estrella - driscoll children's hospital...little girls, estrella and luna, on aug. 27, 2018....

WINTER

2020 | Vol . 34 | No. 1

Estrellastar treatment

Valero gives

$30,000to Camp Easy Breathers

TelemedicineValley, Laredo

patients benefit

Fiesta de los Niñosset for Jan. 24

The start of a new year is always exciting. It brings opportunities to set new goals, and to continue building upon the goals set by our founder, Clara Driscoll. For Driscoll Children’s Hospital, 2020 is the next chapter in a story we are all helping to tell, about providing more care for more kids in South Texas.

This year will mark a momentous milestone with the opening of Driscoll’s new North Pavilion. A year ago at this time, we were less than halfway through the construction of the North Pavilion. As 2020 dawned, the building is enclosed, paving of parking and driveways is underway, and the interior of the building is progressing nicely with the furniture selections finalized.

Through generous donations from individuals, groups and community business partners, Driscoll remains a thriving, growing and caring institution, built by and for our community. We have an excellent team of physicians, nurses and staff in place to continue creating hope and healing for the children of South Texas.

Our team is excited to welcome Mike Minor, President and Chief Executive Officer for Driscoll Health Plan, and Lee Budin, MD, Driscoll’s first Chief Medical Officer. Mike is coming to Driscoll Health Plan from Miami Children’s Health Plan in Florida, where he served as President. Dr. Budin is a general pediatrician who brings more than 15 years of distinguished clinical leadership experience to Driscoll.

In December 2019, Stephen Langley, MD, joined Driscoll as our new Heart Center Medical Director. As the Heart Program continues to grow, Dr. Langley’s extensive experience as a cardiovascular surgeon will enable Driscoll to serve

Board of DirectorsMike Carrell, ChairmanLenora Keas, Vice-ChairBob Parker, SecretarySam L. Susser, Past Board ChairStephen Almond, MD, Chief of StaffCarol Deline, MD, Chief of Staff-ElectJulie BuckleyPaul Daniel ChapaMary D. ClarkJim DevlinTom DobsonRobert FurgasonDiane Gates, President Development FoundationAlex KirklandReba Cardenas McNairLoyd NealVal LaMantia PeisenPhilip RamirezLeon Smith-Harrison, MDEric Hamon, President & CEO Driscoll Health System

Development Foundation Board of Directors OFFICERSDiane Gates, PresidentMarc Layton, Vice PresidentBob Shockney, Vice PresidentKurt Roush, TreasurerSusan Bonner, SecretaryAlex Kirkland, Past President

DIRECTORSLeah CohenJoe DeBellasDiane DeCouMiguel DeLeon, MDSamantha GatesNancy HawnJanie HoskinsNatesh KumarMarco Longoria

Juli LowryAndy SaenzEvelyn SamesManette ScanioRoger Timperlake, MDKimberly Walker - TijerinaWes Weigle

TRUSTEES EMERITUSMary D. ClarkBernard PaulsonRich Tuttle EX-OFFICIOEric Hamon, President & CEO Driscoll Health SystemMartha Avery, CFRE, Vice President of Development, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Driscoll Children’s Hospital3533 South Alameda Street Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 694-5000TTY Deaf Messaging (800) 735-2989www.driscollchildrens.org

Winter 2020Vol. 34No. 1

Driscoll Health System President and CEO

Welcome from

even more children and infants with congenital heart issues. Funds from this year’s Fiesta de los Niños will go toward Driscoll’s Heart Program, specifically, a new pediatric heart-lung machine, diagnostic fetal imaging equipment, and upgrades to electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization. Our excellent medical team led by Dr. Langley, and the most advanced technology are key to the high-quality care Driscoll is able to provide to the children of South Texas.

As we move forward in the New Year, our focus on excellence, care and compassion will remain in the forefront of all we do. I am confident that our future is incredibly bright.

Sincerely,

Eric Hamon, President and CEO Driscoll Health System

Driscoll Health System President and CEO Eric Hamon and son, Blake Hamon, at the annual Driscoll Golf Classic, held Oct. 4.

InsideMiracle Story | Pages 4-5

futuresbright | Pages 6-7

Telemedicine | Pages 8-9

For Kids’ Sake | Page 10

Valley Happenings | Page 11

Community Giving | Pages 12-13

New Physicians | Pages 14-15

New Health Plan Executives | Page 16

Fiesta de los Niños 2020 | Page 17

Honor Giving | Page 18

Memorial Giving | Page 19

Planned Giving | Pages 18-19

As a new year begins and we reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what we can improve on, we become acutely aware that our volunteer efforts are never quite finished. So many of the special programs at Driscoll Children’s Hospital are due directly to community support — programs that enrich the lives and experiences of both patients and families above and beyond the required standards of care.

Bright, comforting treatment areas, advanced medical equipment, specialized summer camps and one-of-a-kind patient experiences, all touching hundreds of lives every single day, thanks in part to the generosity of others.

Another season of opportunity to make a difference begins with the 28th Annual Fiesta de los Niños, Friday, January 24. We are fortunate to have

a few seasoned members, as well as many new committee members, led by co-chairs Alice and Jeremy Evans, working together to ensure this year’s event is another success for the hospital. Special thanks to our long-standing presenting sponsor, Flint Hills Resources, for its many years of support.

The 2020 Fiesta funds are designated to Driscoll’s Heart Program — a leading center for pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery in South Texas. With cardiology clinics in Corpus Christi, Victoria, McAllen, Laredo and Rio Grande City, families can avoid traveling, unless absolutely necessary, to receive pediatric cardiac care. Last year, doctors at Driscoll performed over 170 open-heart surgeries and more than 240 catheterizations. The most advanced technology and equipment

will allow cardiologists to care for the hearts of some of the most vulnerable children in South Texas.

All of the support from Fiesta de los Niños and beyond helps keep Driscoll Children’s Hospital on the leading edge of pediatric healthcare. I hope you will join the Development Foundation on Jan. 24 for a fun-filled evening raising funds for the children of South Texas.

Sincerely,

WINTER 2020

Diane Gates, PresidentDriscoll Children’s HospitalDevelopment Foundation Board

Diane Gates, President of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Development Foundation Board

Welcome from

WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.org44

STARTREATMENTCraniofacial surgery

offers infant

the chance to be

“happy and lively”

EstrellaEstrella

When Maria Gonzalez was three months pregnant, an ultrasound revealed she was having twins. It wasn’t until Maria was five months pregnant that doctors discovered one of the twins, Estrella, would be born with a cleft lip. Doctors also believed her twin, Luna, had Down syndrome.

The unanticipated findings led Maria to a maternal fetal specialist in McAllen, for further observation. She would spend the next two months in the hospital before delivering both three-and-a-half-pound little girls, Estrella and Luna, on Aug. 27, 2018.

While Luna was born perfectly healthy, and without Down syndrome, Estrella’s cleft extended from her lip to the roof of her mouth, known as the palate. The congenital condition often requires multiple surgeries during the years of a child’s growth and development.

In order to get the best care for Estrella, Maria was referred by a family member to Driscoll Children’s Medical Plaza in McAllen, where she met Vanessa Dimas, MD.

Dr. Dimas, a craniofacial, reconstructive and plastic surgeon at Driscoll, travels to McAllen and Brownsville multiple times each month to treat patients like Estrella

www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 55

Erin Garrison and baby Garrett in Driscoll Children’s Hospital Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

who would otherwise not receive the level of care provided by Driscoll. The Craniofacial and Cleft Center treats more than 470 patients across South Texas with similar facial anomalies.

“It was a blessing finding Dr. Dimas. We are able to stay close to home for appointments, avoiding the travel to Corpus Christi unless for surgery,” said Maria.

Dr. Dimas informed Maria that Estrella would need more than one medical intervention to repair her cleft. Without surgery, Estrella would face complications including difficulty eating, impaired dental development and trouble speaking.

Maria was relieved to learn the Craniofacial and Cleft Center at Driscoll had advanced treatment options ready for Estrella. The team builds nasoalveolar molding, or NAM, devices that fit like a mouth guard, reshaping the lips and nose. This pre-surgical device makes it easier for the surgeon to repair the cleft, and improves the baby’s feeding.

“The first two weeks with the NAM were tough, and then she began to eat normally after about a month of having it. She even started gaining weight,” said Maria.

Estrella’s first surgery was at six months old to construct her lip and nostril. Maria’s family traveled with Estrella to Corpus

Christi for the surgery, while she stayed behind in McAllen to care for her other children. Maria had her concerns about the procedure, but said Dr. Dimas put her at ease and was very thorough, “explaining all of the details for the surgery.”

Dr. Dimas and the medical team provided frequent updates and support during Estrella’s procedure, the following three days in the hospital and as Estrella

recovered at home.

“It was very difficult not being there with my baby,” said Maria. “I cried and prayed, and prayed some more. The staff at Driscoll was always supportive and informed me every step of the way.”

A second surgery was completed just before her first birthday, at 11 months old, to close the palate. Estrella will need a bone graft and additional surgeries as she grows. Twice a year, Estrella will see Dr. Dimas and the entire cleft team, which includes speech therapists, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist and a nutritionist.

“There is a whole team that comes into play to work with the child in learning how to eat, drink, swallow and speak,” said Dr. Dimas. “We all work together to have the best outcome for the child. Estrella’s family is very supportive and involved in her care.”

Maria uses the words “happy and lively” to describe the now 16-month-old Estrella, who enjoys dancing and laughing, and loves to eat bananas and chocolate ice cream.

“She’s doing great and is developmentally on track. I am so grateful for the care Estrella has received at Driscoll.”

Estrella’s cleft extended from her lip to the roof of her mouth, known as the palate.

Maria Gonzalez describe a sus hijas gemelas Luna (izquierda) y Estrella (derecho) como inseparables y “Con mucha personalidad.”


As we move into a season of growth and renewal, the construction of the new North Pavilion at Driscoll Children’s Hospital is flying along, with doors scheduled to open this summer. While the finishing touches are being put on the building’s exterior, the interior details are just beginning to take shape.

Installation of the steel canopy and colored metal panels is in progress. Perhaps one of the most exciting steps in the building’s recent progress — the bridge, which connects the main hospital to the new Pavilion, is nearing

completion with glass installation ongoing. Concrete paving of the Pavilion patient/family parking area has begun, and the front circle drive has reopened. Furniture selections have been finalized with functionality, quality, durability, long-term satisfaction and sustainability being the key factors in the final selection.

The North Pavilion will soon house an expanded, more contemporary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), designed with families in mind, along with a new Outpatient Surgery Center.

North Pavilion reaches construction milestone

www.driscollchildrens.org

HARD HAT TOURSDriscoll Children’s Hospital Development Foundation board members Susan Bonner (from left), Manette Scanio and Bob Shockney, along with Vice President of Hospital Support Services Donna Quinn, tour the Pavilion in a series of Hard Hat Tours for donors and physicians. Contact John Hyde at (361) 694-4394 or email [email protected] to schedule a guided Hard Hat Tour of our under-construction North Pavilion.

WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 77

Construction activity will

shift to Surgical Services

with the opening of the

Pavilion. The renovation and

buildout of the additional

surgical suites require

aspects of the project to be

designed in several stages,

ensuring services are

uninterrupted.

View the latest updates on our

futuresbright construction project at

driscollchildrens.org/futuresbright

www.driscollchildrens.org88

TELEMEDICIValley, Laredo children benefit from

physicians using telemedicine programWith its telemedicine program, Driscoll Health System is furthering the reach of healthcare by physicians such as Pediatric Plastic Surgeon Kevin S. Hopkins, MD, FACS, of the Craniofacial and Cleft Center at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, who is seeing Rio Grande Valley and Laredo patients from his Corpus Christi office.

“In many ways, telemedicine is just as effective as an in-person consult,” said Dr. Hopkins. “The physician is virtually brought into the examining room and with state-of-the-art cameras, we can do full-body exams including the eyes, ears, mouth and listen to the lungs and heart.”

Advanced technology applications and broadband telecommunications allow physicians to see and speak to their patients in a real-time private and secure environment, regardless of the distance. What’s more, telemedicine is allowing secure and convenient conferencing among physicians and the opportunity to reach a large audience with clinical classes and coursework.

Plastic surgeons like Dr. Hopkins in Corpus Christi perform consultations through secure audio/video connections to see patients at Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Brownsville, Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Laredo and Driscoll Children’s Medical Plaza – McAllen.

By using Driscoll’s telemedicine program, Pediatric Plastic Surgeon Kevin S. Hopkins, MD, FACS, is able to access various clinic locations while in Corpus Christi. The secure audio/video connections allow Dr. Hopkins to communicate with patients and Driscoll staff throughout South Texas.

WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE

www.driscollchildrens.org

NE

“Driscoll Children’s Hospital serves a catchment area of some 33,000 square miles. I am at one of our outlying subspecialty clinics once a week for outreach for our patients,” said Dr. Hopkins.

“We also are using telemedicine visits to decompress our subspecialty clinic days in order to be able to see more new patients sooner, reducing their waiting time from the initial referral.”

Such convenience is fitting into the lifestyles of many of the patients and their families.

“Our families are becoming more and more tech-savvy, using video chats in their everyday life, which makes for a natural transition to telemedicine visits,” said Dr. Hopkins. “It is still very important to maintain the human connection and be able to reassure our patients and their families about their conditions – telemedicine helps us by being able to speak with and see our families directly.”

That “human connection” is critical in any physician/patient relationship, especially in one where technology plays such an important role.

“The advancement of telemedicine has been by leaps and bounds in sync with the technology that has made smartphones, computers and televisions more sophisticated

and smaller with better cameras and screen resolution,” said Dr. Hopkins. “The increased bandwidth for connectivity also makes it feasible to transmit large files such as echocardiograms, fetal ultrasounds and CT scans so that we can accurately render a diagnosis and second opinion from afar – many times allowing the patient to stay locally, avoiding costly transfers, but still keeping our patient within the Driscoll network.”

That network is becoming more and more connected, as Dr. Hopkins sees a bright future for Driscoll patients and the telemedicine program.

“The trend for telemedicine (and medicine in general) is to make it more patient-centric. Communicating directly with our referring pediatricians and also our patients and their families using HIPAA-compliant mobile apps is already becoming more mainstream. Speech therapy via telemedicine and mobile apps for our cleft lip and palate patients is definitely in the future,” said Dr. Hopkins.

Such accessible technology pleases Dr. Hopkins.

“Telemedicine has helped me to have better, more convenient access to our patients on a daily basis. If someone needs to be seen right away, or if I may not be at a nearby clinic for several weeks, I can virtually see them with telemedicine and determine what action needs to be taken.”



Fun and games at 41st annual NICU Reunion

Teddy Bear Hospital a chance for patients to be physicians

Driscoll observes World Diabetes Day on the Lex

Graduates of Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) reunited with Driscoll staff and physicians at the 41st annual NICU Reunion, held Oct. 19.

NICU alumni and their families enjoyed food, face painting, pumpkin decorating and carnival rides. Many of the graduates were dressed in their Halloween costumes.

Patients were the physicians during a Sept. 10 Teddy Bear Hospital organized by the Stripes Child Life Program at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. The event allowed children to become more familiar with the medical procedures and equipment involved in their treatment. Driscoll patients chose their teddy bear, gave it a name and, with the help of Child Life Specialists and other Driscoll staff, measured its height and weight, placed an IV and drew lab work, gave it an X-ray, attached an anesthesia mask for surgery, and put an arm or leg in a cast.

Driscoll Children’s Hospital staff, patients and families gathered on the USS Lexington for World Diabetes Day, Nov. 14. Events like these help diabetic patients realize they are not alone. Diabetes and Endocrinology team members were on hand with patients, family and friends to witness the Harbor Bridge lit up in blue, the color chosen by the International Diabetes Federation, to honor those with the disease.

NICU graduates decorate pumpkins at the 41st annual NICU Reunion.

Child Life Specialist Caitlin Olmstead wraps the teddy bear patient’s IV during Driscoll’s Teddy Bear Hospital. Every year, the Stripes Child Life program gives patients an interactive opportunity that is fun and educational, while helping them to learn more about their own treatment process.

Melissa Saenz (back row from left); Eyla Saenz; Queta Almanza, Patient Relations Rep.; Elyse and Emilisa Saenz (front row from left).

Driscoll Children’s Hospital staff, patients and families celebrated World Diabetes Day aboard the USS Lexington, Nov. 14.

Driscoll events offer the

community a chance to

gather and support our

mission.

FOR

KIDS’ SAKE


Driscoll Health System President and CEO Eric Hamon thanks the Cardenas-McNair family and the Brownsville community at the 15th anniversary celebration of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Specialty Center – Brownsville.


The spirit and

generosity of the

Rio Grande Valley

community makes

miracles a reality.

Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Brownsville Celebrates 15 years of service

Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Brownsville marked its 15th anniversary in September.

The pediatric outpatient center currently provides more than a dozen specialty services to children in Brownsville and the neighboring communities of the Rio Grande Valley. The center also houses representatives of the Driscoll Health Plan, a nonprofit, community-based health insurance plan which has grown significantly in Cameron County.

An anniversary celebration was held Sept. 26 at the center, where many of the community leaders and legislative members responsible for its establishment spoke and were honored.

Among them was Asim Zamir, MD, FAAP, a graduate of Driscoll’s Residency Program, currently with Brownsville Children’s Clinic. Dr. Zamir was among the early voices to bring Driscoll’s specialty services to Brownsville.

Reba Cardenas McNair, member of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Board of Directors, also was at the event, speaking as part of the Cardenas Family, who donated the land on which Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Brownsville is built.

Texas Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., District 27, recognized the donation by presenting Mary Rose Cardenas with a state flag and gavel.

“It’s been a wonderful 15 years, and we couldn’t be more proud of being a part of the Brownsville community. We are always working to find new ways to best serve the children in Brownsville,” said Eric Hamon, President and CEO of Driscoll Health System.

VALLEY

HAPPENINGS

Reba Cardenas McNair (from left); Rene Cardenas; Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.; Efren Guedea; Mary Rose Cardenas; and Representative Alex Dominguez

Staff at Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Brownsville celebrate the 15th anniversary of the clinic. Christina Munoz (from left); Aurora Barrera; Graciela Perez; Angelina Garcia; Mirna Roche; and Leticia DelAngel-Hernandez.


It is with deep gratitude that we thank our

friends across South Texas for their gifts to

Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

COMMUNITY

Giving

The Valero Energy Foundation presented Driscoll Children’s Hospital with a check for $30,000 to assist with Camp Easy Breathers, a summer camp for children with asthma. Camp Easy Breathers allows asthmatic children to experience a fun summer camp while reinforcing asthma education and self-management skills.

Valero Energy Foundation gives $30,000 to Camp Easy Breathers

John Hyde, Director of Major Gifts, Driscoll Children’s Hospital (back row). Shelly Bigelow, Pulmonology Lab Manager/Camp Easy Breathers Coordinator, Driscoll Children’s Hospital (front row, from left); Martha Avery, CFRE, Vice President of Development, Driscoll Children’s Hospital; and Kurt Roush, Valero Bill Greehey Refineries.

The Six Points Kiwanis Club held their 37th Annual Apple Sale on Oct. 25-26. This long-standing tradition ushers in the fall season each year with cases of Red and Golden Delicious apples.

Special thanks goes to our partner, H-E-B, for the loan of a refrigerated truck. Proceeds benefit the summer camps for patients from the Cardiology, Nephrology, Oncology/Hematology, and Pulmonology clinics at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

Apple Sale benefits summer camps

Six Points Kiwanis President Don Kingsbury (left) and member Larry Hale at the 37th annual Apple Sale.

XOOM Energy’s MiraclePower program raises over $48,000

The 2019 third quarter earnings from XOOM Energy’s MiraclePower program to Driscoll Children’s Hospital totaled $48,787.

When a customer enrolls in the MiraclePower fixed rate plan, five percent of XOOM Energy Texas charges will be donated to support Driscoll’s mission.


COMMUNITY GIVING

Driscoll’s annual Singer Songwriter Showcase and Golf Classic is a fundraising success

Auxiliary to Driscoll Children’s Hospital gifts $185,000 in September

Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s annual Singer Songwriter Showcase and Golf Classic were held Oct. 3-4.

Songwriters Bob DiPiero, Jeffrey Steele and Tim Nichols took the stage at the Harbor Playhouse Oct. 3 to entertain a sold-out audience with their chart-topping country music songs and the inspiration behind those songs.

The next day, golfers teed off at the Corpus Christi Country Club for the 24th annual Golf Classic. More than 140 golfers enjoyed lunch and a half-day tournament, followed by an awards party and dinner.

EPIC Midstream served as the Golf Classic’s Title Sponsor. “We are grateful for Epic’s support of our Golf Classic, which continues to be a successful event allowing us to raise funds to provide more care to more South Texas children,” said Martha Avery, CFRE, Vice President of Development at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

Thank you to all of the sponsors, Driscoll volunteers and employees who make these events possible!

The Auxiliary to Driscoll Children’s Hospital gave $185,000 back to the hospital this fall for the purchase of 72 parent sleep chairs, installment of the new CT scanner, and to support the NICU Reunion. Their generous giving spirit is evident not only in their donation, but also in the beautiful decorations adorning the halls of the hospital this holiday season.

“Our goal and purpose is to give back to the kids and help make Driscoll Children’s Hospital the best,” said Auxiliary President Marihelen Boyd.

Driscoll Children’s Hospital is grateful for all of our dedicated volunteers who donate their time and talents to benefit the children of South Texas.

Award-winning country music songwriters Jeffrey Steele (left), Bob DiPiero and Tim Nichols told the stories behind some of their chart-topping songs in a lively performance at the annual Singer Songwriter Showcase.

Jimmy Myrick (from left); Eric Hamon, President and CEO of Driscoll Health System; Blake Hamon; and Chris McCollum enjoyed a fall day on the green in support of Driscoll Children’s Hospital. EPIC served as the 2019 Golf Classic Title Sponsor.

Auxiliary to Driscoll Children’s Hospital Board members and Volunteer Services staff with Chaplain Alan Bagnall at the November Auxiliary Board meeting.


Shanan Brown, DDS, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Dentist.

Dr. Brown received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.

She received a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Florida School of Dentistry in Naples, Florida.

She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Driscoll welcomesnew physicians

Ashley Hanna, MD, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Neurosurgeon.

Dr. Hanna received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan.

She completed her Neurological Surgery Residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Dr.

Hanna completed her Neurosurgical Trauma and Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, and her Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Nauman Khan, MD, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

Dr. Khan received his medical degree from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan.

He completed his Residency in Psychiatry at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dr.

Khan completed his Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Danielle Kleppe, MD, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Hospitalist.

Dr. Kleppe received her medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

She completed her Pediatric Residency at the University

of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.

She is board certified in General Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Scott Kleppe, DO, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist.

Dr. Kleppe received his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

He completed his Residency at the University of Arkansas

for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Kleppe completed his Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at University Hospitals Sports Medicine Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.

He is board certified in General Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Shanan Brown, DDS

Ashley Hanna, MD

Nauman Khan, MD

Danielle Kleppe, MD

Scott Kleppe, DO


Shannon Koehler, MD, PhD, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Surgeon.

Dr. Koehler received her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wisconsin.

She completed her General Surgery Residency at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu,

Hawaii. Dr. Koehler completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and her Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and is board eligible for Pediatric Surgery. She has passed the Pediatric Surgery written boards but won’t take the oral boards until March 2020.

Stephen M. Langley, MD, has joined the staff at Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Driscoll’s Heart Center Medical Director.

Dr. Langley earned his Medical Degree from the University of London in London, England.

After completing his residency in General Surgery, he completed his Residency in Cardiothoracic

Surgery in Cambridge and Southampton, after which he spent a year in laboratory research at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Langley completed his Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, UK.

Waldemar Torres, MD, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Retinal Pediatric Ophthamologist.

Dr. Torres received his medical degree from the Ponce School of Medicine in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

He completed his Residency at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center/Albert College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in Bronx, New York. Dr. Torres

completed his Medical and Surgical Vitro-Retinal Fellowship at South Texas Retina Consultants in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He is board certified in Ophthamology by the American Board of Ophthamology.

Robin Whitehall, MD, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Neurologist.

Dr. Whitehall received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

She completed her Pediatric Residency and Child Neurology Residency at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at

Austin in Austin, Texas.

Michelle Zebrack, MD, has joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Specialist.

Dr. Zebrack received her medical degree from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine in Reno, Nevada.

She completed her Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Residency at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Zebrack completed her Fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a Senior Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.

Shannon Koehler, MD, PhD Waldemar Torres, MD

Robin Whitehall, MD

Michelle Zebrack, MD

Stephen M. Langley, MD


Lee Budin, MD, has been named Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Driscoll Health System. As Driscoll Health System’s first Chief Medical Officer, Dr.

Budin will be responsible for leading a culture of excellence in the delivery of clinical services.

Working with medical staff, the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors, Dr. Budin will establish the direction and priorities for Driscoll in enhancing the overall quality,

safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Budin is a general pediatrician who brings more than 15 years of distinguished clinical leadership experience to Driscoll. He has held leadership positions at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

“While every pediatric hospital is sure that they are the pediatric hospital whose mission is to care for kids (they all share this mission), Driscoll takes it further,” said Dr. Budin. “Driscoll is so committed to caring for kids and has a special emphasis on focusing on the most vulnerable children, those who are indigent. The passion around this is palpable and feels like it is part of

the system’s DNA! This is a mission that makes me jump out of bed in the morning excited to go to work.”

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University College of Medicine – Department of Pediatrics, in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Budin is a member of the Children’s Hospital Association Quality and Safety Leader Conference Steering Committee and the Children’s Hospital Association Quality Member Advisory Committee. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Mike Minor, MHA, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Driscoll Health Plan.

As President and CEO, Minor will be

responsible for the overall performance of Driscoll Health Plan. He also will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with all providers and individuals in the public and political arena, as well as representing Driscoll Health Plan in the South Texas community.

“I am thrilled that we have been able

to recruit such a seasoned health plan executive as Mike Minor, who especially loves working for children’s hospitals,” said Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MSHCA, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Driscoll Health System, and former President and Chief Executive Office for Driscoll Health Plan.

“He understands the population that we serve and the need to have close relationships with our wonderful network of physicians and other providers. We welcome Mike and his wife Lauren to South Texas,” she said.

Minor is coming to Driscoll Health Plan from Miami Children’s Health Plan in Miami, Florida, where he served as President. While there, he led the successful launch of a new health plan in 150 days.

He has worked at several institutions, including as National Medicaid President and Regional Market President for Evolent Health in Arlington, Virginia, and as Kentucky Market President and South Division Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Wellcare Health Plans Inc., based in Tampa, Florida.

“I am honored and excited to join the Team at Driscoll Health Plan. I look forward to working with South Texas providers and spending time in local communities to support our members in as many ways as we can,” said Minor.

He received his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1990 and his Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1992.

Mike Minor, MHA, named Driscoll Health Plan President and CEO

Lee Budin, MD, named first Driscoll Health System CMO


The 28th annual Fiesta de los Niños is set for Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at the American Bank Center. Presented by longtime sponsor, Flint Hills Resources, proceeds from this year’s event will help support the Heart Program at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

A leading program for pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery in South Texas, and the largest service line at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, will receive upgraded equipment, for surgeries, fetal imaging and interventional cardiology inclusive of catheterization (cath) procedures and electrophysiology. A comprehensive and responsive team, along with the most advanced technology and equipment are key to the high-caliber care Driscoll is able to provide for

children and infants with congenital heart issues.

Guests at Fiesta de los Niños will enjoy great food, live entertainment from country music artist Josh Abbott Band, silent and live auctions, and most importantly, an opportunity to support the only comprehensive, free-standing

children’s hospital in South Texas.

This year’s event chairs are Alice and Jeremy Evans. Visit www.driscollchildrens.org/fiesta-de-los-ninos to view auction items and for ticket information. Contact Amy McCoy at (361) 694-6419 or [email protected].

Proceeds from Fiesta de los Niños 2020 will go toward Driscoll’s Heart Program

Josh Abbott Band will provide entertainment for the event.

Amy McCoy joined the staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital in December 2019 as a Special Events Coordinator for the Development Foundation. Amy will organize all fundraising events including Fiesta de los Niños, South Texas Cattlemen’s Roundup, Singer Songwriter Showcase and Golf Classic.

Development Foundation welcomes new Special Events Coordinator

Amy received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Trinity University. She brings 10 years of experience as the Event Manager for the Buccaneer Commission, where she facilitated events for Buc Days and Rodeo Corpus Christi.

Amy McCoy


Honor givingJuly 23, 2019 to November 12, 2019

Planned giving

Aysun Alagoz Ms. Beverly Dirks

Janet Allen Elizabeth A. Nisbet

Aubree Avants Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Mazzola

Azali Homes, LLC Ms. Connie Esparza

Ermelinda Banuelos Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edelman

Kelly and Brian Berner Ms. Mary Beth DeLano

Cynthia and Timothy Blacklock Mrs. Cecile Pesek

Wayne Brown Ms. Beverly Dirks

Kelly and Michael Davis Ms. Dianne Mendiola

Driscoll Children’s Hospital VolunteensMrs. Averill Walters

Driscoll Children’s Hospital Volunteers Mrs. Averill Walters

Ann K. Engel Elizabeth A. Nisbet

Estate of Leah B. Goltzman Ms. Lisa Strickhausen

Logan Fierro-Rayhons Mr. and Mrs. George A. Rayhons

Penny and William Fletcher Mrs. Cecile Pesek

Gayle and Hendrik Goedhart Ms. Beverly Dirks

Rodolfo F. Gutierrez Ms. Connie Esparza

Levi Haas Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Haas

Ticia Hanisch Mrs. Georgia P. Duff Schwartz

Alicia Huerta Ms. Dolores G. Huerta

Josh JarvisMr. and Mrs. Gary D. Jarvis

Michael P. Kelly IAM&AW Aeronautical Industrial District Lodge 776 IAM&AW Local Lodge 2916

Carol and Kevin Kirksmith Ms. Lisa Strickhausen

Diane H. Kirmse Mrs. Cecile Pesek

Kelsey Krnavek Mr. and Mrs. Bryan W. Krnavek

Stacia Krnavek Mr. and Mrs. Bryan W. Krnavek

Malorie and Carlos Mendez Ms. Connie Esparza

Dorothy R. Minten Ms. Melinda S. Minks

Cayden Montonthez Mr. Leroy Darrow

Christopher L. Munro Ms. Deborah Cook

My Grandchild / Grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Herrmann Mr. and Mrs. Wes W. Hoskins Mrs. Zulema V. Maldonado Mrs. Tammy Shockney

Jacob Palermo Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Mazzola

Lowell S. Pigott Ms. Dianne Mendiola

Sada Englelking Reeves Ms. Susan J. Kibbe

Courtney Reopelle Mr. Todd Reopelle

Manette and Richard Scanio Ms. Mary Beth DeLano

Marcie Taylor Mrs. Georgia P. Duff Schwartz

Stella Griffith Thomas Ms. Mary Carol Griffith

Andy Torrez Ms. Connie Esparza

Irma and Jesse Valle Ms. Lisa Strickhausen

Tina and Peter Vasconellos Ms. Lisa Strickhausen

Matthew Huckaby and Benjamin Walther Ms. Deborah Cook

Frank Weathered Ms. Mary Beth DeLano

Emily Weil Mrs. Linda H. Weil

Sandra G. Williamson Ms. Mary Beth DeLano

Your savings, your legacy

Over the many decades in the life of Driscoll, one of the most significant and ongoing traditions has been the generous support of Driscoll by grateful parents, grandparents, friends, physicians, staff and volunteers. Philanthropy has been the lifeblood of Driscoll since its founding, by and through the will of Clara Driscoll.

Gifts made through estate commitments and other planned

gifts are vitally important. If you are 70 ½ years or older, you can use your individual retirement account (IRA) to support Driscoll’s mission. Making an IRA charitable rollover gift to Driscoll will lower the income and taxes from your IRA required minimum distribution (RMD) this year. Plus, it’s easy to do! Instruct your retirement account custodian to send any amount (up to $100,000) to Driscoll this year. There is no tax paid on the


Memorial givingJuly 23, 2019 to November 12, 2019

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these lists, errors sometimes occur. If a mistake has been made, please accept our apology and notify the Development Foundation at (361) 694-6401.

Consuelo Alaffa Ms. Loryanne DeHoyos

Leigh W. Blum Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton

John A. Canales Ms. Rosalinda Canales

Emma Cantrell Mr. Lee A. DeLaune

Yolanda Cortes Mrs. Martha Avery Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Harris Dr. and Mrs. Gaylord Hoyt

Aimee L. DeHoyos Mr. and Mrs. Amado R. Trevino

Michael T. Dellinger Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young

Isabel C. Dodson Mr. Ken Hodges, Jr. NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving

Gerald W. Eckel Mr. Dale Kopecki

Ted Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Lewis

George W. Flood, MD Mr. Peter S. Flood Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young

Traci G. Fugh Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Lembke

Kathryn and Robert Goodwyn Edinburg Livestock Auction Inc.

Bruce M. Henderson, MD Stephen Almond, M.D.

Brooke Hester Mr. and Mrs. Jim R. Covington

Bertie H. Hoch Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young

Verna Jolley Mr. and Mrs. Darwin B. Rea

Anna M. Koenning Herrmann’s Fish Farm, LLC

Dorothy K. Lamm Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Seidel

Lori Lull Mr. Bobby Clark

Merle J. Main Mr. and Mrs. Gail A. Oldham

Helen McCrimmon Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young

Homer G. Moralez, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar G. Moralez

Elaine Moses NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving

Marianne R. Oldham Mr. and Mrs. Gail A. Oldham

Mary Ann Parish Mr. Ken Hodges, Jr. NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving

Helen Pavelka Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Herrmann

Mercedes Popejoy Mr. and Mrs. David L. Getz

Edmond F. Powers Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton

Edith (Edie) D. Sapp Mr. and Mrs. Gregory E. Muenster

Eden E. Settegast NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving

James W. Simpson, MD Dr. and Mrs. John J. Fraser, Jr.

Lisa Villarreal Mr. Roger Villarreal, Jr.

Ruth D. Welch Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton Mrs. Georgia P. Duff Schwartz

Dooley and James Weyman Ms. Ann E. Hodges

transfer, and all or part of your RMD will be met.

Our donors help thousands of children every year to dream, hope and triumph. We hope that you are ready to join Driscoll’s special family of supporters.

Our staff is readily available to help you find ways of giving to Driscoll Children’s Hospital that are unique and meaningful. We

invite you to consider how you might make your commitment. Thank you for your love and support of Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

To discover how you can make a difference in the lives of ill and injured children through your estate plans, please contact John Hyde, Director of Major Gifts, at (361) 694-4394 or [email protected].

Development Foundation3533 South Alameda StreetCorpus Christi, Texas 78411-1785www.driscollchildrens.org

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 712

Corpus Christi, TX

Save the date:Fiesta de los NiñosFriday, January 24, 20206:30 - 11:30 p.m.

Driscollchildrens.org/donate

American Bank Center Exhibit Hall

Presented by:

estrella - driscoll children's hospital...little girls, estrella and luna, on aug. 27, 2018....

Documents