Growing up with Texas Children’s

April 24, 2023 | (163) Comments

Today, I celebrate my 70th birthday! I am so grateful for another decade spent with my family, friends and all of you! As I was nearing this personal milestone, I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on years past and quickly realized that, in many ways, I have had the privilege of growing up with Texas Children’s.

When I look back on the last 70 years, there are countless people and memories that I am immensely thankful for:

• First and foremost, my wonderful parents who taught me at a young age to have a vision for my life. They raised and supported me through every high and every low — and it brings me the greatest joy to know that I made them proud.

• My wife, Shannon, who is without a doubt, the strongest woman I have ever met. She continues to inspire me every day and I am a better person because of her.

• My many incredible mentors, colleagues and friends who selflessly helped mold and influence the man I am today.

• And of course, my One Amazing Team — all of you have made such a tremendous difference in my life and witnessing your unwavering commitment and heartfelt passion for our patients is what keeps me going on the toughest days.

I was 36 years old on my very first day at Texas Children’s. I can still remember walking the halls, meeting my new team and feeling a sense of pride, excitement and joy — it’s the same feeling I get when I walk the halls today at 70 years old.

The decision to step into this role was by far one of the best choices I made in my life. In recent years, I often get the question, “did you ever think that Texas Children’s would become what it is today?” While I knew from day one that we were destined for greatness, my honest answer is no. How could I have ever imagined the phenomenal accomplishments that we would achieve together and the exponential reach we now have as an organization? It was back then — and still is today — truly unimaginable.

I am incredibly proud to say that I have grown up with Texas Children’s — and I am blessed to continue growing alongside all of you! And as I celebrate my 70th birthday, I can honestly say that all of my birthday wishes have come true.

163 Responses to “Growing up with Texas Children’s”

  14. Paula

    Happy birthday, Mr. Wallace! We are lucky to get to celebrate this wonderful milestone as #OneAmazingTeam. Thank you for your tireless leadership through the years. We all can’t wait to see what comes next!

    April 24, 2023 at 11:07 am
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  20. Cherry Nguyen

    Happy birthday, Mr. Wallace!

    Today, we celebrate YOU! Not only for your remarkable accomplishments but also for the person you are – kind, compassionate, and dedicated. May this special day be filled with joy, laughter, and love as you continue to inspire and impact everyone around you.

    Wishing you a happy birthday and many more years of love, happiness, and success. Thank you for leading us every day. You’re the best CEO!

    April 24, 2023 at 11:11 am
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  33. Eva Alcorn

    Happy Birthday Mr. Mark Wallace.
    I pray you continue to experience great health, great wealth and God’s perfect peace. I pray you continue to guide us, as you have always done, through love, compassion and clear vision.

    We appreciate you and we are grateful to God for the gift OF you!

    Many Many More Blessings be your portion as well as the portion of your family.

    April 24, 2023 at 11:21 am
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  46. Delois Reeves

    Happy 70th Birthday Mr. Wallace that is such a blessing I truly appreciate having your as a leader at Texas Childrens Health Plan. May God continue to bless and keep you in your career. And it’s a blessing to have a great and strong wife also, I can truly say I have a strong husband also who inspire me in our marriage and that helps us get through each day.

    April 24, 2023 at 11:34 am
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  49. Raf Cespedes

    Wow! You’re an amazing person. I remembered meeting you for the first time 26 years ago. My wife(Andrea, who also started the same year as me) and I are grateful for your vision, compassion and leadership. Happy blessed and enjoyable birthday Mark Wallace!

    April 24, 2023 at 11:37 am
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  51. Randy Kornblith

    Wishing you a happy, healthy birthday with many more to come.
    I am so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful organization that blossomed under your leadership..

    April 24, 2023 at 11:40 am
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  52. Amy Poso

    Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Wishing you the happiest birthday! The world is a better place because you are in it….and most certainly because you have tirelessly led such an amazing team to new heights of accomplishment!

    April 24, 2023 at 11:41 am
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  53. Euphemia Rattley

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace !!! 🙂
    Thanks for your tireless leadership and dedication to TCH One Amazing Team.
    It’s an honor to work under your leadership for over 30 plus years of service.
    Tell Shannon I said “Hello”

    April 24, 2023 at 11:41 am
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  55. Kimberly Rosinski

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace!! We are thankful you chose Texas Children’s those many years ago! The lives you have touched because of your tireless leadership are truly commendable! Thank you for being an example to all of us and as leaders may we continue to carry the torch of your powerful leadership! Here’s to many more wonderful years! Happy Birthday!

    April 24, 2023 at 11:44 am
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  67. Maxine

    Wishing you a fabulous day blessed with memories of all your birthdays, lots of laughs, and maybe some not so healthy, but surely tasty & delightful foods to celebrate the day.
    God’s direction of your destiny? So, what do you see next on the horizon?

    April 24, 2023 at 11:53 am
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  72. Karen Sripan

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace! What a remarkable ride filled with countless memories! I wish you joy and good health on this momentous day! We are truly blessed to have you as our CEO!

    April 24, 2023 at 12:03 pm
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  79. Terrhea Wright

    Happy Birthday Mr. Mark Wallace,
    I have had the pleasure to see your growth from the very beginning as the newly appointed CEO. Although I was not an employee at the time, I got to hear the Happiness of it daily! Anytime that I was on the campus, it was amazing to see how you took the time to conversate with the employees and knew them by name. It kept moral at an all time high and made the employees love to be part a wonderful institution.
    I can say that your leadership and visions continue to propelled TCH to be a LEADER of innovations with continued growth. It has been an amazing show to watch now as a proud employee!
    Wishing you many more birthdays to come!

    April 24, 2023 at 12:10 pm
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  83. Lounette (Lou) Padgett

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace!! When I look back on the growth of Texas Children’s, it is astonishing! How you have led our organization to excel and lead in many areas of Children’s and Women’s health. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    Have a blessed day and God bless you,

    Lou

    April 24, 2023 at 12:21 pm
    Reply
  93. Natalie Allen

    Happy Birthday, Mr. Wallace!

    As someone who saw Texas Children’s as my primary care doctor, when I needed to be in the hospital, and now as an employee, thank you for your dedication to this wonderful organization!!

    April 24, 2023 at 1:18 pm
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  95. April Coutee

    Today, I’m wishing the very happiest of birthdays to someone whose leadership is truly invaluable to me. From my point of view, you are not just a leader, you are a true source of inspiration and a guiding light like no other. I am very lucky to have a leading presence like you to follow. Your guidance and direction are truly inspirational and such a blessing to each and every employee here! You have a huge responsibility on your shoulders, yet you manage to pull it off with such elegance and grace! Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace!!!!!!!!!

    April 24, 2023 at 1:36 pm
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  96. Allyson LaFave

    Happy Birthday, Mr. Wallace!

    May life continue to shower blessings upon you and your family! All of us here at Texas Children’s are lucky to have you and your leadership. Have a wonderful day celebrating!

    April 24, 2023 at 1:46 pm
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  101. Christie M.

    Happy Birthday, Mr. Walace! Your vision of greatness is evident in everything you do and have done at Texas Children’s. Wishing you an abundance of blessings in the upcoming year!

    April 24, 2023 at 2:06 pm
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  104. Sarah

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace!
    May you be blessed with a healthy, happy and a long life to keep celebrating your birthdays and amazing accomplishments with your loved ones!

    April 24, 2023 at 2:27 pm
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  110. Denise Medina

    Congratulations on a wonderful milestone Mark. You have done an awesome job over the past 34 years. The success of this outstanding healthcare environment reflects your l
    leadership and commitment to our children and their families..
    Here’s to continued good health and happiness.in the days and years ahead. Enjoy your special day and thank you for sharing it with all of us.

    April 24, 2023 at 3:05 pm
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  111. Shalandra J

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace! 70 years! What a blessing! We thank you for your years of service and leadership to our beloved Texas Children’s! Enjoy your day!

    April 24, 2023 at 3:12 pm
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  116. Esperanza Patty Medrano

    Happy 70th Birthday Mr. Wallace! We love you so much for the great person that you are and for the amazing job you have done and continue to do! It is so much fun when we see you in person and we take selfies with you! I have amazing memories of you at the Town Hall events! I have been with the company 20 years and hope to be here as long as you have!
    You are our role model and we strive to be like you! A true hero!
    May all your Birthday wishes come true and may you have the best Birthday ever!!!
    God Bless you!

    April 24, 2023 at 3:35 pm
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  118. Veena Nagarajan

    Mr. Wallace! You are an inspiration. Happy Birthday and I am very happy to part of TCH family! Thank you for your leadership and motivating us always with your powerful leadership maxims.

    April 24, 2023 at 3:47 pm
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  119. Perla Azua

    Happy Birthday Mr.Wallace! May you have the best one yet, full of health, accomplished dreams, and lots of happiness! Thank you for everything you do for everyone. 🙂
    -TCUC MAIN CAMPUS

    April 24, 2023 at 3:50 pm
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  120. Lolo Kelly-Briggs

    Dear Mr. Wallace,
    Three Score and ten is indeed a milestone. May the good Lord continue to guide and direct your path. May your blessings continue to overflow in Good Health and in Wealth of Wisdom and many more Celebrations.
    Congratulations and Happy Happy Birthday to you.

    You are Loved!

    April 24, 2023 at 3:53 pm
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  121. Paul K. Minifee MD, FAAP, FACS

    Happy Birthday and Many More in the Future!!! Thanks for your leadership and partnership with our outstanding community and physician leaders. What a blessing to see the growth and comprehensive care to the children of Texas and the world over 3 decades. My privilege and blessing to see 32 years with you.

    April 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm
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  122. Kristen Wright

    Happy Birthday!! We are blessed indeed with your consistent leadership, tremendous vision and unparalleled dedication to the mission, social justice, and your all of your TCH team members!

    April 24, 2023 at 4:22 pm
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  123. Althea Riddick

    WOW, Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace! Enjoy your special day. May the day of this special milestone give you as much back and more as you have given to others. You answered the call giving your all and are truly awesome for the consistent leadership you provide. Thank you so much for all you do for this One Amazing Team. You are loved, appreciated respected and absolutely one of a kind. God’s continued blessings to you for many more happy healthy years to come!!

    April 24, 2023 at 4:26 pm
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  124. Kimberly Troupe

    Mr. Mark A. Wallace!!!!

    I hope your birthday has been full of PEACE and JOY! May God continue to bless you with Wisdom and Grace. You know I could write a book, but I have to get back to work! (smile)

    April 24, 2023 at 4:33 pm
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  126. Gwen Smith Johnson

    Happy 70th Birthday Mr. Wallace! Wishing you a very special day filled with gifts of blessings, love, joy, peace and all the pleasures that life has to offer. I am so inspired by you, and everything you do for the Mothers and Babies we serve, our One Amazing Team, Texas Children’s Hospital and the Houston Community. Thank you for the privilege of knowing you over the years and for being a part of our Amazing Team.
    Enjoy your special day and may God’s heavenly light shine on you and Shannon! We love you both!

    April 24, 2023 at 4:44 pm
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  127. Vickie Broussard

    Time really does fly!
    I was here when you arrived at TCH and it was WONDERFUL then and still is WONDERFUL to have you here! It is not often in life we get to say that to people after so many years have past. BLESSINGS for today and many more birthdays to come!

    April 24, 2023 at 4:51 pm
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  132. Roxanne Vara

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace! It is amazing to see the growth of Texas Children’s! Excited about expanding to Austin. Thank you for your vision and leadership!

    April 24, 2023 at 5:36 pm
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  136. Dorothy King

    Happy Precious Birthday to you Mr. Wallace. I did get to see you one time and you’re just the way everyone describe you. Very friendly and always smiling. I pray you enjoy your birthday and the many many more to come. God bless.

    April 24, 2023 at 7:24 pm
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  137. Jenny Little

    Happy Birthday! Wishing you a day that’s as wonderful as you and this amazing institution that you have built. Everything you’ve accomplished in the past 70 years has brought us here today, will shape the future for women and children and is worth celebrating – today and always!

    April 24, 2023 at 9:32 pm
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  138. Katrina Davis

    Happy BirthdayI’ve been here for 5 years and I notice an amazing job you are doing with all of Texas Children’s employee. May God bless you with many more years to come.

    April 24, 2023 at 9:45 pm
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  143. Erica Guillory

    Happy 70th Birthday Mr. Wallace! I hope that your day was filled with love, laughter, peace, joy, and good food! Praying God’s richest favor and blessings overtake you. Be abundantly blessed!

    April 25, 2023 at 8:47 am
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  145. Joseph U.

    Happy 70th Birthday Mr. Wallace!

    It has been an honor and privilege to have been able to work for TCH for the past 32 years.
    I always tell the new employees that the reason many of us stayed here this long is because of your genuine and caring nature and inspirational leadership and vision.
    You empower the #OneAmazingTeam to make decisions and actions that differentiate our organization to soon be the #1 in the World.
    Service with Heart!

    April 25, 2023 at 8:58 am
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  146. Alene Whitesides

    Another April baby!! Happy birthday Mr. Wallace! Wishing you many many more healthy days ahead with many many blessings!!! I’ve so enjoyed being here at TCH under your leadership! Alene

    April 25, 2023 at 9:03 am
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  148. Kim Colello AKA (Valerie K Colello)

    -Happy belated Birthday Mr. Wallace! I was OOO yesterday but did not want to miss this opportunity to also wish you the happiest of birthdays! I have read through quite a lot of the well wishes from others on this page. WOW! You are SO appreciated, respected and absolutely loved!
    Thank you for everything!

    PS I will never forget how you were/are instrumental in my getting to spend several days per week with my Carville Grandboys! #Priceless

    April 25, 2023 at 10:37 am
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  153. Lorie Rodriguez, RN

    Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace. I feel so blessed to work here at TCH and under such an inspirational leader. Your positivity and devotion is felt amongst this #oneamazingteam. May God bless you with many more years to come.

    April 25, 2023 at 4:37 pm
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  155. Maria Aaly

    Wow!!! Happy Birthday Mr. Wallace!!!
    I never thought of it like that……growing up with Texas Childrens. But it is so true. A lot of us have grown up with you too. And you always make everyone feel like a BIG FAMILY. A family and a mission I am very proud to be a part of. It breaks my heart when I think its time for me to go (Im 67). And I just keep going, though very part time. I LOVE Texas Childrens and all that it has grown up to be and all it stands for. Thank you for making TCH all that it is!!! Maria Aaly, RN, BSN.

    April 25, 2023 at 8:13 pm
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  157. Rhestina Viray

    Happy Belated Birthday Mr. Wallace!
    I thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to Texas Children’s Hospital. Be blessed and wishing you many more birthdays to celebrate.

    April 26, 2023 at 11:16 am
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  159. C. Gray, RNC

    Happy Birthday

    I remember when you first came and participated in a Halloween parade caring a “Boom Box”!!!
    Keep that joyful spirit that provides joy to families that are experiencing stressful times.

    April 27, 2023 at 12:36 am
    Reply

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