Bring the Magic!
The magic of the season is found in the patients we care for, the team members who inspire us, and — of course — the donors who support us.
Zoey, Patient
They come while patients are tucked in bed, shouldering bags of presents for families to open the next morning.
They decorate hospital hallways with festive wreaths -- decked with ornaments and tied with curly ribbon. They drop off a truckload of toys and anonymously adopt hundreds of patient families -- including moms, dads, brothers and sisters -- who otherwise wouldn’t have any gifts to open this holiday season. And on New Year’s Eve, they celebrate Children’s Health team members and patients with a fireworks celebration, as we ring in a new year.
From Child Life and Social Work to volunteers and donors, our team members and generous supporters rally each winter season to bring hope for families in the hospital.
Because together, we can bring magic to kids.
Meet Our Patients Inspiring the Magic
Annabella
age 10, Solid Organ Transplant
Annabella and her family don’t know who she would be without the faded scar across her abdomen.
Born with a rare liver disease, Annabella was five months old when she was put on the list for a liver transplant at Children’s Health. And a few three months later, her family got the call: There was a new liver for Annabella.
Now 10 years old, this year marks a decade since her life-saving transplant surgery at Children’s Health… READ MORE
ISACC
age 10, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Isacc was 5 years old when Karen and her husband, Brett, met him for the first time.
The then-kindergartener — who loves reading and sports, particularly the Dallas Cowboys — had big brown eyes and a sweet toothy grin.
He’d also recently finished a 25-day stay at Children’s Health, where he was being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia… READ MORE
RANIA
Age 19, EATING DISORDERS PATIENT
Rania swirled the black paint around the circle until it was a solid black.
Meant to depict the new moon stage of the lunar phase, it represents a time of new beginnings for the 19-year-old, who is studying physics in college and wants to explore space.
Because as a high school student, Rania spent years wanting to be anyone but herself… READ MORE
VALERIA
Age 9, Down Syndrome and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Valeria peered through the blinds from a hospital break room at the sparkly tree, aglow in multi-colored string lights in a courtyard at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Clad in Christmas pajamas with reindeer antlers on her head, she was ready for a visit from the “Big Guy” himself.
Valeria spent most of last year under the care of team members at Children’s Health… READ MORE
Meet THE MAGIC MAKERS
ALLISON DOYLE
President, Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Plano
I originally became connected to Children’s Health 25 years ago when my friend’s daughter was born with serious health problems. I went to the hospital frequently to visit them… READ MORE
Chris Kleinert
President, CEO of Hunt Investment Holdings, LLC and Co-CEO of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., host of Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE
CORNELIA LESEANE
Social Worker, Children’s Medical Center Dallas
As a social worker, I cover patients in general neurology and neuromuscular. A lot of times, the kids I see were diagnosed when they were young, and we see them until they are adults. I like being able to make that early connection with patients and their families, and help guide them throughout their life… READ MORE
Jill Pocius
Music Therapist, Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Christmas Day is my favorite day in the hospital. We go from room to room and pass out presents and see kids’ faces light up and say, “I didn’t think Santa would find me here, but he still found me in the hospital!” It keeps the magic of the holiday alive. Throughout the year, we’re always receiving calls… READ MORE
Jennifer Roady
Manager of Family Support Services, Children’s Medical Center Plano
When I was hired more than a decade ago as a child life assistant, I was told that I’d have to work Christmas Day. And since then, I’ve fallen in love with working on Christmas. We’re there for families… READ MORE
Caroline Rogers & Jane Zepeda
Physician Assistants, Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Christmas Day is my favorite day… READ MORE
Lisa Rocchio
President, Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas
The Women’s Auxiliary funds many critical programs for the hospital, but in addition… READ MORE
Hamdy Shalabi
CEO, El Rio Grande Latin Market
I own El Rio Grande Latin Market in a partnership with my family. Although we are Americans of Middle Eastern descent, there are many Latin American traditions in our Family from our time growing up in Puerto Rico… READ MORE