Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center

05/28/2026

Advancing new treatments for childhood cancer and serious blood disorders often starts with access to high-quality biospecimens. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗥𝗧𝗦𝗦) provides these critical samples, along with expert research support, to help move these discoveries forward. 🧬

Led by Director 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻, 𝗠𝗗, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, and Laboratory Director 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, the RTSS is the largest biorepository at Texas Children’s Hospital and a central driver of discovery within our Center. The lab stores and distributes biological materials such as tissue and plasma, supporting a wide range of research efforts.

These carefully managed resources enable investigators to identify and validate new treatments and move discoveries closer to clinical application. In addition to providing high-quality specimens, the RTSS offers dedicated research support through technical consultation and shared lab resources, helping teams design and carry out studies effectively.

The RTSS serves as the official biorepository for the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. The team supports investigators across the Texas Medical Center, as well as national and international partnerships. Each collaboration contributes to a shared mission: improving outcomes and expanding possibilities for children and families.

🔗 Explore how RTSS is accelerating next‑generation therapies: https://www.texaschildrens.org/tcri/our-research/find-laboratory/research-tissue-support-service-rtss

ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center. Learn more: kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

05/27/2026

Stem cell transplants are essential for treating serious immune disorders in children — and 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 is making that care faster and more effective. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘇, 𝗠𝗗, and our 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 are putting this into practice, using cord blood to expand access to lifesaving treatment.

Cord blood, collected from a baby’s umbilical cord or placenta after birth, offers important advantages over other stem cell sources. It’s more widely available and can work even when a perfect donor match isn’t possible — a critical advantage for families from all backgrounds, especially when children need treatment quickly.

Nearly 100 children with immune disorders have now received cord blood transplants at Texas Children’s. When paired with an alternative immunosuppression method, this approach has led to improved outcomes for patients compared to other treatment methods.

Stories like this highlight how research‑driven innovations in care help children fighting cancer or serious blood disorders receive effective treatment.

Read the full article: https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/for-physicians/how-cord-blood-transplants-are-transforming-care-for-children-with

Learn more about how our Cell Therapy & Bone Marrow Transplant team delivers coordinated care for immune disorders: https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/cell-therapy-and-bone-marrow-transplant/immune-disorders-and-bone-marrow

ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center. Learn more: kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our latest 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗼 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 winners! Each quarter, these awards recognize team members who go above and beyond in caring for children fighting cancer or serious blood disorders.

We’re proud to celebrate the following honorees whose actions stood out to their peers (pictured, L–R, top to bottom rows):

★ 𝗝𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼, RN, Main Campus (not pictured) — Juanita is a Medical Assistant in the Long‑Term Survivor Clinic known for her commitment to patient care. Her coordination and communication help ensure clinic days run smoothly and families feel supported.

★ 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆, RD, Main Campus — Mary is the inpatient Clinical Dietitian for hematology and oncology patients. She partners closely with care teams to provide nutrition aligned with each patient’s needs and preferences, and her dedication to service elevates the patient experience.

★ 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀, RN, Main Campus — Lori, a two‑time Bravo Award recipient, serves as Nurse Coordinator for the Long‑Term Survivor Program. She operates with a patient‑first mindset, thoughtfully managing care while guiding her team with professionalism and consistency.

★ 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱, RN, Main Campus — Robert recently provided exceptional end of life care, building a meaningful connection with both the patient and family while advocating for the patient’s needs. He created moments of joy and offered emotional support that will leave a lasting impact.

★ 𝗝𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗶’ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀, RN, Main Campus — Jadai’ is an Inpatient Care Coordinator for Bone Marrow Transplant and Oncology patients. She expertly manages complex discharges, promoting continuity of care through strong organization and collaboration.

★ 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁, RN, Main Campus — Miranda is an Inpatient Care Coordinator for Hematology and Oncology patients. She has improved patient flow through proactive planning and collaboration, and her ability to anticipate patient needs helps ensure smooth care for families.

★ 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵, RN, The Woodlands — Jessica is the Nurse Manager for our practice in The Woodlands. She demonstrates exceptional leadership through unpredictable situations, ensuring her staff can continue providing compassionate and efficient care.

👏 Congratulations again to these Bravo Award recipients—and thank you for the difference you make every day to colleagues, patients and families.

ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center. Learn more: kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

05/21/2026

Last month, in celebration of 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸, our Center hosted its inaugural 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗻. During the event, two individuals — 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 and 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗶𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘀 — were presented with the inaugural 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. 🌟

Congratulations to all!

The 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 was established to honor the legacy of 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀, whose energy and pride in her work left a lasting impact on those around her. This year’s recipients reflect Robin’s commitment to excellence.

Join us in honoring the essential behind‑the‑scenes contributions made by all of the exceptional administrative professionals across our center. Through your coordination and problem-solving, you keep our teams running smoothly and help ensure children and families receive the care they need each and every day.

ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center. Learn more: kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

05/18/2026

Congratulations to our faculty members who have recently secured more than $𝟱.𝟲𝗠 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 to advance care for children fighting cancer or serious blood disorders. From strengthening treatment for brain tumors to improving how patients and families engage with research findings, these new awards support research that is making a difference. 🔬

Principal Investigators and projects are listed below (pictured L-R, top to bottom):

𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗣𝗵𝗗
• Regulatory T Cells and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia‑Associated Pulmonary Hypertension | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

𝗠𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗛. 𝗔𝗯𝘂‑𝗔𝗿𝗷𝗮, 𝗠𝗗, 𝗠𝗦𝗰 (pictured with Rahawa G.)
• Targeting the Neurovascular Niche in Group 3 Medulloblastoma | Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research
• Targeting Medulloblastoma Stem Cells Using Protogenin‑Specific CAR T Cells | IronMattLarson

𝗜𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗜𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘀, 𝗠𝗗 (pictured with Darla Espinoza, RN)
• VISTA‑LYMPH: Visual Imaging System for Tracing and Analyzing Lymphatics with Photoacoustics | Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health

𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗔. 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱, 𝗣𝗵𝗗
• Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia, and Coloboma Genetic Epidemiology in Children (MAGIC) Study | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• A US‑UK Collaborative Study of the Health of Children Born from In Vitro Fertilization: From Conception Through Childhood | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻, 𝗠𝗦, 𝗖𝗚𝗖
• Testing a novel method of engagement in research dissemination: Deliberative collaboration among patients and healthcare leaders | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute - PCORI

𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗿𝗮 𝗘. 𝗢𝗴𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗲, 𝗣𝗵𝗗 (pictured with Baoqi He)
• Alumni Visionary Grant: Identifying New Therapeutic Targets for Group 3 Medulloblastoma Metastasis | Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research

Congratulations again to our faculty and thank you to our funding partners for supporting research that strengthens care and fuels discovery across pediatric health.



ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center. Learn more: kinderchildrenscancercenter.org