Starting with a Dream, Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 13, 2023 | (5) Comments

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has without a doubt been an inspiration to me in both my personal and professional life. When it comes to Texas Children’s, I would like to believe that he would be proud of the impact we’ve made in the communities we serve and that he would also stand behind our mission and vision.

As I reflect on the impact Texas Children’s has made since our inception in 1954, I remain immensely proud of the rich and groundbreaking history this organization was founded upon — a promise to take care of all children — no matter their color, race or ethnicity, and regardless of their ability to pay.

How incredible is it that in a time when our nation was divided and heartbreaking prejudices were something of the ordinary, our founders set forth the giving, welcoming and sturdy foundation that we have today.

My favorite quote by Dr. King is “the time is always right to do what is right.”  I truly believe that our founders knew it was the right time to do what was right when they came together to develop Texas Children’s Hospital nearly 70 years ago.

One of the many ways we built upon the incredible legacy they created was when we opened our very first Houston-area Community Cares site in 2000. This program, which now has multiple locations throughout the Houston area, was created so that all children and women can access high-quality health care where they need it most — in their communities. I’m so proud that we have also expanded this program to the Austin area when we opened the Jodie Lee Jiles Community Health Center in 2021.

My dream from the very beginning has always been that every child has access to preventative care, primary care and hospitalization when necessary. No one, especially a child, should go without care due to a lack of insurance or because of a family’s financial hardships.

Because of all of you, I have watched my dream become a reality in more ways than one and that is a blessing I will never take for granted.

Every decision we’ve made at Texas Children’s has been because it was the right time to do what is right, and I promise that this will remain the guiding principle throughout our continued growth together.

As we prepare to enter this holiday weekend where we celebrate the remarkable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I invite you to think about a dream that you have for 2023. Think about the impact you can make on your community and the world around you over the next 12 months, and let’s honor Dr. King by never forgetting that life-changing legacies often start with one dream.

5 Responses to “Starting with a Dream, Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

  1. Jane Cranston

    Your wisdom always resonates the core values of Texas Children’s Hospital.
    I’m very thankful for the culture and services provided here at TCH, and like you I don’t take it for granted.
    Thank you for always speaking to “what is right”!

  2. Kristi Lemmert

    My dream is to help the kids and their families who have entrusted their care to us, reach their optimal level of functioning, whatever that may look like for each individual. Texas Children’s gives me the tools and resources to make that happen. I’m thankful to work for an organization whose mission and values align with my own.

  3. Sherry Hyson

    Thank you for just being you. “One Amazing Man” I’m very Grateful your heart for all people. Over my years of working for this Amazing hospital I’ve noticed you when you walk the halls (mostly the bridge) of Texas Children’s Hospital; you are always smiling, you take the time to speak and hold a conversation with most who desire. Your leadership and communications inspire me to continue working here and telling anyone that TCH is one of the Greatest places to work for.

  4. Patricia Coleman Anderson

    Thank you for your leadership and for keeping The Dream alive!
    I am honored to work with such a compassionate team, especially through our Community Cares program and our Mobile Clinic program! These are great programs demonstrating our care for many that would otherwise not receive healthcare services.

  5. Kaitlyn Chana

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left a legacy encompassing influential decisions, monumental actions, and steadfast progressions that allowed people to dwell in possibilities. He helped people see the unimaginable by showing others how to dream boldly. That desire was the burning blaze within his heart to influence change nationwide.

    Like Texas Children’s, we share that desire as we open our arms to care for patients and their families. Through the efforts of this one amazing team, we understand the impact of unifying team members to push towards a common goal – our mission. In the process, reminding ourselves never to forget to dream bold dreams personally and professionally.

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