Texas Children's Hospital

02/28/2026

Just one week after he was born, Miles’ life changed because of a routine newborn screening. Though he appeared healthy and strong, testing revealed SCID, a rare condition that prevents the immune system from working properly.

Miles was referred to Texas Children’s, where specialists guided him through a cord blood transplant. “We are extremely blessed to have Dr. Martinez and Roseen Salman at Texas Children’s—they have been a Godsend to our family,” says Miles’ mom, Ellis.

The journey was overwhelming, but the support of their care team and community helped Miles’ family through every step.

“Don’t refuse the newborn screening,” Ellis says. “It could save your baby’s life.”

We’re honored to share Miles’ story in recognition of Rare Disease Day, highlighting the power of early detection and expert care for families facing rare conditions. ❤️

02/28/2026

A Valentine’s tradition 10 years in the making ❤️

When Madeline was in third grade, she was in constant pain and struggling to walk. After being told it was just “growing pains,” she came to Texas Children’s—where Dr. Neel Kushare listened and diagnosed posterior ankle impingement, finally giving her answers.

Before surgery in 2017, Madeline brought him a small Valentine to say thank you. She’s returned every February since, continuing a tradition that has now spanned an entire decade.

This year, she delivered her final Valentine: a children’s coloring book she wrote and published to help other kids facing surgery feel a little less afraid, inspired by her own journey.

Now preparing for college, Madeline hopes to pursue a career in medicine, inspired by the care she received at Texas Children’s. ❤️

02/27/2026

At 75, Catherine found hope and life-changing care at Texas Children’s ACHD Inpatient Unit. ❤️

Struggling with shortness of breath and a complex congenital heart condition, Catherine was referred to our team, where she and her daughter found experts ready to guide them through every step. 🩺

She underwent a complex surgery: left and right atrioventricular valve replacement, closure of a residual atrial septal defect, a coronary bypass graft, and placement of a dual-chamber pacemaker. Before surgery, our team helped her build strength and prepare for recovery, ensuring she could achieve the best possible outcome.

Catherine says, “From the moment we walked in, you could tell what has been built here is incredible. Everyone was kind, patient, and full of care.” Her daughter adds, “The unit is designed for families to be present, supported, and involved. It made all the difference.”

Today, Catherine is stronger, healthier, and feeling better than she has in over a decade—recently celebrating her 76th birthday and enjoying life with her daughter and family. 🎉

As we mark five years of our ACHD Inpatient Unit, stories like Catherine’s show why we built this space: to care for adults with congenital heart disease at every stage of life, with expertise and life-changing support. ❤️

Learn more about our Adult Congenital Heart Program: http://ms.spr.ly/6181Qj16F.

02/22/2026

This National Encephalitis Day, we’re honored to share Levi’s story in support of encephalitis awareness. ❤️

When 11-year-old Levi suddenly began experiencing seizures, dizziness, and trouble speaking, his family knew something wasn’t right. As his symptoms quickly worsened, he was brought to Texas Children’s, where specialists diagnosed him with anti-NMDA receptor autoimmune encephalitis, a rare and serious brain inflammation.

As Levi’s condition progressed and he required intensive care, a multidisciplinary team at Texas Children’s provided advanced treatments and guided his family through months filled with uncertainty and hope.

Little by little, Levi began to improve. After three months in the hospital, his family experienced the moment they had been waiting for—bringing their son home.

“Trust the process,” Levi shares.

This National Encephalitis Day, Levi’s family hopes his journey helps raise awareness, encourage early recognition, and remind other families facing encephalitis that recovery is possible and they are not alone. ❤️

Learn more about encephalitis in children and its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment: http://ms.spr.ly/6188QX1nu.

02/20/2026

One heart transplant. One heart repair. Two brothers living life to the fullest. ❤️

When Brayden was just weeks old, his mom knew something wasn’t right. He was struggling to gain weight and was soon diagnosed with heart failure. He was rushed to Texas Children’s, where he received a life-saving heart transplant in 2016. Today, 10 years later, Brayden is back to being a kid, playing baseball and flag football.

Years later, Nolan’s journey began before he was even born. Diagnosed in utero with a heart condition, he was closely followed by Texas Children’s specialists from the very start. In 2025, he underwent a successful repair and is now doing great—learning baseball from his big brother and sharing everything from a room to an unbreakable bond.

Today, both Brayden and Nolan are able to continue their care close to home with the same heart expertise at Texas Children’s – Austin.

This Heart Month, we honor every child who faces heart challenges and the Texas Children’s teams whose dedication and world-class research make the nation’s #1 pediatric heart center a place for healthier hearts and brighter futures. ❤️

Learn more about Texas Children’s Heart Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6177QX8qH.

02/19/2026

Today is MRKH Awareness Day ❤️

At Texas Children’s, our MRKH Center provides expert, compassionate care for young women diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome—a rare congenital condition affecting the female reproductive system.

Dr. Jennifer Dietrich, Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, shares how our multidisciplinary team supports patients at every stage of life—offering education, counseling, and treatment options through Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women.

Learn more about MRKH and the services available at our MRKH Center: https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/mrkh-center.

02/19/2026

Patients in the Heart Center had a heart-themed parade in honor of Heart Month, led by our facility dog, Noelle, rocking her fanciest heart-print outfit! ❤️🐾🐕‍🦺

The parade brought the fun right to each little heart warrior’s room—making sure everyone could join in, even from their hospital bed.

As the #1 pediatric heart center in the nation, our expert team provides world-class care for every little heart. Learn more about our Heart Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6187QVIw3.

02/17/2026

Happy Mardi Gras from Texas Children’s! 💜💛💚

Beads, music, and festive fun made their way through our halls today as we brought the parade straight to our patients. 🎭✨

02/17/2026

In recognition of Black History Month and American Heart Month, we are proud to recognize four outstanding team members whose work helps drive the success of the Heart Center at Texas Children’s.

Deitra Brown, director of Nursing, supports leaders in building well-prepared teams across inpatient and procedural areas—strengthening care through talent development, education, and training while elevating awareness of heart health in the Black community.

Andrea Sawyer-Gray, assistant director of Advanced Practice Providers, partners with teams to improve processes, safety, and standardization, empowering APPs to deliver high-quality care with every patient encounter.

Nicole Broussard, medical social worker, supports patients and families by strengthening emotional resilience, guiding them through complex cardiac journeys and promoting engagement in care.

Jessica Branch, business development liaison, builds partnerships that expand access to specialized heart care, helping ensure patients are connected to life-saving expertise without unnecessary delays.

Their leadership, compassion, and commitment bring our HEART values to life and strengthen the collaborative culture that defines how we care for children and families. ❤️

02/17/2026

She was always in motion, until nerve pain brought Anna’s world to a halt.

After being diagnosed with spondyloptosis and scoliosis, Anna and her family turned to the experts at Texas Children’s Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Program. Facing an eight-hour spinal fusion surgery was overwhelming, but from Child Life support (and a golden retriever named Pluto) to a promise of a Taylor Swift surgical cap, Anna felt supported every step of the way. 💗

“As soon as we met Dr. Baldwin, we felt this immediate sense of assurance and confidence,” her mom, Shana, said. “We knew she's the one to walk us through it.”

Less than 24 hours after surgery, Anna was walking. Today, she’s back to cartwheeling down the hallway and dancing like everyone’s watching. 🤸‍♀️💃

Stories like Anna’s reflect the compassionate, nationally recognized care that makes Texas Children’s a place of hope for families. Ranked #5 in the nation for Orthopedics, our team is proud to help patients get back to the life they love. ❤️

We’re honored to share stories of gratitude from patients and families whose lives have been transformed by expert care.

02/14/2026

Life-saving care starts with the generosity of organ donors. ❤️

Dr. John Goss, Medical Director of Transplant Services at Texas Children’s, recently joined to highlight the incredible impact of organ donation on kids’ lives.

Today, on National Donor Day, we want to say thank you to the donors and families who have given the gift of life. Your selfless acts make miracles possible every day.

Texas Children’s is proud to be home to the #1 Pediatric Transplant Center in the U.S., performing life-saving transplants. Learn more about Texas Children’s Transplant Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6182QrRK4.

02/14/2026

This National Donor Day, we honor the donors who make life-saving transplants possible. ❤️

Ximena was born with a complex heart condition and received expert care at Texas Children’s Heart Center from her first days. Over the years, she had multiple surgeries, with her care team supporting her and her family every step of the way. By 2025, Ximena’s heart needed a transplant to survive.

Just weeks after being added to the transplant list, she received the call that would change her life. Today, Ximena is back to being herself—making music and embracing every day with energy and kindness.

“Someone I’ll never meet saved my life,” she shares. “Because of my donor, I get to laugh, love, and see tomorrow.”

Texas Children’s is proud to be home to the #1 Pediatric Transplant Center in the U.S., performing life-saving transplants. We honor the donors and families whose generosity gives hope and second chances. ❤️

02/13/2026

Did you catch Texas Children’s on FOX 26 Houston? Dr. Thao Galvan, our Kidney Transplant Surgical Director, joined kidney recipient Lance and his dad Brodrick, who donated a kidney to him, to share their incredible story. They talked about the life-changing impact of organ donation and the gift of a second chance.

Do you know someone who has donated an organ? Take a moment today to thank them for their selfless gift of life. ❤️

Texas Children’s is proud to be home to the #1 Pediatric Transplant Center in the U.S., performing life-saving transplants. Learn more about Texas Children’s Transplant Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6181QruF9.

02/12/2026

When Andres and Kaylee Rivas learned their unborn daughter had spina bifida, they turned to Texas Children’s for answers and hope.

Before Josie was born, Texas Children’s performed a complex prenatal procedure to repair her spine, giving her the strongest possible start. After her birth, Josie spent 109 days in the NICU at Texas Children’s - Austin, with her parents by her side every single day. Today, she’s moving her legs and showing encouraging signs of progress. ⭐️

“There have obviously been so many hard moments along the way,” Andres shared. “But just like everything in life, it passes—and the good times are finally here.” ❤️

As Josie grows, her journey continues at Texas Children’s – Austin through the Spina Bifida Clinic, where families receive comprehensive care in one place. By bringing together specialists across multiple areas, the clinic helps children receive collaborative care, so families can spend less time navigating appointments and more time focused on their child’s future.

Learn more about the Spina Bifida Program at Texas Children’s: http://ms.spr.ly/6171QRiuS.

02/11/2026

Surprise visit alert! Superheroes have landed at Legacy Tower 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

Superheroes rappelled down the building to bring excitement and smiles to patients and families. ❤️

Texas Children’s CEO Debbie Sukin was happy to stop by and personally thank the superheroes for making the day so special.

This unforgettable experience was created by the Texas Children’s Child Life Department, whose team plans special moments like this every day to lift spirits and make hospital visits a little brighter for patients and families.

Learn more about the team behind these special moments: http://ms.spr.ly/6182QutgG!

02/10/2026

Early detection gave Zekeriyah a healthy heart and a brighter childhood. ❤️

When he was a baby, Zekeriyah was diagnosed by cardiologist Dr. Christina Miyake with an extra electrical circuit in his heart—a condition that could put him at risk for life-threatening heart rhythm problems.

Dr. Miyake and her team provided personalized care, advanced procedures, and guidance informed by cutting-edge research. With careful monitoring and a safe ablation procedure, Zekeriyah is now able to enjoy a healthier, more active childhood.

“Seeing Zekeriyah and his family thrive—it’s why I chose this career,” Dr. Miyake says. “Knowing that what we do every day makes a difference in a child’s life, and a family’s life, is what keeps us going.”

This Heart Month, we honor every child who faces heart challenges and the Texas Children’s teams whose dedication and world-class research make the nation’s #1 pediatric heart center a place for healthier hearts and brighter futures. ❤️

Learn more about Texas Children’s Heart Center: https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/heart-center.

02/07/2026

Today, Texas Children’s Miracle Bridge is glowing red for National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart health. ❤️

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Being aware and taking action can make a life-saving difference.

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 children. Texas Children’s Heart Center, the nation’s #1 pediatric heart center, is treating the rarest and most complex heart conditions in children and adults with congenital heart disease.

Learn more about Texas Children’s world-class heart care: http://ms.spr.ly/6189Q3dHV. ❤️

02/05/2026

144 lives changed. ❤️

In 2025, Texas Children’s Transplant Services reached a monumental milestone—leading the nation in pediatric transplants and giving more children the chance to heal and begin their next chapter.

From Laken, holding his nurse’s hand just days after his heart transplant…
To Lance, who received the ultimate gift—his father’s kidney…
To Alynna and Kayleen, who found lifelong friendship while recovering side by side…
And Oakley, who walked out of the hospital with her little brother after 384 days of waiting.

This is what hope looks like at the nation’s No. 1 Pediatric Transplant Center.

This is all made possible thanks to organ donors. Thank you to the families and individuals who give the miraculous second chance at life through the gift of organ donation. ❤️

Learn more about the life-saving care at Texas Children’s Transplant Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6189QM8zJ.

02/05/2026

At just 14 years old, AJ’s life shifted from football practices and welding projects to hospital rooms. What started as feeling a little slower on the field led to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

His journey included intense chemotherapy, heart complications, emergency brain surgery, and a lifesaving stem cell transplant from a stranger who gave him a second chance.

“We really had the best of the best in every department,” his mom, Carrie, shared. “The way the whole team works together, you can really feel it.” ❤️

Even in his hardest moments, AJ found ways to heal. When he couldn’t speak after surgery, music became his voice through playing guitar. And when the road felt overwhelming, AJ held onto advice he now shares with others: “Go with the flow and say yes.”

Today, AJ has returned to high school and rediscovered his passion for welding, a hands-on hobby that became a meaningful outlet during his recovery. ❤️

This World Cancer Day and during Heart Month, we honor AJ and every child fighting cancer and heart complications—and the teams whose expertise and collaborative care make stories like his possible. 🌟🎗️

Want to learn more about AJ? Read his full story: https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/patient-stories/ajs-fight-against-leukemia-journey-treatment-and-recovery.

01/29/2026

01/28/2026

Celebrating 5 years of specialized care for adults with congenital heart disease. ❤️

This January marks the 5-year anniversary of Texas Children’s Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) inpatient unit—a space designed specifically for adults living with CHD. Since opening, our program has grown into the largest ACHD program in Texas, providing personalized, lifelong care through our 16-bed inpatient unit and dedicated outpatient clinic. Since 1995, Texas Children’s has cared for more than 13,000 adults with CHD.

Our expert team of 16 board-certified ACHD physicians supports over 110 surgical cases each year, combining the nation’s No. 1 pediatric heart expertise with advanced adult cardiac care to deliver the highest-quality care. ⭐

Curious how our ACHD program can support lifelong heart health? Learn more: http://ms.spr.ly/6187QGtHB.

01/26/2026

At 9, Elijah developed unusual symptoms–abdominal pain, fever, rash, and peeling lips. His Texas Children’s pediatrician, Dr. Hubert Ho, sent him straight to the ER, where Kawasaki disease was confirmed.

At Texas Children’s, Elijah received IVIG treatment and other medications under the care of cardiologist Dr. Sexson. His mom remembers how calm and clear she was, explaining everything in a way that didn’t evoke fear. “We feel very blessed for our doctors at Texas Children's. Dr. Sexson's care is unmatched. She and our pediatrician saved Elijah's life," she says. ❤️

When he got sick, Elijah, a competitive swimmer, could not participate in any physical activity for months. Returning to swimming took time. Elijah had to adjust to new limitations, but he stayed determined, rebuilding his strength step by step. Four months after his diagnosis, Elijah was cleared to compete and qualified for state. Nine months later, he was state champion in the 50yd and 100yd breaststroke—and then ranked first in the nation for the 50yd breaststroke. Now 12, he’s still swimming, recently started basketball, and visits Texas Children’s annually to stay healthy. 💪

To other kids, Elijah says "Don't lose hope, trust in your doctors and know everything happens for a reason. I'm thankful that Dr. Sexson is a Kawasaki expert, and was also a competitive swimmer."

His mom’s advice to other parents: “Believe in your God-given instincts—moms know when something is wrong. Don't ignore that and advocate for your kids.”

For families navigating Kawasaki disease, the team at Texas Children’s is ready to provide support and expert care. Learn more about our Kawasaki Disease Clinic: http://ms.spr.ly/6186Q1nn6. ❤️

01/25/2026

As winter weather moves through Houston, we’re incredibly grateful for the Texas Children’s team members who continue showing up for our patients and families. ❤️

Through cold temperatures and challenging conditions, their dedication ensures care continues when it’s needed most. We’re proud of this team and thankful for everything they do to keep our community safe and supported—no matter the weather. ❄️

01/24/2026

A first-hand glimpse into our lifesaving work:

Texas Reps. Ann Johnson for Texas House District 134 and Caroline Fairly for Texas visited our Texas Medical Center campus for an inside look at the care happening every day—including a simulation of fetal brain surgery and a tour of our Cath Lab, where our teams deliver advanced heart care for children and women.

We look forward to continuing our partnership in support of children’s and women’s health in Texas. ❤️

01/24/2026

As colder weather moves into the Houston area, we want our patients and families to know that Texas Children’s is ready and here for you. ❤️

Our emergency departments and essential services are expected to remain open and operating as normal. If conditions become unsafe, some non-emergency appointments or outpatient services may be adjusted to help keep our patients, families, and staff safe.

Please continue to stay informed and check ahead before traveling for appointments.

Read more from the Houston Chronicle: http://ms.spr.ly/6187QDCiB.

Houston hospitals say medical appointments and non-emergency services could be disrupted during the winter storm. Here's what to know.