This edition of Promise magazine is bursting with heartwarming stories of resilience, generosity and groundbreaking care at Cook Children’s. As you flip through the pages, you’ll encounter heroes of all shapes and sizes: from dedicated families raising funds for life-saving research to cuddly facility dogs bringing comfort to patients.
One remarkable feature delves into the impact of our Sit...Stay...PLAY facility dog program. These furry caregivers, through unconditional love and playful antics, bring a much-needed dose of joy and normalcy to children navigating difficult journeys. Speaking of journeys, be inspired by the mother-daughter duo featured in Through our donors’ eyes. Amanda’s unwavering support for her daughter Makenzie, diagnosed with a rare cancer, has blossomed into a powerful fundraising force, leaving a lasting impression on the Cook Children’s community.
The magazine also shines a light on the crucial work happening within our medical center in Fort Worth. Learn about the incredible expertise of the Cook Children’s Heart Center, saving countless young lives with cutting-edge treatments. And discover how your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals donations directly impact children in your community.
Promise magazine isn’t just about celebrating triumphs; it also sheds light on the challenges faced by some of our patients. Meet Marlee, a 6-year-old battling neuroblastoma. Her story underscores the critical role of The Blast in supporting research for new treatment options. Every dollar raised brings families like Marlee’s closer to hope and healing.
Beyond the magazine’s pages, you can help us create moments of magic across the system and be a part of Cook Children’s incredible story. We invite you to join us by supporting our Emergency Department with essential supplies, learn about the groundbreaking eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy offered through the Rees-Jones Foundation or link up with the Miles family by donating toys to bring smiles to young patients.
Cook Children’s is a beacon of hope, thanks to the dedication of our staff, the unwavering support of people like you and the inspiring strength of our patients and their families. This magazine is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and collaboration in making a difference for children in need. Let’s continue to write chapters of hope and healing together.
Thank you for your continued support.
With gratitude,
Rick W. Merrill
President and CEO
Cook Children’s
Health Care System
Leaving paw prints on our hearts
Everyone’s favorite fluffy, four-legged caregivers provide a special breed of care
Making tomorrow better
Globe Life Liberty National Division strives to help their local communities
From her boots to our hearts
Grace Russell’s legacy will support other children in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
A new point of view
A new type of behavioral health therapy helps our patients heal from trauma
Sharing their support
Kate’s battle with childhood cancer inspired the Miles family to give back
Like mother, like daughter
Amanda Parsons and her daughter, Makenzie, give more than donations