness

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With respiratory illnesses on the rise for both adults and children, many families are turning to cough medications for much-needed seasonal relief. Cook Children’s Health Care System is providing essential safety guidance regarding Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) after seeing cases of accidental ingestion. While effective for older children and adults, health experts are highlighting the importance of strict storage and dosing to prevent accidental ingestion in younger children.

 “Tessalon Perles are used to treat cough for kids over 10 but no safe dosing for younger children has been established,” said Mariana Wilson, M.D., medical director, Cook Children’s Medical Center- Prosper hospitalist. 

Because these liquid-filled capsules can resemble candy, they pose a significant risk to toddlers. Clinical data shows that even a small amount of benzonatate can be toxic to a young child; a recent tragedy in Denton County has prompted local experts to remind families of the need for secure storage.

“Unintentional poisoning can happen to anyone, at any age,” said Klaressa Broughton, poison prevention program coordinator at the Center for Community Health. Broughton explains that these incidents, affecting children from birth through age 18, primarily involved medications and unspecified non-drug poisonings.

In 2025, Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth saw an increase of poisoning encounters: 1,031 cases compared to 818 in 2024. Broughton explains that the top poisoning for 2025 involved children of all ages from birth to 18 and were related to medication and unspecified non-drug poisonings.  

“If the capsules are chewed, then release of benzonatate from the capsule in the mouth can produce a temporary numbing of the mouth and choking could occur,” explained Wilson. “If parents find a chewed capsule, even if it’s not completely consumed, they should call poison control or come to the ED,” said Wilson.

Cook Children’s experts share what care givers should know to keep their children safe.

Symptoms of Overdose

Symptoms of a benzonatate overdose can appear rapidly, often within 15 to 20 minutes of ingestion:

• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Coma
• Cardiac arrest

“With technology at our fingertips, it is easy to turn to the internet browser for answers, but this can lead to unclear next steps,” said Broughton. “Calling the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 is free, confidential and all calls are answered by specially trained nurses, doctors and pharmacists.”

If a child becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately.

Tips for Poison Prevention: 

Safe Medication Dosing 

• Follow the dosing directions listed on the medication by using the appropriate measuring items, such as a medicine cup or oral syringe.
• Double dosing is NOT twice as effective, and in many instances can cause internal damage.
• Adult medications may be too strong for children and should not be given in half doses. Only give medicine to your child that is intended for children.
• Print the medication schedule to keep the right dosage for your family. 

Safe Storage 

• Many people leave medications on bathroom and kitchen counters as well as bedroom nightstands as a visual reminder to take them. Avoid unintentional injury and store medication up high, locked, and out of reach.
• Hang purses and personal bags up high so children cannot reach prescriptions, vitamins, or other regularly used medications.
• Remember, when visiting friends and family, it is ok to have an open discussion about safe storage. 

Safe Disposal 

• DEA Drug Take Back Day is on April 25th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Visit a medication drop box at a local pharmacy. For more information on poison prevention, visit www.meddropbox.org.
• The best disposal option is to find a drug take-back location, which may be found in retail, hospital, pharmacies, and/or law enforcement facilities.
• Removing any unused or expired medication in the home can reduce the risk of access. 

 Related Stories:

• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Poison Prevention
• Know When to Use Telemedicine, Urgent Care, or the ER for Kids
• The Ultimate Holiday Safety Checklist

Each year more than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer and nearly one in three cases is a form of leukemia. There are two main types of acute leukemia, with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) being the least common in children. In 2025, George Morford was diagnosed with AML at 8-years-old.

George’s diagnosis and hospitalization came one month before The Blast, a community walk along the Trinity River benefitting the Cook Children’s Hematology and Oncology Center.  His family and friends formed “George’s Purple Tomatoes,” on his behalf since he couldn’t go and they ended up becoming the organization’s largest team of 132 participants that year.

Now in remission, George will walk The Blast for the first time as the leader of his renamed team “George’s Funky Town Fight Club” at the 2026 event on Saturday, March 28 at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth.

“Cook Children’s is meant for kids, and it has everything a kid could need and it makes me mostly only remember the good things,” said George.

It’s why The Blast is close to the Morford family’s hearts. Support George and all of his colleagues by clicking here to register for or donate today! 

The diagnosis

After weeks of feeling ill and various doctor appointments, Sarah Morford, George’s mom, noticed bruises on his body. Sarah knew something wasn’t right; a mother’s instinct is rarely wrong. The next morning, she woke him up and told him to gather his favorite stuffed animal and blanket. She looked up the nearest children’s hospital and drove immediately to Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth.

The staff listened as Sarah recounted their journey; George hadn’t been to school for three weeks because he was sick.

“The medical staff began palpating his stomach within five minutes and told us they wanted to rule out cancer,” said Sarah.

What came next happened so fast that Sarah barely had enough time to tell her husband, Zac Morford, that they were at the medical center. He rushed to his wife and son, arriving just in time to hear the ugly, six-letter, earth-shattering word.

Cancer.

Holly Pacenta, M.D., director of Cellular Immunotherapy at Cook Children’s Hematology and Oncology Center, diagnosed George on Feb. 26, 2025.

“This is serious. I wish you guys weren’t here,” Dr. Pacenta recalls telling the Morfords and reassuring them they were in the best hands. “We have a clinical trial through a collaboration with St. Jude and their doctors. We hope this treatment is the next best thing and while it’s scary, I do feel like the odds are in your favor.”

According to the American Cancer Society, AML starts in the bone marrow, the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made, and most often, AML moves quickly from the bone marrow into the blood, and/or other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

By 3 p.m., the medical center staff moved George to a room on the fifth floor, where he would live for the next five weeks. Sarah affectionately calls it the “fifth-floor AML hotel.”

George began chemotherapy the next day.

The hero she didn’t know she needed; Cook Children’s emphasis on family-centered care

Outside the medical center walls, friends and family showed up in little and big ways: text messages, letters, care baskets, spreading awareness for the stem cell ‘Fort Worth Swab Drive’ and creating a team for The Blast 2025. George’s friends never made him feel forgotten. They even filmed a weekly update every Friday from their classroom recapping everything from crushes between students and the latest school sports highlights from a student news anchor.

Inside the medical center walls, George’s care team took care of him and his family. On one particular day, one particular nurse made a world of difference for Sarah. George was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) due to complications. His body was filling up with fluid due to a complication from his treatment, and it put pressure on his heart and lungs.

Laurel Summers, a PICU nurse, and Sarah teamed up on what Sarah recalls as one of the longest, darkest days the family endured. She says Laurel was delicate, listening to her concerns about George losing his dignity as an 8-year-old. For instance, instead of using the word ‘diaper,’ Summers coined the term ‘hospital pants.’

“I think knowing the small acts of kindness I showed Sarah that day made a lasting impression is super rewarding to know that it helps,” said Summers.

As a result of the complications George experienced, his medical team decided to modify his chemotherapy plan.

“I was completely spiraling. I mean, I truly had no idea, if he would live or die,” said Sarah.

Dr. Pacenta says it was a hard decision but necessary.

“You have to take a step back, if the side effects outweigh the benefits,” said Dr. Pacenta

Sarah recalls being terrified, but Summers focused on Sarah’s care too.

“She put her arms around me in the chair and sometimes you just need human touch, to just release something within you,” said Sarah. 

Sarah recalls Summers’ thoughtfulness. When she noticed Sarah hadn’t eaten all day, she brought her a drink and snacks from the nurses’ lounge.

“I'll just never forget her as somebody who I just felt went so above and beyond that day to show just a different level of empathy,” said Sarah. “She's so good at her job. I remember her face. I could pull it out of a lineup.”

George experienced complications from fluid but made a full recovery after the modified treatment plan.

The reunion

Months later Sarah took to social media to publicly thank Summers for her care and kindness. When Summers heard about the Facebook post, it lifted her spirits as she realized she gave the family exactly what they needed, when they needed it most.

 “That day I felt like there wasn’t anything I could do to make their situation any better,” said Summers. “It was such a sweet and unexpected message that we rarely get. We rarely hear that we made an impact on a family.”

The Morfords and Summers didn’t cross paths for the rest of George’s admission. On Feb. 26, 2026, one year to the date that George was admitted to Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, that changed.

When the Morford family thought they were coming in to help with The Blast, a tap on the shoulder and a long hug from Summers changed the day. George and Sarah finally reunited with Summers for the first time.

“I’ve seen your face in my head so many times,” Sarah said to Summers right after the surprise. “Thank you for being there on that day, thank you for hugging me and for feeding me and just seeing me.”  

George has made a full recovery from his treatment complications and is in remission today and says he is grateful to everyone who supported him.

“My family was just the most supportive, and best thing that could ever happen to me,” said George.

Photo credit: Meredith Green Photography

For Sarah Pitman, a Pulmonology, Sleep Clinic and Transitional Care Unit (TCU) social worker, the role is defined by a commitment to long-term relationship building, acting as a steady presence for families navigating the often-overwhelming intersections of healthcare and systemic barriers.

While doctors treat the symptoms, Pitman and the Cook Children’s Social Services team treat the environment, ensuring that when a child like 6-year-old Sir Mack leaves the clinic, he has a safe, stable place to recover.

Cook Children’s Social Services

Cook Children’s social workers have specialized training to assist families in times of physical, emotional and financial stress and are well informed about available resources. There are social workers assigned to each inpatient floor, emergency department and the on-campus Specialty Clinics.

Examples of things social workers can help families with include:

• Meeting with a family and determine if there are resources available for them.
• Offering emotional support, counseling, and problem-solving strategies.
• Assisting with discharge planning, which includes coordinating the necessary support services for a child to safely return home.
• Helping the medical center, clinic and other community agencies work as a team with patient families.

More Than a Resource: A Partnership

The impact of this work is best seen through the lens of families like Chasity Nowlin’s.

When Nowlin brought Sir Mack in for a pulmonology appointment, the medical team recognized that his asthma triggers weren't just medical - they were environmental. A failing air conditioner in their apartment was compromising his health, and the paperwork to fix it was stalled in a bureaucratic loop.

That was the moment Pitman stepped in. By providing the support and professional advocacy Nowlin needed, Pitman helped move the needle on a housing situation that was rapidly spiraling toward homelessness.

“I didn’t know I needed a social worker and I’m so glad I decided to reach out,” Nowlin said. “Sarah always understands the seriousness of my situations and provides help however I need.”

The Impact of Everyday Support

In Social Services, success isn't always measured in grand gestures; often, it’s found in the timely resolution of a crisis that would otherwise derail a family's progress. For Nowlin, it’s a gas card and a the retail voucher that allowed her to replace a dead car battery just days before Christmas.

For Nowlin - who manages her own health challenges while caring for Sir Mack without a traditional family safety net – this everyday support is the difference between stability and chaos.

“I’m so thankful for Sarah,” Nowlin said. “Because of my health challenges, I haven’t been able to work since Sir Mack was born, and she has made such a difference in our lives. I don’t have parents or other family who are there for me and have been homeless before. To have Sarah at my side means the world to me.”

By empowering parents to advocate for their children, Pitman and her colleagues embody Cook Children’s commitment to every child in its care. They aren't just helpers; they are professional advocates who ensure that no family has to face the complexities of a medical journey alone.

Reaching Out for Help

If you or someone you know needs help stabilizing a family’s life during times of physical, emotional or financial stress, contact the clinic where you are currently receiving care or call Cook Children’s operator: 682-885-4000.

5:30 a.m. – Annie wakes up, the earliest of everyone in the house. She starts chatting, singing and reading books in her “big girl bed” – a tent that goes around the mattress with special lights. “She wakes up like she’s already had two cups of coffee,” Courtney says.

6 a.m. – Annie goes to the potty. She has been potty trained for more than a year. Then she heads to the kitchen for a gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast. Annie eats very healthy food. The more consistent and predictable her day is, the happier she is.

6:30 a.m. – It is time for Annie to get dressed. She doesn’t like having her hair brushed, but she loves brushing her teeth. She compliments herself on how good her outfit looks. Her “shoe house” is what she calls the shoes by the back door, and she picks out a pair before getting her backpack.

7:30 a.m. – Courtney takes Annie to the cardiologist – the longest appointment. Annie gets very upset about anything medical-related, so Courtney and Spencer, Annie’s father, let her know the day before appointments. Courtney also takes Averie, a TCU premed student, to appointments. She serves as their personal child life specialist; while Courtney fills out paperwork and has serious conversations with the doctor, Averie helps Annie.

7:50 a.m. – As Courtney pulls into the parking garage, Annie starts getting fussy and anxious. “Copy mama,” Courtney says. “I am brave. I am safe. I will be with my mama. I will be with Miss Averie. My doctor is my helper.” Annie repeats everything Courtney says, and it calms her down.

7:55 a.m. – Courtney, Averie and Annie walk into the doctor's office. Courtney brings a medical calming kit she created – a special bag filled with music, books, pictures and interactive educational toys. Annie is now able to participate in the appointment and feels empowered.  

8 a.m. – Annie’s name is called, and a tech walks them to a room to check her vitals. “With kids, it is important to gain trust and rapport with the tech, especially for Annie since she has a lot of medical anxiety, and we have worked hard to get through it,” Courtney says. Courtney asks Annie to say her name to the tech, then Courtney spells the tech’s name for Annie. They play a game with weight and height checks as Courtney asks, “How big and tall do you think mommy is?” Annie does great and they celebrate with her.

8:15 a.m. – Back in the room, Annie gets upset again, and Averie pulls out the calming kit so Courtney can go to the restroom. The nurse enters and introduces herself to Annie before prepping her for an EKG, which she had not had in a year. Knowing the number of leads and wires can be a problem, Courtney places a sticker on herself and says, “See? Easy peasy!” It is a struggle, but Annie gets through the procedure as she counts the stickers in French. They celebrate again after the EKG.

9 a.m. – Now it’s time for the echocardiogram – the hardest part because it is in another room. This is an important test to see Annie’s heart at baseline and to check for pulmonary hypertension. With an echocardiogram, the patient must remain still and calm so the technician can capture all the angles and ensure the heart rate and blood pressure don’t’ affect the results. 

Annie sees the table with paper on it and thinks it means she is getting a blood draw. “Up to this point, she hasn’t had any screen time,” Courtney says. “We save it for this moment – like the Hail Mary.” Courtney lies on her back next to Annie, and they snuggle. They sing songs from “Frozen” together, and the nurse laughs as Annie quotes the entire movie. “It’s so fun to watch Annie break people’s expectations of her,” Courtney says.

9:30 a.m. – Robert Loar, M.D., Annie’s cardiologist, enters the room. Annie was one of Dr. Loar’s first patients; Courtney began seeing him while she was pregnant. Dr. Loar is a TCU horned frog, too, and they discuss life before diving into medical updates. “He genuinely cares for Annie,” Courtney says.

Dr. Loar says Annie’s pacemaker has eight years of battery life left. He and Courtney then discuss heart pressures and anatomy; he says her repair is holding up beautifully and is exactly what he wants to see. 

“Annie’s story is so extreme and miraculous,” Courtney says. “Annie’s journey is still being used for good to help treat other children and give parents hope.”
Annie says, “Dr. Loar, I love you,” and he responds, “Annie, I love you too.”

Courtney packs the toys and celebrates with Annie again. Annie says, “We did it. I was brave. I was safe and we saw the doctor.” This is a big moment for Courtney, who has been helping Annie process emotions as a successful coping skill.

10 a.m. – Courtney takes Annie to KinderFrogs, a school program designed to prepare children with Down syndrome for kindergarten. Annie walks herself into the classroom, hangs up her backpack and sits in her chair. “Annie loves everything about school so much and has never missed a day – just leaves for doctor’s appointments here and there,” Courtney says.

2:45 p.m. – Courtney and Russ, Annie’s baby brother, pick up Annie from school.

3:15 p.m. – Courtney, Russ and Annie pick up Wells, Annie’s older brother, from school.

3:30 p.m. – Annie plays at home. Courtney is intentional with screen time, so they try to avoid TV and use it only as a last resort. They play outside, in the playroom or in their bedroom. Annie does a great job playing by herself or with her brothers as she becomes more independent.

6 p.m. – Dinnertime! Annie’s diet is clean and nutritious, which Courtney says provides tremendous health benefits.

7 p.m. – It’s Friday night, which means games with the family. They have found games Annie enjoys playing with them. “It is so fun to push her to do more, include her and see what she can do,” Courtney says.

7:45 p.m. – Annie chooses her pajamas. “No mommy I do it,” she says.

8 p.m. – Spencer lies with Annie until she falls asleep.

Q: What are the most common allergy triggers?
Spring is truly the peak season for allergies, and our changing climate has extended its duration. Tree and grass pollen are the most prevalent this time of year. Families should consult sites like pollen.com to monitor relevant pollen levels for the areas they will be visiting this spring.

Q: What are the differences between a common cold and allergies in younger children?
Seasonal allergies typically appear after age 2, and their prevalence increases thereafter. Before that age, many of those symptoms are usually viral upper respiratory infections; however, we can look at the pattern and duration of symptoms to distinguish them. If there is a family history of atopy (such as allergies, asthma, or eczema), it helps clarify that the patient may be allergic. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and clear nasal discharge are more common in allergies, while coughing, congestion, and thick mucus are more characteristic of respiratory infections.

Q: When staying in hotels or vacation rentals, what are some potential hidden allergens?
There are several allergens to consider: pet dander, mold, dust mites, and even contact allergens in the provided personal hygiene products.

To lower these risks:

• Bring your own dust-mite-proof pillowcases or your personal pillow.
• Mold requires moisture, so inspect the property for visible water damage and ensure proper ventilation upon arrival.
• Pet dander can persist even after the animal is gone; therefore, request pet-free accommodation if allergies are a serious issue.
• If you are concerned about contact allergens, it is recommended to bring your own toiletries.
   

Q: What should be included in an "essential kit" for an allergic child who is traveling?
Dr. Waters emphasizes avoiding Benadryl due to its potential side effects, which include cognitive effects and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rates). However, there are other options for treating allergies that are more effective:

• Nasal sprays, such as Flonase or Azelastine, are excellent primary treatments.
• For additional relief, second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin are ideal, as they come in practical formats like liquids or chewable/dissolvable tablets.
• For the eyes, use preservative-free cooling drops or itch-relief drops like Pataday, but avoid Visine, as it can be irritating. Saline drops or a nasal wash bottle are also excellent for clearing out allergens.
• Finally, if your child has asthma or severe allergies, never travel without their inhaler or prescribed EpiPen.

Q: What immediate steps should be taken if a child has a sudden allergic flare-up?

• Identify and remove whatever triggers the reaction. If you know it is due to pollen or a pet, remove the child from that environment. It is recommended to administer a full dose of antihistamine such as Zyrtec, if the reaction includes hives or swelling and does not include anaphylaxis.
• If your child is asthmatic and needs an inhaler for respiratory issues, use it.
• Another over-the-counter medication is Famotidine (Pepcid), which is used to treat hives or swelling.
• If you observe an anaphylactic-type reaction and have been prescribed an EpiPen, use it immediately. Remember to always seek medical attention right after use.

It is rare for seasonal allergies to cause anaphylaxis, which include loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing/swallowing. You must monitor your child to ensure none of these symptoms are present and seek emergency care if they appear.

Q: Are there new treatments or preventive measures?

• First-line treatments remain to be nasal sprays, followed by antihistamines.
• A saline rinse helps clear mucus. By optimizing the sinuses and upper airways, it helps control any infections or allergies occurring there, as well as any subsequent respiratory issues. Additionally, nasal washes, such as rinsing bottles, neti pots, or other child-specific products, help decrease the total allergen load.
• Showering after being outdoors helps remove pollen residue.
• Keeping windows closed during peak pollen hours or when driving long distances helps reduce pollen exposure.

Long-term Options
Allergy shots exist for children with severe symptoms, but these require dedication and commitment. Children with significant allergies, asthma, or eczema might qualify for an injectable medication called "biologic." If you are facing these issues, consult your doctor about this possibility.

Other Related Stories:

• Does My Kid Have Allergies, COVID, a Cold or the Flu?
• How to Treat Your Child’s Seasonal Allergies
• Essential Oils and Their Use on Children

Collin County Health Care Services has issued a health alert due to an increase in chickenpox (varicella) across the county. Chickenpox is an infection caused by varicella-zoster virus, leading to a fever and an itchy rash with spots all over the body.

Because it is highly contagious, chickenpox is a reportable condition in Texas and must be disclosed to the local health department. According to health officials, schools and childcare settings are high-risk environments for outbreaks. Prompt identification and exclusion of cases are critical to limiting transmission.

While chickenpox used to be a common illness in the United States, it has become much rarer due to the chickenpox vaccine which helps prevent the infection.

Cook Children’s Health Care System doctors know parents and caregivers may have questions about this, Laura Romano, D.O., a hospitalist at Cook Children’s and mom herself, addresses some concerns.

• I got chickenpox as a kid. Should I be concerned if my little one gets it?
  • One infection with chicken pox should give you lifelong immunity.
• How effective is the varicella vaccine?
  • Two doses give up to 98% protection and have decreased hospitalizations and death by over 97% since 1995!
• What if my little one only had one dose. What does that mean for them?
  • If your child has already had one dose of the chicken pox vaccine, they will most likely not need another one if they get an actual infection. Please talk with your pediatrician about this.
• What happens if someone is immunocompromised and is around someone who has varicella?
  • The most common complication is a skin infection caused by scratching at the lesions, which may require antibiotics to help treat. Other more serious complications include pneumonia, ataxia (difficulty walking), dehydration, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). People who also have chicken pox are at risk for shingles later in life. Vaccination against chicken pox helps prevent against all these complications including the furture risk of shingles.
• What complications can arise from chickenpox?
  • The most common chickenpox complications are bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues in children and pneumonia in adults.
• How do you treat chickenpox?
  • While there is not a single treatment for chicken pox, doctors focus on symptom relief. Doctors recommend Tylenol for fever, calamine lotion or oatmeal baths for itchiness. Lesions should go away in the 10-14 days. 

Symptoms of Chickenpox:

A mild fever may occur 1 to 2 days before rash onset, particularly in adults. In children, the rash is often the first sign of disease.

Seek immediate medical attention when your child:

• has trouble breathing
• has a severe headache
• is very drowsy or has trouble waking up
• has trouble looking at bright lights
• has trouble walking
• seems confused
• seems very ill
• has a stiff neck
• has a fever that lasts for more than 4 days
• has a bad cough
• has an area of rash that leaks pus (thick, yellowish fluid) or becomes red, warm, swollen, or sore
• is vomiting

Before discussing the impact, Dr. Greenhaw explains that social media consists of internet-based platforms and applications that enable users to create personal profiles, post content, and interact with user-generated content, as well as to form and maintain online social networks and communities.

 Dr. Greenhaw emphasizes the importance of parental involvement.

“The platforms most used by children and adolescents in the United States are TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat, with Twitch, Discord, Pinterest, Reddit, and WhatsApp also playing significant roles in specific subgroups,” said Dr. Greenhaw.

 According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children ages 8 to 18 in the United States spent an average of 7.5 hours a day using screens in 2025.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Roblox

Two areas not always categorized as social media include AI chatbots and Roblox.

Roblox: While primarily a video game, it features elements of social media, such as personal profiles, avatars and the ability to chat with strangers during gameplay.

The platform is incredibly popular and includes many red flags for potential harm, including its engagement-prolonging design, behavioral reinforcers and major concerns for privacy.

“It carries many of the same risks as social media,” said Dr. Greenhaw.

Artificial Intelligence: Web-based tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are creating "parasocial" interactions, where children and teenagers may begin to view AI chatbots as friends or confidantes.

“Given the difficulty of traditional measures to monitor children’s use of this technology, open communication is key for detecting problematic or potentially harmful use,” said Dr. Greenhaw.

Generally, parents want to be informed about their children’s internet use. Creating an open space for frequent communication increases awareness of how children are spending their time online. If a parent is not first aware, they cannot intervene.

"Social media use may lead to worsening mental health outcomes if it includes exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, algorithmic feeds or engagement-prolonging design," said Dr. Greenhaw.

 For Younger Children

• Emotional Regulation: Children can develop a stunted ability to manage their emotions if they rely too heavily on digital platforms for stimulation or distraction.

 For Adolescents

• Mental Health: Teens with higher baseline depressive symptoms may increase social media use over time, which can lead to negative social comparisons.
• Body Image: Appearance-focused platforms like Instagram and TikTok have a significant impact on how adolescents view their bodies.

 Healthy Digital Habits

• Create a Family Media Plan: Establish screen-free times for the entire family and set clear boundaries.
• Select High-Quality Content: Prioritize content that models social-emotional skills or tailored learning goals, such as math or reading.
• Set Intentional Limits: Be deliberate about when your child receives their first personal device.
• Protect Sleep: Ensure devices are put away well before bedtime to prevent interference with rest.

Related Stories:  

• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Car Safety
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Water Safety
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Poison Prevention
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Aim for Safety

March marks spring break for families and it is Poison Prevention Month. According to the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, one in two children live in homes where medications are not always locked up and four in seven children live in homes where cleaning products are not always stored in a locked area. 

“Unintentional poisoning can happen to anyone, at any age,” said Klaressa Broughton, poison prevention program coordinator at the Center for Community Health. 

In 2025, Cook Children’s saw an increase of poisoning encounters, with 1,031 compared to 818 in 2024. Broughton explains that the top poisoning for 2025 involved children of all ages from birth to 18 and were related to medication and unspecified non-drug poisonings.  

“By practicing Safe Dosing, Safe Storage, and Safe Disposal, you can create layers of protection for your household,” said Broughton. 

She adds having conversations with friends, caregivers and family can ensure kids stay safe while they explore someone else’s home. She suggests opening the conversation with: “Since the kids are at the “into everything stage”, do you mind if we double-check that medications and cleaners are out of reach?” 

Tips for Poison Prevention: 

Safe Medication Dosing 

• Follow the dosing directions listed on the medication by using the appropriate measuring items, such as a medicine cup or oral syringe.
• Double dosing is NOT twice as effective, and in many instances can cause internal damage.
• Adult medications may be too strong for children and should not be given in half doses. Only give medicine to your child that is intended for children.
• Print the medication schedule to keep the right dosage for your family. 

Safe Storage 

• Many people leave medications on bathroom and kitchen counters as well as bedroom nightstands as a visual reminder to take them. Avoid unintentional injury and store medication up high, locked, and out of reach.
• Hang purses and personal bags up high so children cannot reach prescriptions, vitamins, or other regularly used medications.
• Remember, when visiting friends and family, it is ok to have an open discussion about safe storage. 

Safe Disposal 

• DEA Drug Take Back Day is on April 25th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Visit a medication drop box at a local pharmacy. For more information on poison prevention, visit www.meddropbox.org.
• The best disposal option is to find a drug take-back location, which may be found in retail, hospital, pharmacies, and/or law enforcement facilities.
• Removing any unused or expired medication in the home can reduce the risk of access. 

 Related Stories:  

• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Car Safety

• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Water Safety
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Aim for Safety

In 2025, Cook Children’s Health Care System saw on average, 38% of children injured in a major vehicle accident were unrestrained or improperly restrained. 

“Many of these resulted in deaths or severe injuries,” said Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Texas law requires children under the age of 8 and those under 4 feet 9 inches should be in a child safety seat. A child must be 8 years old or taller than 4’9” to use a seat belt. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250. NHTSA data shows more than 300 children under the age of five have been saved due to their car seat.  

What to know before hitting the road:

According to the National Safety Council more than 54 million vehicles on the road have an open safety recall. Almost one million cars have an open child seat anchor safety recall. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is the built‑in anchoring system required in most vehicles since 2003, designed to secure child seats without relying on seat belts. These anchors keep child seats firmly in place.

• Drive alert: Avoid tired, distracted or impaired driving.
• Check for recalls: Visit the website Vehicle Recall Check by VIN or License Plate | Check to Protect to see if your car has an active recall.
• Secure every passenger: Make sure every passenger is secured by the correct car seat or seat belt on every ride.
• Take breaks: If your children are fussy, don’t let them out of their car seat or seat belt while the car is moving. Instead, stop at a safe location where they can run around and burn off energy.  
• Pack safely: Pay attention to how and what you pack.  Remember everything becomes a flying projectile in a sudden stop or crash.
• Use cargo tools: If you have an SUV, use the cargo cover or net to secure your luggage.

Know the Four Stages of Car Seats

Trauma Injury Prevention and the Center for Community Health share some tips on keeping your little one safe.

1. Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats are the first stage of restraint for children ranging from newborns to preschoolers. This stage supports their head, neck, and back while riding in a vehicle until they meet the maximum weight OR height of their car seat. According to Evans, it is highly recommended by experts to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, as it is the safest option available.

2. Forward-facing

Forward-facing is the second stage of car seats for preschoolers through school-age kids. Children should remain in a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness until they meet the maximum weight OR height before moving to a booster seat.

3. Booster

Children must be at least five years old before transitioning into a booster seat. The booster seat stage is crucial for children who have outgrown a harnessed car seat, but do not yet fit safely behind a lap-shoulder belt. Still, booster seats are skipped over all too often. Evans said many kids between the ages of 4 and 8 get seriously injured due to being put in seat belts too soon.

4. Seat Belt

A seat belt is the final stage of restraint. The safest time to transition to a seat belt is when your child is at least 4’ 9”, or 57 inches tall. Though the law states children can transition to seatbelts at eight years old, Evans cautions that many children won’t reach 57 inches of height—and should therefore remain in a booster seat—until closer to 10 or 12.

Related Stories:  

• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Water Safety
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Poison Prevention
• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Aim for Safety

“As you finalize your plans, remember that safety never takes a vacation,” said Harley Roden, LCDC, program coordinator for injury prevention at the Center for Community Health. 

According to the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment of households with guns in Cook Children’s eight-county service area, approximately one in five children live in a home with guns that are not always safely locked away. In 2025, Cook Children's saw 68 unintentional gun-related injuries, one of which was fatal. Cook Children’s Aim For Safety program focuses on education and outreach about gun safety to decrease the number of youth injured or killed by a gun.  

“Taking a moment now to ensure all guns are securely stored both at home and while traveling prevents a much-needed break from turning into an unplanned trip to the emergency room,” said Roden.  

The Aim for Safety program takes a pro-safety approach, staying away from politics and focusing on preventing unintentional injury. In 2025, the program distributed 488 gun safes and 3,523 cable locks to the community. Families can find cable locks at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth and Prosper emergency departments. To learn more, visit aimforsafety.org or contact injury.prevention@cookchildrens.org with any questions. 

Roden recommends talking to kids about guns and safety. Aim For Safety can provide families with resources like graphic novels and other materials to help with the conversation.   

The program shares these safety tips: 

Safe Storage 

• Store guns unloaded in locked locations and out of reach of children.
• Use cable locks and gun boxes.
• Secure ammunition separately. 

If You See a Gun 

• Stop.
• Don't touch it.
• Run away.
• Tell a trusted adult. 

Safe Play 

• Ask the parents of your child's friends if they have guns in their homes and how they are being stored.
• If you are asked about your guns, don't be offended.
• Never aim BB guns or pellet guns at another person. 

Aim for Safety in the Community: 
LVT Rise: Saturday, March 28 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  
Carrollton: Saturday, May 2 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Lives Impacted by Gun-Related Injuries and Prevention Efforts at Cook Children's 

• In FY 2025, Cook Children’s Medical Center-Fort Worth treated 68 gun-related injuries and one fatality.
• In FY 2024, Cook Children’s Medical Center-Fort Worth treated 62 gun-related injuries.
• Most non-fatal injuries were caused by air-powered guns (BB guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns, etc.), while most severe or fatal injuries were caused by handguns.  

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• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Water Safety
• Experts Urge Safe Gun Storage as School's Out
• The Ultimate Holiday Safety Checklist 

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is bringing a touch of Cook Children’s imagination and magic to the newly renovated TCU Children’s Gallery, set to reopen on March 7.

Since 2009, the Children’s Gallery has been a favorite stop for children exploring the Museum, inviting them to learn through playful, hands-on activities and exhibits. The reimagined TCU Children’s Gallery features the same immersive experience but with a new touch of whimsy. 

“After more than a decade of play, we wanted to reimagine the Children’s Gallery for a new generation of learners by updating the physical environment, incorporating modern experiences, and creating a space that feels fresh, inclusive, and connected to our community,” said Karla Hernandez, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Marketing Manager. “The goal wasn’t to replace, only to refresh and elevate the experience for the children of today.”

Where the Future Begins

The Children’s Gallery is a space full of possibilities for curious minds. Anchored by an otherworldly spaceship and launch pad play area, it welcomes visitors to explore Fort Worth’s Cowtown culture and imagine the city’s promising future. The space is drenched in bright colors and features a fantastical facade of Fort Worth’s most notable landmarks, like Texas Christian University’s iconic Frog Fountain, Amon G. Carter Stadium and Cook Children’s Medical Center.

As children and their caregivers move through the gallery, they will explore and experience displays such as a theater, train station, homestead, marketplace, hospital and more. Children can don costumes and play with props in each display as they learn about the community and all of the possibilities that exist for them.

“Our goal was to design a space that feels immersive, optimistic, and open-ended,” Hernandez said. “We wanted children to move naturally from one experience to another, creating their own story and way of playing. The layout encourages curiosity, independence, and collaborative play, allowing children ages 0 to 8 to engage with the exhibit pieces and other children at their own pace.”

Magical Moments at the Museum

In a nod to its 108-year history of improving the health of Fort Worth’s children, the interactive hospital display is marked by the signature blue peaks of Cook Children’s Medical Center. In this space, curiosity powers imaginative play as children experience the world of wellness.

“This gallery is inspired by the people, places, and culture of Fort Worth and Cook Children’s has been a trusted partner in our community for many years,” Hernandez said. “Having them represented in this space invites children to explore the world of medicine and imagine themselves as the future caregivers of our community. Experiencing a playful version of Cook Children’s will help make hospitals feel less intimidating and create a sense of comfort for families”

Cook Children’s Child Life department helped imagine and design the Cook Children’s exhibit, with the goal of bringing the medical center to Museum visitors and the community.

“This project was an opportunity to be creative and collaborative, and to dream up something special for the Museum and, more importantly, the kids who will play in and explore the space,” said Katie Campbell, Cook Children’s director of Family Support Services. “Personally, I love the Museum, and my boys spent tons of time in the space as little guys, so I know the importance of the gallery and the imagination it created.”

Peaks the Dragon on Display

A colorful mural depicting Cook Children’s Teddy Bear Transport and beloved mascot, Peaks the Dragon, serves as a backdrop for the exhibit and its play zones.

In the exam room zone, children can dress up in a lab coat and pretend to be a doctor, and get a whimsical look at themselves in the floor-length giggle mirror. This area also features a countertop and faux sink, just like in a real exam room. Toy medical tools, such as a stethoscope and thermometer, allow make-believing children to check vital signs.

In another zone, children can pull up a magical medical chart on a 55-inch touchscreen, similar to a shopping mall directory. By opening the chart, children are empowered to discover six of the body’s major systems, like the circulatory and respiratory systems, for example. Funny and engaging animations illustrate the function of each system as museumgoers tap through a browsable diagram of the human form.

In the center of the Cook Children’s exhibit, a wooden MRI scanner play set invites children to explore the world of medical imaging. Visitors can recline into the play set or place a doll or stuffed animal. With the push of a button, the scanner simulates the looping lights and sounds of a typical MRI machine, plus a few silly and musical audio effects. From there, kids can step over to the digital imaging viewer to get an up-close view of stock x-rays and scans.

“Play is a child’s work. It is how they explore and learn,” Campbell said. “The opportunity to ‘play’ with hospital equipment, learn about parts of the hospital, and lay the foundation for emotionally safe experiences around health care and wellness are crucial to helping kids grow into a positive relationship with wellness and health care as grown-ups. It’s important to talk to kids about what happens at the hospital before they need to visit one, and this exhibit allows kids to become comfortable and familiar with the hospital in a stress-free environment.”

Museum members got a first look at the TCU Children’s Gallery during the member preview on Friday, March 6. A grand opening will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. Click here for more information.

Four-year-old Evalyn Scuderi is like any other toddler: she loves Moana, lights, music, swimming and being hugged. Vivacious Evalyn is one of many patients at Cook Children’s born with a rare disease.

She was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, which affects 3 out of every 10,000 live births in the US and is caused by changes to the number or structure of a person’s chromosomes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This causes low birth weight and a small head, mouth, and jaw. Their hands typically form clenched fists with fingers that overlap. They also might have birth defects involving the hips and feet, heart and kidney problems, and intellectual disability. Only about 10-25% of these children are expected to live longer than one year.

Evalyn is defying the odds and enjoying each day as it comes.

“She will wiggle her arms and legs in joy and make the happiest of sounds and just plant the biggest kiss on your face when you pick her up,” her mother, Amber Marie Scuderi said. “It’s humbling, because she is just happy you’re there to love her and for her to love on you!”

Amber Marie says they are living through a changing narrative as a new American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report was released last year for caring for children with Trisomy 18.

“I have learned so much from other parents who have gone before us and now we are blessed to walk with others who go after us to understand what these sweet kids are capable of and how they function,” Amber Marie said.

Amber Marie encourages others to remember that children with Trisomy 18 are more than their diagnosis and that it’s important to help them experience the world around them. Evalyn, described as “adrenaline junkie,” has gone sledding and down water slides, and does everything that her sister does in an adapted way.

“We never know what illness will be her last, BUT we know that when her race is done, we did everything in our power to make sure she went home to LIVE!” Amber Marie said. “So do something meaningful for them now, embrace them for who they are and adapt for them to experience the world around them too! You’re far more capable to do this than you think!"

Meet Máximo

Two-year-old Máximo Sagrero was born with Menkes disease, a rare disorder that often occurs in males. It is caused by a gene mutation that affects how the body transports and maintains copper levels and affects the body. It affects how a child grows and can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. In the US, the incidence of Menkes ranges between one in every 50,000 and one in every 250,000 live births, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Máximo is not defined by his diagnosis. He’s defined by his resilience, by the love that surrounds him and by the faith that carries us through the hardest days and reminds us that God created him with purpose,” says Máximo’s mother, Katy Sagrero.

Máximo loves playing with his toys, listening to music, looking at colorful lights, playing with his cousins and participating in his therapies. Katy says Máximo has come so far and he has encouraged so many others.

“His first couple of years were scary and I was anxious about everything, unsure if the next illness would be his last!” Katy said. “But God has given us unimaginable peace and strength to persevere and Máximo has overcome more than I could have ever imagined. He’s our little resilient warrior dude, and we are proud of EVERYTHING he does.”

Menkes disease is characterized by coarse, kinky and silver-toned hair. Katy says that Máximo barely had any hair when he was born and she noticed it was brittle and white when it started growing in, which was surprising since she and her husband have dark hair.

“After starting the clinical trial and daily copper injections, his hair began changing from the inside out,” Katy said. “Now he has a full head of thick, dark, kinky hair and it’s the number one thing people comment on. The evolution of his hair from weak and brittle to strong and full really mirrors his journey so far.”

Katy says that early detection is critical and makes a big difference in a child’s trajectory. She says Máximo had experienced seizures before he was diagnosed.

Katy shared her advice for other parents who receive a Menkes diagnosis for their child:

“What honestly felt like a tragedy when my son was diagnosed, has actually been the biggest blessing of my life. My husband and I have grown stronger as a unit, our faith has become deeper and our biggest asset, assuring us that Máximo was given to us intentionally and purposefully. It’s shown us that people are so incredible and Menkes has united our family, friends, church and community in a way I couldn’t have dreamed. Just like us, you will  appreciate the smaller things most take for granted and hopefully realize that God doesn’t make mistakes. He knew exactly what he was doing when He gave us Máximo and He knows exactly what He is doing by giving you your precious Menkes warrior too.”

SOURCES:
Pyle, A. K., George, T. N., Cummings, J. J., & Laventhal, N. T. (2025). Guidance for caring for infants and children with trisomy 13 and trisomy 18: Clinical report. Pediatrics, 156(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-072719

Ramani PK, Parayil Sankaran B. Menkes Disease. [Updated 2023 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560917/

“There is no doubt the 3D print of Ivy’s heart that surgeons used to plan and prepare for her procedure contributed to the positive outcome and long-term success of the surgical repair,” said Steve Muyskens, M.D., cardiologist and medical director of cardiac MRI and the 3D Lab at Cook Children’s Medical Center–Fort Worth. “Three-dimensional printing takes away the guesswork for physicians, allowing them to completely visualize a patient’s anatomy and unique anomalies and map their intervention before they get to the operating room.”

Ivy, now 10, was born with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) in which the two lower pumping chambers, or ventricles, of her heart are reversed. In a normal heart, the right atrium sends unoxygenated blood through the right ventricle, which pumps it through the pulmonary artery into the lungs. The blood is then oxygenated and flows back into the left atrium. From there, the left ventricle pumps the blood into the aorta where it is carried throughout the body.

In Ivy’s heart, however, the ventricles were switched. This meant the normally weaker and thinner-walled right ventricle was doing the high-pressure job of pumping blood throughout the body via the aorta—a function best suited for the thicker, stronger left ventricle. This inefficient pumping function put her at high risk for heart failure, irregular heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. Ivy’s heart was further complicated by having a hole in the bottom chamber and a very small pulmonary valve, causing limited blood flow to her lungs. Ivy’s heart defects were unable to be repaired in infancy, so she had a palliative procedure at 2 weeks old to stabilize her condition while she grew.

Then, at 19 months old, Ivy became a candidate for the Nikaidoh procedure, also known as an aortic translocation. The procedure is named after Hisashi Nikaidoh, M.D., a retired Cook Children’s cardiovascular surgeon and innovator. Dr. Nikaidoh developed the complex open-heart surgery that reverses the translocation and reconstructs a more normal ventricular and arterial layout. He assisted Vincent Tam, M.D., during the surgery. Dr. Tam is a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon and Cook Children’s medical director of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

To prepare for the procedure and to explain the complex surgery to Ivy’s family, Dr. Tam used a 3D printing of Ivy’s heart that was created in Cook Children’s 3D Lab. The printed heart allowed Dr. Tam to visualize Ivy’s exact anatomy so that he knew what to expect going into surgery.

It also helped Ivy’s family understand her complicated diagnosis and Dr. Tam’s plan to save her life.

“I've noticed over time that having these 3D models helps parents and other care providers, like nurses, better connect with the plan of care,” Dr. Muyskens said. “If you think about it from a parent standpoint, you're trusting this person, a surgeon or even just a cardiologist like myself, to take your child on a journey that's going to make them as happy and healthy as possible, oftentimes with no understanding of this very complex issue. So if you're able to then bridge that gap and have the surgeon show a parent an actual 3D model they can hold in their hands and say, ‘Here's your child's heart. This is why it's so complex. This is why it's different. There’s not a template for this, but this is what we think we can do. Let's walk through this together and figure out how we want to care for your child as a medical team and a family.’ I think that really helps connect those two pieces when you have a really unusual case.”

It certainly did for Ivy’s mom, Elizabeth. She says the physical model of Ivy’s heart helped her understand her baby’s complicated condition and Dr. Tam’s surgical plan. Having that knowledge was empowering and compelled her to hold on to hope during her daughter’s day-long surgery.

Surgical Solutions

In addition to his work in the 3D Lab, Dr. Muyskens is a cardiologist with a full patient load. He often partners with cardiothoracic surgeons to repair congenital heart defects and cardiovascular anomalies in his patients. When 2D imaging was the only resource for visualizing and understanding a patient’s anatomy, it wasn’t uncommon for Dr. Muyskens to hear surgeons say, “We’ll have to see for sure when we get in there,” when discussing a surgical intervention. This element of the unknown sparked a vision to create the 3D Lab to give physicians a deeper, more detailed look into the problems they were working to solve.

“I always felt like we need to be doing more and wondered how I can further the offering we have to help surgeons prepare for complex surgeries,” he said. “Your heart is about the size of your fist. So if you think about the size of a baby’s heart, and then trying to do open-heart surgery and move coronaries and great vessels and create new pathways for blood flow, it's a very complex surgery. By 3D printing the heart, we can have a much better understanding of those relationships prior to surgery. That's how we got started. Now we have three printers, surface scanners and virtual and augmented reality options. We've expanded in a lot of ways.’

While the 3D Lab originated with cardiology, its tools and resources are now available to multiple specialties. In the 10 years since the Lab’s debut with Ivy’s surgery, specialties such as plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery and orthopedics now utilize its capabilities to create precise, unique copies of spines, facial features, bone structures and more. These models can be printed in multiple colors and materials that are engineered to be more tissue-like, whether that’s bone or soft tissues. This creates a more realistic feel for a surgeon who wants to practice drilling into bone or cutting into tissue prior to a surgery. 

Practice Makes Perfect

The 3D Lab has expanded its pre-operative practice options, too.

“We're still doing the printing that we have done, but we've also moved a lot more into virtual surgical and interventional planning,” Dr. Muyskens said. “For complicated cases, we want to have a pre-operative or interventional plan in place so we know, for example in the catheterization lab, the exact camera angles we need and what size stents we should use. Now we can virtually place stents during simulation and review our work. Sometimes we go down the pathway virtually and we realize that it's probably not a great case for the cath lab because it’s actually much trickier than the images would've suggested. So we will then send those patients to surgery. That's kind of been our current frontier.”

Much like a pilot in a flight simulator, virtual reality allows surgeons to see internal structures, plan their approach and practice their cuts in the Lab rather than saving these critical and time-consuming decisions for the OR when the patient is under anesthesia and the surgical site is open. This tangible experience outside of the OR builds valuable knowledge and spatial awareness of a patient’s unique anatomy, increases surgical accuracy, removes the element of surprise and decreases time under anesthesia—all precursors to improved outcomes for patients. 

Mirror Image Models

The addition of a 4B printer allows the Lab to produce biocompatible materials that can be used temporarily in the sterile surgical field, like custom cutting guides or molds used to repair facial fractures.

Take a cheekbone fracture, for example. Classically, a surgeon would shape a piece of mesh to look similar to the other side, place the mesh inside the cheek area and attach the broken bones to the mesh so that they heal in approximately the same shape as the other side. 

“Now we can take scans of the healthy side, mirror the image and print a 3D model,” Dr. Muyskens said. “Surgeons can then take that into the OR and prebend plates and mesh around the printed model to create the ideal version of the fractured side. Not only does it save time, but it allows the surgeon to create a repair that looks exactly like the healthy side.”

The 3D Lab’s use of surface scanners also contributes to improved aesthetic outcomes. By scanning an already 3D object, like an ear, the Lab can produce exact replicas that a surgeon can use to repair malformations.

Leveraging these tools to plan ahead and remove as much of the guesswork as possible leads to fewer complications and improved outcomes. It also translates to lower health care costs for patients and the health care system as a whole, according to Dr. Muyskens.

“We were pretty early adapters of this technology,” Dr. Muyskens said. “So I think it says a lot about Cook Children’s and our desire to provide innovative care and solve complex problems using state-of-the-art methods.”

10 Years and Counting

Today, Ivy is full of life. Thanks to good surgical planning made possible with the 3D Lab, expert execution by Dr. Tam and Dr. Nikaidoh, and ongoing care from Cook Children’s cardiologist Lisa Roten, M.D., Ivy’s heart is still going strong. She loves to skate, play with her dog and have fun.

“Her personality is so big,” Elizabeth said. “She acts like nothing happened to her. She acts like she's not even sick, and like she doesn't have a pacemaker. She does what she wants to do. She's like a little energizer bunny. Nonstop. She just keeps going.”

Bridging Innovation and Patient Care

Backed by over 20 years of translational research experience and with 100+ peer-reviewed research investigation articles under his belt, Dr. Papadelis brings a wealth of scientific expertise to this partnership, all driven by compassion for people. 

“What I like to see with my research is how to help children,” Dr. Papadelis said. “That's why I like what's called translational research. It's not science for the sake of science. It's science for the sake of applying the knowledge to help somebody.” 

Both organizations provide critical assets for translational research, which is the bridge connecting basic discoveries to the application of those discoveries within patient care. 

“UTA has been active in translational research for a long time, but we want to expand in big ways,” Dr. Weidanz said. “I think Dr. Papadelis and this growing partnership with Cook Children’s is really setting all of that in motion. It’s really unique that we can bring the best of both worlds together so that we both excel in translational medicine. It’s a win for all of us, and most importantly, for patients.” 

With its brain-trust of academic researchers, including doctoral and postdoctoral candidates, as well as leading-edge laboratories and technology, UTA provides the infrastructure for imagination-driven discovery that could lead to breakthroughs in treating rare and complex neurologic conditions in children. 

Cook Children’s diverse patient population offers UTA researchers an expanded pool of potential study participants. In addition, the health system’s vast network of clinical experts, who understand the unique needs and challenges of pediatric health care, can apply and evaluate research findings in real time within their care settings. 

“Our department is a support system for this work,” said Luke Hamilton, Cook Children’s director of Clinical and Translational Research. “Our scientists have expertise in translating data produced from clinical encounters, aggregating, and analyzing for findings to create a new evidence base that can be fed back to our clinicians and improve clinical care."

A Ripple Effect

Along with enhancing Cook Children’s ability to deliver evidence-based innovation in patient care, this collaboration boosts both organizations’ ability to attract competitive federal funding, postdoctoral talent and joint appointments, which increases their visibility in academic publishing and conference networks. 

The local economy could score big, too. 

“We shouldn't overlook economic development and the impact we can have on growing our community,” Dr. Weidanz said. “I think these collaborations, starting with Dr. Papadelis and looking forward to what comes next, could eventually lead to the commercialization of some of these new findings, and that translates to jobs. Of course, we’ll never lose sight of the patient, but these partnerships really help the community flourish."

From Ancient Cities to the Western Frontier

Born in Athens, Greece, and raised in Thessaloniki, Dr. Papadelis parlayed an electrical engineering diploma from Aristotle University into a career studying the electrical pathways of the pediatric brain, taking special interest in epilepsy and movement disorders such as cerebral palsy. 

“I found that engineers like objects, but they don't like communicating with people,” Dr. Papadelis said. “I'm a very extravagant personality. I like to connect with people, and I talk a lot, so I realized I didn't belong there. But the engineering school gave me knowledge of how to use engineering skills in health care to help physicians. That’s when I went for a master’s and Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. I found my spot there and realized there is so much technology and tools that we can use to help physicians, and this is what I found fascinating.” 

In his prestigious career, Dr. Papadelis has lived and worked in five cities throughout four different countries across three continents. At the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan, he honed his skills in the neuroimaging technique known as magnetoencephalography (MEG)—the fastest brain imaging tool available, allowing doctors to see brain activity in real time. In Trento, Italy, Dr. Papadelis marveled at his daily view of the Italian Alps while completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences at the University of Trento. 

In 2011, the neuroscientist made his way across the pond for his first faculty appointment—a professorship teaching neurology at Harvard Medical School. He also joined the research staff of Boston Children’s Hospital, where he led the development of its clinical MEG laboratories and programs. 

Cook Children’s invited Dr. Papadelis to join the health system in 2019. His heart for connection made him the perfect fit for a health system whose promise to do everything for the child is fueled by kindness, collaboration and imagination. The prospect of warmer weather made the offer all the more attractive. 

“I was looking for a change in my career, and I decided to give it a try,” Dr. Papadelis said. “I moved down here with my family, and we love it. We felt really welcome. Being Greek, I feel like I belong in the south because I like the weather.” 

Dr. Papadelis was first named Cook Children’s founding director of Research within its Neurosciences program. In September 2024, he became the assistant vice president of Research at the newly opened Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s. The Cook Children’s team he leads includes several UTA faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, alumna and research assistants, as well as a host of UTA doctoral students. 

Since arriving in North Texas, Dr. Papadelis has led Cook Children’s to new heights with several “firsts” for the health system. These include Cook Children’s receiving its first research grant from the National Institutes of Health, securing its first patent, and achieving its first fully approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol for using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in conditions like cerebral palsy. 

While his research covers a broad range of studies in neuroscience, clinical neurophysiology and biomedical engineering, Dr. Papadelis’ main goal is to develop a novel epilepsy biomarker that will help children with drug-resistant epilepsy become seizure-free after resective neurosurgery, and he’s well on his way. Under his leadership, Cook Children’s Neurosciences research team has uncovered several new signs for identifying the epileptogenic zone with high precision, and developed new AI tools for predicting surgical outcomes in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. These discoveries and prediction tools help guide physicians in their treatment, improve the accuracy of surgical interventions, and give new hope to patients with uncontrolled seizures. 

“Cook Children’s is not just a hospital that takes care of the children in the region,” Dr. Papadelis said. “We develop here, and we perform very innovative research that has been recognized nationally and internationally by the scientific community.” 

Shortly after joining Cook Children’s, Dr. Papadelis also joined UTA’s faculty as a professor of Bioengineering. From that relationship grew the framework for the Pediatric Brain Health and Neurosciences Center partnership. In addition to his Cook Children’s team, Dr. Papadelis oversees a 16-member research team at UTA, while also mentoring several doctoral and postdoctoral candidates. 

“Dr. Papadelis is an incredibly passionate, creative and curious scientist with an eye on delivering his research findings to the patient,” Dr. Weidanz said. “He laid the groundwork for what’s to come, and that is a very strong partnership between UTA and Cook Children’s.” 
 

“Teeth are so important in so many ways, forms and fashion,” Tonya Fuqua, D.D.S., director of Child Oral Health at the Center for Children’s Health, led by Cook Children’s Health Care System. “The mouth is the gateway to our body, and it is connected to the rest of our body. And it starts with once a kid is born.”

The assessment also revealed 57% of children (about 651,000) received at least two or more preventive dental visits aligning with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendations.

 A Celebration to Sink Your Teeth Into

In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the Cook Children’s Save-A-Smile program hosted a celebration this week in collaboration with the Fort Worth District Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, and the Children’s Oral Health Coalition.

The organizations transformed the Cook Children's Medical Center Fort Worth Atrium into a dental-themed landscape. Patients received age-appropriate oral health kits, participated in arts and crafts, and chose a Build-A-Bear teddy bear or "tooth" to keep as a reminder of good oral hygiene.

“Healthy mouth, healthy body because if your mouth is healthy, that will hopefully lead you to a healthier body,” said Dr. Fuqua.

The Importance of Tourniquet Training

When Emery fractured her leg, the biggest threat to her life was blood loss. That’s the case for the majority of major trauma victims, according to Brad Maddy, a physician assistant who has worked in Cook Children’s Pediatric Surgery and Trauma department since 2023. 

Between 30 and 40% of deaths from traumatic accidents are due to hemorrhage, or blood loss, Maddy explained. Trauma victims can die from blood loss in three to five minutes, before medical professionals have time to treat them. When someone is bleeding out, every minute counts. 

One of the easiest ways to lower the risk of someone bleeding to death is through applying a tourniquet, a device that wraps tightly around a limb to slow or stop bleeding from an injury. This is the device that firefighter Hanetho applied to Emery’s leg. According to Cook Children’s doctors who treated Emery, doing so likely saved the girl’s life. 

Stories like Emery’s are why Maddy’s goal is for everyone to know how to use a tourniquet. 

From 2002 to 2007, Maddy was a field medic in the army. For almost the entire five years, he taught soldiers how to apply their own tourniquets through a program called Combat LifeSaver. That program later morphed into Stop the Bleed, a Department of Defense-backed initiative that aims to teach bystanders how to treat traumatic injuries involving severe bleeding until first responders arrive. 

“You can train the entire medical staff on treatment of post-traumatic hemorrhage, but that doesn’t help 30 to 40% of your patients,” Maddy said. “Stop the Bleed gives us the chance to put the tools and training in the hands of bystanders who are right there; a parent, a sibling, whoever. Somebody who can actually make a difference before the trained professional arrive.” 

The Stop the Bleed initiative at Cook Children’s started in 2019; Manager of Injury Prevention Sharon Evans has been providing the course to Cook Children’s employees on a quarterly basis since 2019 in conjunction with the Active Criminal Event course. However, trainings tapered off during the COVID pandemic. Maddy led the training initiative in March of 2025 with support from Evans and the Injury Prevention Team. 

In February 2025, Maddy began targeting Cook Children’s Medical Center employees to take the Stop the Bleed class. From February 2025 to January 2026 Maddy and team have led 36 training sessions for more than 400 employees. Alongside co-sponsors Fort Worth Fire Fighter Charities and the Fort Worth Fire Department, members of Cook Children's Trauma Department provide Stop the Bleed Classes to Cook Children’s employees and any other community members interested in knowing how to prevent deaths from uncontrolled bleeding. As of January, there have been at least five sessions in the community with plans to expand opportunities in 2026. 

On Sept. 10, Maddy led one such training for 13 people in a conference room at Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth. He opens with a PowerPoint presentation and clicks through pictures: a car, a bike, a broken window, a saw, a propeller -- everyday objects that can become deadly in the right circumstances. 

Over the hour-long course, Maddy walks us through what to do in an emergency situation if someone - including ourselves - is bleeding profusely. We learn how to apply pressure to wounds and what materials to use to do so -- something absorbent but not bulky, like a bundle of gauze, a handkerchief or strip of clothing, not a towel or blanket. On a flesh-colored cylinder riddled with gashes and fake wounds, Maddy demonstrates how to pack a wound, how much pressure to put on it and, lastly, how to put on a tourniquet. 

The process is straightforward, intuitive and simple. I had never even held a tourniquet before the training, but by the end of the hour, I could confidently do so in about a minute. 

Full Circle: A Heroic Reunion and a New Mission to Help Others

After three weeks, Emery was able to leave the hospital. The threat of losing her leg had not completely passed, but within a few months, her recovery took a turn for the better. By September, she was able to go swimming. And during an interview in August 2025, the soon-to-be freshman said her physical therapist told her she might be able to play soccer again within a few months. 

“Thankfully, all the wonderful people here at this hospital made it happen,” Brown said. “I’m very thankful she was taken here.” 

The firefighters who helped save Emery’s life were relieved to hear she had recovered so well. 

“Makes you feel pretty good, that we were able to make it to where she doesn’t have any debilitating injuries in the future and she’ll be able to get back out there and be a normal kid again,” Hanetho said. “I think everybody has that sense of wanting to do good for the community. I watched my father do it for many years so I just enjoy helping people.” 

On Nov. 20, Emery and her mom formally met the firefighters who saved Emery’s life. Cook Children’s presented the firefighters with Certificates of Recognition for outstanding care of a pediatric trauma patient. 

It wasn’t until Emery was about to leave the hospital that she and her mother learned about the Stop the Bleed program, and how it teaches everyday people to save lives the way Emery’s had been saved. 

The trauma provider who was working when Emery arrived at the hospital told them he had immediately recognized the tourniquet on her leg; it was the same kind of tourniquet the Stop the Bleed program distributes to local fire stations and schools. Emery and her mom immediately decided to take the training. 

“I didn’t know something that simple could save somebody’s life,” Emery said about the tourniquet. 

Brown encouraged everyone to take the training. She said you never know when you might witness a car crash, face a loved one getting injured or be hurt yourself. 

Emery’s experience at Cook Children’s also solidified her dream of becoming a nurse. She hopes to volunteer at Cook Children’s and eventually help other kids the way Cook Children’s staff helped her. 

“It seems cool to help people,” she said. 

Emery’s case is just one of many where a tourniquet meant the difference between life and death. 

For Maddy, Stop the Bleed is a way to not only serve kids at Cook Children’s, but to potentially help children in the entire community. Cook Children's promise, he said, is not limited to the children within the hospital walls, and Stop the Bleed is one way to fulfill that promise for all children in our community. 

If you’re interested in taking the Stop the Bleed training, you can email bradley.maddy@cookchildrens.org or jay.pearson@cookchildrens.org for the next available dates or visit www.stopthebleed.org for area course schedules. 

Beyond the Phone Call: Personalized Advocacy

Ramos leads CCHP members in this area by organizing community-building events and establishing member engagement. She led the initiative to provide Thanksgiving meals to members and to secure donations from community partners, including turkeys from a church. She also led the holiday assistance programs to help member families have presents under the Christmas tree. 

Ramos’s role as a hands-on advocate who helps members is uniquely designed to break down the barriers that often keep families from seeking care. 

Ways that Ramos helps members: 

• Primary Care: She helps members find primary care that fits their needs to help the whole family stay healthy.
• Benefits: She provides face-to-face guidance for Medicaid enrollment and helps members seek care through the onsite JPS Health Network clinic.
• Incentives: Ramos ensures members take advantage of CCHP rewards, such as $25 gift cards for wellness checkups and incentives for completing preventive screenings.
• Transportation Hurdles: By utilizing CCHP transportation services, Ramos ensures that a lack of a vehicle doesn’t stand in the way of a doctor’s visit. 

“To them, these are things that these residents have been struggling with for such a long time,” Ramos said. “It takes somebody to really listen and understand what they’re going through to guide them to where they don’t feel overwhelmed.” 

CCHP members can use transportation services to get to appointments. For the members she has encountered, Ramos says it’s convenient to have everything they need at one location rather than spending the day traveling to different locations. 

“It’s been very beneficial to the families overall, especially in the sense of how transportation is a big issue in this community,” Ramos said. “Once we’re able to connect them with health care services, that's what's rewarding for me – seeing their reaction and how grateful they are."

A Community-Focused Model

The center’s success relies on a strong collaborative environment. Alongside Cook Children’s Neighborhood Health Center, the facility houses the WestAid Food Pantry, JPS Health Network and a Fort Worth police satellite office and food nutrition services with a Cook Children’s dietitian and a demonstration kitchen. 

One of the most impactful partnerships is the Las Vegas Trail Workforce Development Training Program. In collaboration with JPS Health Network, Tarrant County College, and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, this program provides residents with the skills needed for the medical administrative field, ranging from medical office duties to patient- and family-centered care. The first graduating class recently completed the program in December.

Restoring the “Mojo”: Dominika’s Story

The impact of this holistic approach is clear in the lives of members like Dominika McQueen who says she is grateful for Cook Children’s.

“Being in the community is the most amazing thing because people are benefiting from Cook Children’s being here,” Dominika said. “You guys are really helping a lot of people come out of situations that we probably didn’t think we could get out of.” 

After an illness kept her out of the workforce for years, Dominika turned to the Las Vegas Trail center for support. While CCHP's holiday assistance program ensured her children had presents under the tree, the workforce development program gave Dominika something even more lasting: a career path.
 
“Cook Children’s has helped me tremendously and this has been a great opportunity for me,” Dominika said. “This program is giving me my mojo back. I’m ready to be back in the workplace."

Looking Forward

While Ramos primarily serves CCHP members, her door is open to everyone. She frequently assists community members with Medicaid and SNAP applications, often seeing people travel from well outside the neighborhood for her in-person expertise. 

“It’s been so rewarding to hear the appreciation from our members,” Ramos said. “My wish is that this model grows. Every community deserves a ‘home area’ where they feel supported.” 

To access services provided by the community health worker, call 682-303-8319 or visit the neighborhood health center’s website. 

Summer heat, snow or ice: It doesn’t matter the forecast, Cook Children’s Health Care System is ready for its patients and families.

 As severe winter weather blankets North Texas, Cook Children’s employees continue to shine. Their dedication to patient families and one another ensures that every child receives the care they need, regardless of the conditions outside.

 Dozens of staff members have stayed overnight at “Hero Hotel,” designated on-site spaces providing a safe and secure place to sleep. This allows essential personnel to remain available while avoiding travelling on dangerous roads.

 Additionally, Cook Children’s facilities crews have worked tirelessly to clear roads and sidewalks at the Fort Worth and Prosper medical centers. Food services and environmental services teams are working around the clock to ensure staff members have clean linens and warm meals.

 Cook Children’s Urgent Care Centers, Primary Care, Home Health and specialty clinics continue to monitor the weather closely. Click here to view closures and delayed openings at our Cook Children's locations. 

Keeping Warm and Having Fun

“If you are going to be outside, dress appropriately,” said Sharon Evans, injury prevention manager at Cook Children’s Health Care System.

Experts advise caregivers to dress little ones in several thin layers to keep warm and dry. Children are at more risk from the cold because their bodies lose heat more quickly. Insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat are recommended.

Make sure children change out of any wet clothes as soon as they come indoors.

“While playing in the snow or “sledding” be aware of your surroundings, be careful to not run into trees or out into the street and mailboxes can be real dangers,” said Evans.

Know the Signs of Hypothermia 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, "is a dangerous condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures." This is a medical emergency, and treatment should be sought immediately. 

 Symptoms of hypothermia include: 

• Blue skin
• Shivering
• A cool chest and stomach are signs that children may be dangerously cold.
• If you see these symptoms, take action immediately to get kids out of the cold. Seek immediate medical attention if you are not able to warm the body.
• Victims of hypothermia can include babies sleeping in cold rooms. 

 Warning signs for infants include: 

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy 

 Warning signs for adults include: 

• Shivering, exhaustion
• Confusion, fumbling hands
• Memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness 

Coats & Car Seats

While keeping kids warm is a priority during the winter, it should never come at the expense of car seat safety.

“Stay home and inside if possible. If you must be on the roads make sure everyone is buckled up correctly,” said Evans.

Bulky coats, such as puffy jackets, can create extra space between the child and harness straps or seat belt, which can increase the risk of injury in a car crash.  It is recommended to dress in thin layers and use a blanket or put the coat on backwards after the child is buckled in. 

If caregivers decide to start the car to allow it to warm up prior to entering the vehicle, it is important to make sure the car is in a ventilated area, such as an open garage, and that they lock the vehicle when they are not inside.  This will make sure that a child does not enter the vehicle unsupervised and become trapped in the vehicle.

Evans adds families should have snacks, water, and extra blankets in their car in case you get stranded. 

“If you are stranded and waiting for help on the side of the road, please make sure everyone stays buckled up,” said Evans, “often cars may slide/spin near you and hit your car.”

In addition, just as local officials advise people to stay off the roadways, if possible, ice can make dangerous driving conditions for ATV’s, Golf Carts and Go Karts.

 Safe Sleep

With winter weather, keeping infants warm is a priority for caregivers, and it is essential to do so safely.

“Caregivers often use extra blankets and hats for warmth, but these soft items can easily become a suffocation or entanglement hazard,” said Samantha St. John, program coordinator at Cook Children’s Center for Community Health.

A safer alternative is a sleep sack, also called a wearable blanket. A sleep sack provides warmth and comfort without risk because it fits securely around the baby's upper body and is sized so the fabric cannot cover their face, while still allowing plenty of room at the bottom for comfort and movement.

St. John suggests a general rule to follow dress a baby in one more layer of clothing than an adult would find comfortable in the same environment.  In winter months this could mean baby is in a long sleep fleece onesie with a wearable blanket/sleep sack. When dressing baby for bedtime or nap time during the extremely cold temperatures, it may be necessary to add socks, mittens, or hats to baby. Caregivers want to make sure that these items cannot come off during sleep and become a loose item in the crib.  It is also important to make sure baby is not going to overheat.  Signs of overheating can include sweating, a hot chest, or flushed skin.  

 Remember the ABCs of Zzzs:

• Alone: The sleep space should be clear of any soft items, such as blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, and bumper pads, leaving only a mattress with a tight-fitted sheet.
• Back: Babies should always be placed flat on their back for every nap and every night.
• Crib: A crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet is the safest sleep surface. 

Related Stories:

• Arctic Cold Front: Readiness Tips for Parents
• What To Know During The Winter Weather This Week
• Know When to Use Telemedicine, Urgent Care, or the ER for Kids

Surfer Bethany Hamilton knows the pain of losing a loved one to a bathtub drowning. Fifteen months ago, Bethany’s three-year-old nephew died after drowning in a bathtub. According to the family’s donation page, the toddler was sick and soaking in a bathtub with six inches of water just 15 feet away from the kitchen and living room. The page stated, “He was found unconscious--which is baffling as he's the strongest child of his 5 siblings at that age and an amazing swimmer, even in the open ocean.”

Sophia Price, trauma injury prevention specialist at Cook Children’s, offers tips to follow at bathtime:

1. Always ensure an adult stays at the side of the tub, in reach of the child, as this is too big of a responsibility for siblings.
2. Avoid multi-tasking such as talking on the phone, washing clothes, preparing dinner or anything that will cause a distraction from bathing the child.
3. Always be prepared by making sure to gather all bathtub essentials such as towels, soap, lotion and toys prior to bathing the child, so that the child is not left alone in the tub.
4. If you must leave the bathroom during bathtime, wrap the child in a towel and take them with you. If there are other children in the house, be sure to secure the door to the bathroom.
5. When bathtime is finished, be sure to drain the tub of all water, and remove all toys.
6. Use safe proof items to secure the bathroom door to prevent children from accessing the bathroom without an adult.

Drowning is preventable, and we want to help your children stay safe. Learn more about how to keep your family safe during bath time with our Lifeguard Your Child campaign.

 The Tarrant County Public Health Department reports an increase of 17.5% of cases for adults and children. Denton County Public Health Department has reported 318 positive flu cases and 35 hospitalizations as of Dec. 27, 2025. While the state has not reported any pediatric deaths, there have been eight in the United States. 

 Cook Children’s pediatricians are sharing what parents should know when it comes to the flu and other respiratory illnesses.  

Signs and Symptoms 

Flu, RSV and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, but all are upper respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms such as: 

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain and body aches
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite, taste, or smell
• Shortness of breath 

Managing Symptoms 

If your child is sick, call your pediatrician first. They can help you decide whether to take your child to the doctor's office, urgent care, or the emergency room. For many children, viral illnesses like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 can be managed at home with supportive care. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen in infants younger than 6 months. 

Maintaining hydration is crucial. Please encourage your child to drink fluids and consider giving them electrolyte drinks or popsicles. Saline nasal drops and cool-mist humidifiers can help alleviate congestion. 

A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 or above. A temperature above 100.4 in babies less than 2 months old is a medical emergency and needs to be evaluated in the emergency room. Any fever lasting longer than four to five days, or one that continues to climb and does not break with fever reducers, should be evaluated by a physician. 

When to Seek Medical Attention 

While most cases can be managed at home, it's essential to recognize the signs of respiratory distress or dehydration, which require immediate medical attention. 

Signs of respiratory distress: 

• Increased number of breaths per minute
• Increased heart rate
• Bluish color around the mouth, on the lips, or on the fingernails
• Pale or grayish skin
• Grunting sound during exhale
• Nose flaring
• The chest appears to sink in with each breath
• Head bobbing when breathing in
• Change in alertness  

Signs of dehydration: 

• Urine output is significantly below the child’s normal (at least once every 8 hours)
• Not producing tears when crying and the eyes appear sunken
• In infants, the soft spot on top of their heads looks sunken
• Dried mucus membranes (lining within the nostrils, mouth, throat)
• Sleepy and unresponsive  

If your child exhibits any of these signs, seek immediate care at an urgent care facility or the emergency department. Reserving visits to urgent care or the emergency department for truly urgent needs helps ensure timely care for those who need it most, reduces waiting times for everyone, conserves resources, and limits your child’s exposure to other viruses. 

Prevention is key 

Kara Starnes, D.O., medical director of Urgent Care at Cook Children’s, encourages parents to practice prevention. Dr. Starnes says one key way to prevent the flu is vaccination.

“The flu vaccine provides the best chance at preventing the more serious complications of the flu,” said Dr. Starnes. “While a flu vaccine may not always completely prevent the flu, it typically makes the illness much less severe and of a shorter duration. It is not too late to get a flu shot, even if you or your child has had the flu.”

• Keep your children at home and away from public areas if they are not feeling well
• Wash your hands
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Get a flu vaccine for you and your child 

 The Las Vegas Trail Workforce Development Training Program is a partnership with Cook Children’s, JPS Health Network, Tarrant County College (TCC) and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. The initiative equips adults with the essential skills for the medical administrative field, ranging from medical office duties to patient- and family-centered care. 

“What makes this cohort and this type of training program different is that we guarantee interviews once the students complete the 12-week training program,” explained Christine Hernandez, Cook Children’s manager of workforce development. 

 For Kierra Miles, the program is a bridge to a lifelong dream of becoming a pediatric psychiatrist. A mother of one who grew up near the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood, Miles discovered the opportunity through her apartment’s resident portal. 

 “This is a good program because it works within communities that don't have the resources that everyone else has,” said Miles. 

 The neighborhood was once a thriving job market anchored by Carswell Air Force Base. In 1993, the base closed its active-duty operations, resulting in an economic decline in the area.   

 “The goal is to give our students educational training so they are able to find a role that will change their economic ability,” said Hernandez. 

The lack of stable and meaningful employment has led to an increase in poverty and crime in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood. Cook Children’s Health Care System understands that health is not just about physical condition. It encompasses all aspects of the patient’s being. The training program is one way to ensure the health of the community, Hernandez explains.  

 “When you have the stress of not having a job, not having financial stability, giving these individuals an educational opportunity will help these future health care workers improve their overall lifestyle and well-being,” said Hernandez.  

 Mock interviews

 Weeks before graduation, students sat down for mock interviews with hiring managers and human resources staff from JPS and Cook Children’s. It was a chance to practice communication skills taught in class, focus on empathy, and receive real-time feedback from the people who might soon be their colleagues. 

“The training program was designed with the intention of making sure that we're focused on the customer service skills that we are looking for to hire people in our organization,” explained Hernandez. 

 Jazmine Montejo Williamson, a mother of three, enjoyed speaking with employees from both health care entities to determine where she would be the best fit. 

 “It's not just them trying to hire us; we get to see if we would be a good fit with them as well,” said Williamson.  

She wants to return to the medical field. Williamson learned about the opportunity while at her current job. On her days off, she studies at the neighborhood health center. The mother of three says that thanks to her faith and the support of her family, she has not missed a day of class. 

 “My children tell me that they're proud of me,” said Williamson as tears welled up in her eyes. 

 Her goal is to work in public relations for Cook Children’s. 

 A new chapter 

 On Dec. 18, the class reached a milestone: it became the first graduating class. During a private graduation ceremony, each student received a certificate of completion from Tarrant County College. 

 For Miles, the certificate represents more than a credential. It means a new sense of self.  

 “I feel way more confident,” she said. “I have the skills and the courage to actually go out and do it.” 

 Those moments make Hernandez proud, and as she reflected on the program’s impact on both the community and the participants’ families, she teared up. 

 “I see a lot of growth from them from the day that they walked into the program today,” said Hernandez. “To get to see the program come to fruition and see the final step, graduation, is a proud moment for me both professionally and personally. I am really looking forward to them using their new skills to land their dream job.” 

 Graduates have begun interviewing with JPS and Cook Children’s. Once a graduate is hired, they will go through that organization’s hiring process.  

 The next program begins in February. The deadline to register is Jan. 15.  Interested applicants can apply here.