Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center

09/30/2025

This summer, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center welcomed several amazing interns—including Layla, who first came to Texas Children’s as a patient at just 18 months old. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma, she underwent chemotherapy and radiation and has now been cancer-free for 18 years. 🎗️

As a child, Layla discovered her love of music through the Purple Songs Can Fly program, even performing with them at Carnegie Hall. This summer, she returned to Texas Children’s to give back—brightening patients’ days with arts, crafts, and music.

Today, Layla is a double major in acting and business at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, continuing to pursue her passion for theater and songwriting. 🎶

09/30/2025

All month, our Texas Children’s community has honored Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with hope, courage, and gold. 🎗️

Across all of our campuses from the Medical Center, The Woodlands, West Campus, North Austin, and Vannie Cook, Texas Children’s came together to honor children and families affected by cancer and held our annual going gold parades hosted by The Faris Foundation.

Thank you to all our staff, patients, families, and supporters who joined in to make these celebrations so meaningful.

Texas Children’s is proud to be #1 in Texas and one of the largest pediatric cancer and hematology centers in the U.S. offering state-of-the-art treatment for patients with childhood cancer and blood disorders.

09/30/2025

Dr. Steffin, Associate Chief of our Cell Therapy & Bone Marrow Transplant Program, loves to care for his patients. The CAR T-cell trial he’s helped work on over the past few years is starting to show promising results and may one day give doctors a new option in targeting difficult to treat solid tumors. This is a game changer for patients and has led to international attention.

This new therapy promises a step towards better, fuller lives for tumor patients and their families. We are so proud to celebrate the work of Dr. Steffin and his team this

09/30/2025

🌍🗣️ Sept 30 is International Translation Day—a day to honor the vital work of translators and interpreters around the world, including our dedicated team at Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center. Meet Interpreters (L-R) Izzy Figueredo, Brenda Nevarez and Mary Lanz, who support patients and families across our Inpatient, Outpatient and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. 💬

These professionals are more than language experts—they are emotional lifelines. Mary Lanz, who has been at the Center for over 20 years says: "I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to work with our patients. I’m honored to be able to offer a little light in the midst of a challenging time. Here, we’re all a big family — and our patients can feel the love.” Mary, Izzy and Brenda work alongside team members to help inpatient families navigate complex care with clarity and compassion.

Dr. John Craddock, a physician in our Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, shares: “Families who face language barriers may feel isolated and powerless. We are fortunate to have a team of Spanish language interpreters who help bridge this gap at a time when communication is essential for understanding diagnosis, prognosis, treatments and outcomes. Their role in our daily practice is unmeasurable.”



ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center in 2026. Learn more: https://kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

09/28/2025

Just before his second birthday, John fell seriously ill while on a family trip to Paris. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, KPRC 2 Houston shares how he found hope across the globe at Texas Children's Hospital. ▶️Watch the video: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/09/16/from-paris-to-houston-toddler-battling-leukemia-finds-hope-at-texas-childrens-hospital/

Too sick to delay care, John was flown home with support from the hospital’s International Team and taken straight to Texas Children’s Hospital.

Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, he began tailored treatment under the expert care of Dr. Lauren Scherer, pediatric oncologist at Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center. Six months later, he’s doing well and becoming more active and expressive.

🎗️ Watch the video to see how global coordination, parental intuition, and modern medicine came together to help John.



ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center in 2026. Learn more: kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

John was just about to celebrate his second birthday when he started feeling unwell during a family trip to Paris. What seemed like the flu quickly took a serious turn.

09/26/2025

From uncertainty to hope: A brave battle with a rare disorder 💜

Almost 10 years ago, Laila's life was turned upside down as she began exhibiting mysterious symptoms, from night sweats to unexplained bruising. After enduring weeks of testing and uncertainty, she was diagnosed with Evans syndrome at Texas Children’s Hospital—a rare autoimmune disorder that affects blood platelet counts.

Today, on , we honor her courageous journey and the dedicated medical team at our Cancer and Hematology Center who provided unwavering support. When asked to reflect on her journey, she shared this message, "Thank you so much for helping me. Without my amazing care team at Texas Children's Hospital and the community I have around me, I wouldn't be where I am today."

This day brings visibility to platelet disorders like ITP, honoring the courage of those affected and raising awareness of conditions that often go unseen.

Learn more about ITP and Laila's journey at our link:http://ms.spr.ly/6182ssGo2

09/26/2025

To mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center partnered with The Faris Foundation for the Let There Be Gold Art Party. Patients created personalized hats with patches, added gold sparkles to slime, and spent time creating together.

Each child had an array of supplies to choose— glitter, paint, stickers, patches and more. Some took their time, layering details carefully. Others dove straight into the slime, mixing in sparkles until it shimmered.

The best part of the day was the time spent together.



ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center in 2026. Learn more: https://kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

09/25/2025

Once a cancer warrior, always an inspiration. ✨

When Kaylee was 9, she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. After 4 rounds of intense chemo, she rang the victory bell and returned to her biggest passion: ice skating. 6 years later, she continues to soar.

Kaylee effortlessly balances being a sophomore with competing in ice skating tournaments. But over the years, she discovered another incredible passion: golf. She’s not only a member of her school’s golf team, but aiming for a golf scholarship for college. And her plans for the future? She dreams of becoming a lawyer. 📚

When Kaylee reflects on her journey in our hospital, she’s filled with gratitude for the exceptional care she received. She also has words of encouragement for patients starting their own cancer journey.

“I would say to stay positive and have friends that can support you through your journey,” says Kaylee. 🫶

It’s an honor to celebrate patients like Kaylee during and beyond. 🎗️

09/24/2025

Sickle cell disease is tough, but Yha'kira is tougher. 💪🏽

Sickle cell disease is a rare condition that causes the red blood cells to form a sickle shape that affect blood flow and can cause debilitating pain. But what keeps Yha'kira pushing through? Her mother, who not only has sickle cell disease herself but is also navigating stomach cancer—and continues to persevere.

”She keeps going, and I’m grateful for that,” said Yha'kira. “I don’t know where I’d be if she wasn’t my inspiration.”

In addition to nail art and reading, what brings Yha'kira hope are her dreams for the future: becoming a registered nurse and eventually a doctor who treats sickle cell patients. The inspiration comes from her mother, who was a nurse practitioner for 26 years, and her passion for caring for others.

Until then, her goal is to not only educate others on sickle cell disease but inspire fellow patients to be open about their condition.

“I’m hoping to inspire other kids and adults to one day come out of their comfort zone and tell their story about how they deal with sickle cell,” said Yha'kira.

It’s an honor to share Yha'kira’s story during , and have her story inspire others with the condition. ♥️♥️♥️

09/24/2025

Fifteen-year-old Kade was diagnosed with leukemia last October. He spent months in and out of the hospital, but he never lost his love for baseball.

Thanks to the Correa Family Foundation and Texas Children’s, Kade and his family enjoyed a VIP experience at an Astros game, including field access and batting practice.

Texas Children’s is proud to help create moments like these that bring joy and unforgettable memories. ⚾🎗️

Watch the full video from KHOU 11 News: http://ms.spr.ly/6185sS39L.

09/24/2025

At the invitation of Chairman Mike McCaul, Dr. Will Parsons, Interim Director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, spoke at the 16th Annual Childhood Cancer Caucus Summit in Washington, D.C. 🎗️

Dr. Parsons discussed groundbreaking research projects using newborn screening to identify children at risk for aggressive cancers, innovative efforts aimed at preventing childhood brain tumors, and our joint venture with UT MD Anderson Cancer Center to form the Kinder Children's Cancer Center—with one bold goal: curing childhood cancer.

We’re proud to stand alongside national leaders and institutions in the fight against childhood cancer, bringing hope to children and families everywhere.

Learn more: http://ms.spr.ly/6180sSy6M.

09/24/2025

🎧 During , genetic counselor Sarah Scollon joined the All Access DNA podcast to discuss how genetic testing is reshaping pediatric cancer care. Listen now: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vsx3k-196162f

Sarah is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and the Lead Genetic Counselor at our Cancer Genetics Clinic. In the podcast, she explains how tumor and germline testing are used to identify children with inherited cancer risk—and how those results guide diagnosis, treatment, and long-term surveillance. She also discusses cascade testing for families, the evolving national guidelines for who should be tested, and the importance of psychosocial support for children and caregivers navigating these diagnoses.

🎗️From understanding inherited risk to empowering families with tools for early detection, this conversation highlights the evolving role of genomics in pediatric oncology.



ℹ️🏥 Texas Children's Hospital and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are joining forces to launch the Kinder Children's Cancer Center in 2026. Learn more: kinderchildrenscancercenter.org

Pediatric cancer and genetic testing. In this conversation, Sarah Scollon discusses the complexities of childhood cancer, particularly the genetic factors that may contribute to its development. She explains the differences between tumor and germline testing, the importance of identifying children a...