Estrella - Valero $30,000 gives - Driscoll Children's Hospital
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WI N TER
2020 | Vol. 34 | N o. 1
Valero
gives
$30,000
to Camp
Easy Breathers
Fiesta de
los Niños
set for Jan. 24 Telemedicine
Valley, Laredo
patients benefit
Estrella
star treatment
Winter 2020
Vol. 34
No. 1
Welcome from
Board of Directors
Mike Carrell, Chairman
Lenora Keas, Vice-Chair
Driscoll Health System
President and CEO
Bob Parker, Secretary
Sam L. Susser, Past Board Chair
Stephen Almond, MD, Chief of Staff
Carol Deline, MD, Chief of Staff-Elect
Julie Buckley
Paul Daniel Chapa
Mary D. Clark
Jim Devlin
Tom Dobson The start of a new year is always exciting. even more children and infants with
Robert Furgason It brings opportunities to set new goals, congenital heart issues. Funds from this
Diane Gates, President Development Foundation and to continue building upon the goals year’s Fiesta de los Niños will go toward
Alex Kirkland
set by our founder, Clara Driscoll. For Driscoll’s Heart Program, specifically,
Reba Cardenas McNair
Loyd Neal Driscoll Children’s Hospital, 2020 is the a new pediatric heart-lung machine,
Val LaMantia Peisen next chapter in a story we are all helping diagnostic fetal imaging equipment, and
Philip Ramirez to tell, about providing more care for more upgrades to electrophysiology and cardiac
Leon Smith-Harrison, MD kids in South Texas. catheterization. Our excellent medical team
Eric Hamon, President & CEO led by Dr. Langley, and the most advanced
Driscoll Health System This year will mark a momentous
technology are key to the high-quality care
milestone with the opening of Driscoll’s
Driscoll is able to provide to the children of
new North Pavilion. A year ago at this time,
Development Foundation South Texas.
we were less than halfway through the
Board of Directors construction of the North Pavilion. As 2020 As we move forward in the New Year, our
OFFICERS dawned, the building is enclosed, paving focus on excellence, care and compassion
Diane Gates, President of parking and driveways is underway, and will remain in the forefront of all we do. I
Marc Layton, Vice President the interior of the building is progressing am confident that our future is incredibly
Bob Shockney, Vice President nicely with the furniture selections bright.
Kurt Roush, Treasurer
finalized.
Susan Bonner, Secretary Sincerely,
Alex Kirkland, Past President Through generous donations from
DIRECTORS individuals, groups and community
Leah Cohen Juli Lowry business partners, Driscoll remains a
Joe DeBellas Andy Saenz thriving, growing and caring institution,
Diane DeCou Evelyn Sames built by and for our community. We have Eric Hamon, President and CEO
Miguel DeLeon, MD Manette Scanio
an excellent team of physicians, nurses Driscoll Health System
Samantha Gates Roger Timperlake, MD
Nancy Hawn Kimberly Walker - and staff in place to continue creating
Janie Hoskins Tijerina hope and healing for the children of South
Natesh Kumar Wes Weigle Texas.
Marco Longoria
Our team is excited to welcome Mike
TRUSTEES EMERITUS Minor, President and Chief Executive
Mary D. Clark Officer for Driscoll Health Plan, and Lee
Bernard Paulson Budin, MD, Driscoll’s first Chief Medical
Rich Tuttle Officer. Mike is coming to Driscoll Health
EX-OFFICIO Plan from Miami Children’s Health Plan
Eric Hamon, President & CEO in Florida, where he served as President.
Driscoll Health System Dr. Budin is a general pediatrician who
Martha Avery, CFRE, Vice President of Development, brings more than 15 years of distinguished
Driscoll Children’s Hospital clinical leadership experience to Driscoll.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital In December 2019, Stephen Langley,
3533 South Alameda Street MD, joined Driscoll as our new Heart
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 Center Medical Director. As the Heart
(361) 694-5000 Program continues to grow, Dr. Langley’s Driscoll Health System President and CEO
TTY Deaf Messaging (800) 735-2989 extensive experience as a cardiovascular Eric Hamon and son, Blake Hamon, at the
www.driscollchildrens.org surgeon will enable Driscoll to serve annual Driscoll Golf Classic, held Oct. 4.
WINTER 2020
Welcome from
Diane Gates, President of the
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Development Foundation Board
As a new year begins and we reflect on a few seasoned members, as well will allow cardiologists to care for the
what we’ve accomplished and what we as many new committee members, hearts of some of the most vulnerable
can improve on, we become acutely led by co-chairs Alice and Jeremy children in South Texas.
aware that our volunteer efforts are Evans, working together to ensure All of the support from Fiesta de los
never quite finished. So many of the this year’s event is another success Niños and beyond helps keep Driscoll
special programs at Driscoll Children’s for the hospital. Special thanks to our Children’s Hospital on the leading edge
Hospital are due directly to community long-standing presenting sponsor, Flint of pediatric healthcare. I hope you will
support — programs that enrich the Hills Resources, for its many years of join the Development Foundation on
lives and experiences of both patients support. Jan. 24 for a fun-filled evening raising
and families above and beyond the The 2020 Fiesta funds are designated funds for the children of South Texas.
required standards of care. to Driscoll’s Heart Program — a leading
Bright, comforting treatment areas, center for pediatric cardiology and Sincerely,
advanced medical equipment, cardiovascular surgery in South Texas.
specialized summer camps and With cardiology clinics in Corpus
one-of-a-kind patient experiences, all Christi, Victoria, McAllen, Laredo and
touching hundreds of lives every single Rio Grande City, families can avoid
day, thanks in part to the generosity of traveling, unless absolutely necessary,
others. to receive pediatric cardiac care. Last
Diane Gates, President
year, doctors at Driscoll performed over
Another season of opportunity to Driscoll Children’s Hospital
170 open-heart surgeries and more
make a difference begins with the 28th Development Foundation Board
than 240 catheterizations. The most
Annual Fiesta de los Niños, Friday,
advanced technology and equipment
January 24. We are fortunate to have
Inside
Miracle Story | Pages 4-5 New Physicians | Pages 14-15
futuresbright | Pages 6-7 New Health Plan Executives | Page 16
Telemedicine | Pages 8-9 Fiesta de los Niños 2020 | Page 17
For Kids’ Sake | Page 10 Honor Giving | Page 18
Valley Happenings | Page 11 Memorial Giving | Page 19
Community Giving | Pages 12-13 Planned Giving | Pages 18-19
Estrella
STAR
TREATMENT
Craniofacial surgery
offers infant
the chance to be
“happy and lively”
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
4 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.org
who would otherwise not receive the recovered at home.
level of care provided by Driscoll. The
“It was very difficult not being there with my
Craniofacial and Cleft Center treats more
than 470 patients across South Texas with baby,” said Maria. “I cried and prayed, and
similar facial anomalies. prayed some more. The staff at Driscoll was
always supportive and informed me every
“It was a blessing finding Dr. Dimas.
step of the way.”
We are able to stay close to home for
appointments, avoiding the travel to Corpus A second surgery was completed just
Christi unless for surgery,” said Maria. before her first birthday, at 11 months old, to
Dr. Dimas informed Maria that Estrella close the palate. Estrella will need a bone
would need more than one medical graft and additional surgeries as she grows.
intervention to repair her cleft. Without Twice a year, Estrella will see Dr. Dimas
surgery, Estrella would face complications and the entire cleft team, which includes
including difficulty eating, impaired dental speech therapists, an ENT (ear, nose and
development and trouble speaking.
throat) specialist and a nutritionist.
Maria was relieved to learn the Craniofacial
“There is a whole team that comes into play
and Cleft Center at Driscoll had advanced
treatment options ready for Estrella. The to work with the child in learning how to eat,
team builds nasoalveolar molding, or Estrella’s cleft extended from her lip to the roof of drink, swallow and speak,” said Dr. Dimas.
NAM, devices that fit like a mouth guard, her mouth, known as the palate. “We all work together to have the best
reshaping the lips and nose. This pre- outcome for the child. Estrella’s family is
surgical device makes it easier for the Christi for the surgery, while she stayed very supportive and involved in her care.”
surgeon to repair the cleft, and improves behind in McAllen to care for her other
the baby’s feeding. Maria uses the words “happy and lively” to
children. Maria had her concerns about the
describe the now 16-month-old Estrella,
“The first two weeks with the NAM were procedure, but said Dr. Dimas put her at
ease and was very thorough, “explaining all who enjoys dancing and laughing, and
tough, and then she began to eat normally
of the details for the surgery.” loves to eat bananas and chocolate ice
after about a month of having it. She even
started gaining weight,” said Maria. cream.
Dr. Dimas and the medical team provided
Estrella’s first surgery was at six months frequent updates and support during “She’s doing great and is developmentally
old to construct her lip and nostril. Maria’s Estrella’s procedure, the following three on track. I am so grateful for the care
family traveled with Estrella to Corpus days in the hospital and as Estrella Estrella has received at Driscoll.”
Erin Garrison and baby Garrett in Driscoll Children’s
Hospital Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Maria Gonzalez describe a sus hijas gemelas Luna (izquierda) y Estrella (derecho) como inseparables y “Con mucha personalidad.”
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 5
North Pavilion reaches construction milestone
As we move into a season of growth and renewal, completion with glass installation ongoing. Concrete
the construction of the new North Pavilion at Driscoll paving of the Pavilion patient/family parking area has
Children’s Hospital is flying along, with doors scheduled to begun, and the front circle drive has reopened. Furniture
open this summer. While the finishing touches are being selections have been finalized with functionality, quality,
put on the building’s exterior, the interior details are just durability, long-term satisfaction and sustainability being
beginning to take shape. the key factors in the final selection.
Installation of the steel canopy and colored metal panels The North Pavilion will soon house an expanded, more
is in progress. Perhaps one of the most exciting steps contemporary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU),
in the building’s recent progress — the bridge, which designed with families in mind, along with a new
connects the main hospital to the new Pavilion, is nearing Outpatient Surgery Center.
6 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.org
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
HARD HAT TOURS
Driscoll 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 john.hyde@dchstx.org to schedule a guided Hard
Hat Tour of our under-construction North Pavilion.
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 7
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.
TEL EMEDICI
Valley, Laredo children benefit from
physicians using telemedicine program
With its telemedicine program, Driscoll Health System is Advanced technology applications and broadband
furthering the reach of healthcare by physicians such as telecommunications allow physicians to see and speak to
Pediatric Plastic Surgeon Kevin S. Hopkins, MD, FACS, of the their patients in a real-time private and secure environment,
Craniofacial and Cleft Center at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, regardless of the distance. What’s more, telemedicine
who is seeing Rio Grande Valley and Laredo patients from his is allowing secure and convenient conferencing among
Corpus Christi office. physicians and the opportunity to reach a large audience with
clinical classes and coursework.
“In many ways, telemedicine is just as effective as an in-person
consult,” said Dr. Hopkins. “The physician is virtually brought Plastic surgeons like Dr. Hopkins in Corpus Christi perform
into the examining room and with state-of-the-art cameras, we consultations through secure audio/video connections to see
can do full-body exams including the eyes, ears, mouth and patients at Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Brownsville,
listen to the lungs and heart.” Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Laredo and Driscoll
Children’s Medical Plaza – McAllen.
8 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.org
“Driscoll Children’s Hospital serves a catchment area of some and smaller with better cameras and screen resolution,” said Dr.
33,000 square miles. I am at one of our outlying subspecialty Hopkins. “The increased bandwidth for connectivity also makes
clinics once a week for outreach for our patients,” said Dr. it feasible to transmit large files such as echocardiograms, fetal
Hopkins. ultrasounds and CT scans so that we can accurately render a
diagnosis and second opinion from afar – many times allowing
“We also are using telemedicine visits to decompress our
the patient to stay locally, avoiding costly transfers, but still
subspecialty clinic days in order to be able to see more new
keeping our patient within the Driscoll network.”
patients sooner, reducing their waiting time from the initial
referral.” That network is becoming more and more connected, as
Dr. Hopkins sees a bright future for Driscoll patients and the
Such convenience is fitting into the lifestyles of many of the
telemedicine program.
patients and their families.
“The trend for telemedicine (and medicine in general) is to
“Our families are becoming more and more tech-savvy, using
make it more patient-centric. Communicating directly with our
video chats in their everyday life, which makes for a natural
referring pediatricians and also our patients and their families
transition to telemedicine visits,” said Dr. Hopkins. “It is still very
using HIPAA-compliant mobile apps is already becoming more
important to maintain the human connection and be able to
mainstream. Speech therapy via telemedicine and mobile apps
reassure our patients and their families about their conditions –
for our cleft lip and palate patients is definitely in the future,”
telemedicine helps us by being able to speak with and see our
said Dr. Hopkins.
families directly.”
Such accessible technology pleases Dr. Hopkins.
That “human connection” is critical in any physician/patient
relationship, especially in one where technology plays such an “Telemedicine has helped me to have better, more convenient
important role. 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
“The advancement of telemedicine has been by leaps
several weeks, I can virtually see them with telemedicine and
and bounds in sync with the technology that has made
determine what action needs to be taken.”
smartphones, computers and televisions more sophisticated
NE
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 9
FOR Driscoll events offer the
KIDS’ SAKE
community a chance to
gather and support our
mission.
Fun and games at 41st
annual NICU Reunion
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 Driscoll Children’s Hospital staff, patients and families celebrated World Diabetes Day
their Halloween costumes. aboard the USS Lexington, Nov. 14.
Driscoll observes
World Diabetes Day on the Lex
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 Teddy Bear Hospital a chance
NICU Reunion.
for patients to be physicians
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 Child Life Specialist Caitlin Olmstead
Driscoll staff, measured its wraps the teddy bear patient’s IV during
height and weight, placed an IV Driscoll’s Teddy Bear Hospital. Every year,
Melissa Saenz (back row from left); Eyla Saenz; and drew lab work, gave it an the Stripes Child Life program gives patients
Queta Almanza, Patient Relations Rep.; Elyse and X-ray, attached an anesthesia an interactive opportunity that is fun and
Emilisa Saenz (front row from left). mask for surgery, and put an educational, while helping them to learn
arm or leg in a cast. more about their own treatment process.
10 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.orgVALLEY The spirit and
generosity of the
HAPPENINGS
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 Reba Cardenas McNair (from left); Rene Cardenas;
leaders and legislative members Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.; Efren Guedea; Mary Rose Cardenas;
Driscoll Health System responsible for its establishment and Representative Alex Dominguez
President and CEO spoke and were honored.
Eric Hamon thanks the Among them was Asim Zamir,
Cardenas-McNair family MD, FAAP, a graduate of
and the Brownsville Driscoll’s Residency Program,
community at the 15th currently with Brownsville
anniversary celebration Children’s Clinic. Dr. Zamir was
of Driscoll Children’s among the early voices to bring
Hospital Specialty Center – Driscoll’s specialty services to
Brownsville. 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 Staff at Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center – Brownsville celebrate the
proud of being a part of the Brownsville community. We are 15th anniversary of the clinic. Christina Munoz (from left);
always working to find new ways to best serve the children Aurora Barrera; Graciela Perez; Angelina Garcia; Mirna Roche; and
in Brownsville,” said Eric Hamon, President and CEO of Leticia DelAngel-Hernandez.
Driscoll Health System.
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 11COMMUNITY
Giving It is with deep gratitude that we thank our
friends across South Texas for their gifts to
Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
Apple Sale benefits
summer camps
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,
John Hyde, Director of Major Gifts, Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Nephrology,
(back row). Shelly Bigelow, Pulmonology Lab Manager/Camp Easy Oncology/
Breathers Coordinator, Driscoll Children’s Hospital (front row, from Hematology, and
left); Martha Avery, CFRE, Vice President of Development, Driscoll Pulmonology Six Points Kiwanis President Don Kingsbury (left)
Children’s Hospital; and Kurt Roush, Valero Bill Greehey Refineries. clinics at Driscoll and member Larry Hale at the 37th annual Apple
Children’s Hospital. Sale.
Valero Energy Foundation
gives $30,000 to XOOM Energy’s
Camp Easy Breathers MiraclePower program
The Valero Energy Foundation presented Driscoll raises over $48,000
Children’s Hospital with a check for $30,000 to assist with
Camp Easy Breathers, a summer camp for children with
The 2019 third quarter earnings from XOOM Energy’s
asthma. Camp Easy Breathers allows asthmatic children to
MiraclePower program to Driscoll Children’s Hospital
experience a fun summer camp while reinforcing asthma
totaled $48,787.
education and self-management skills.
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.
12 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.orgCOMMUNITY GIVING
Driscoll’s annual Singer Songwriter Showcase
and Golf Classic is a fundraising success
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 Award-winning country music
Title Sponsor. “We are grateful for Epic’s songwriters Jeffrey Steele (left),
support of our Golf Classic, which continues Bob DiPiero and Tim Nichols told
to be a successful event allowing us to raise
the stories behind some of their
funds to provide more care to more South
Jimmy Myrick (from left); Eric Hamon, President and chart-topping songs in a lively
Texas children,” said Martha Avery, CFRE,
CEO of Driscoll Health System; Blake Hamon; and Vice President of Development at Driscoll performance at the annual
Chris McCollum enjoyed a fall day on the green in Children’s Hospital. Singer Songwriter Showcase.
support of Driscoll Children’s Hospital. EPIC served as
Thank you to all of the sponsors, Driscoll
the 2019 Golf Classic Title Sponsor. volunteers and employees who make these
events possible!
Auxiliary to Driscoll Children’s Hospital
gifts $185,000 in September
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
Auxiliary to Driscoll Children’s Hospital Board members and Volunteer Services staff with
for all of our dedicated volunteers who
donate their time and talents to benefit Chaplain Alan Bagnall at the November Auxiliary Board meeting.
the children of South Texas.
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 13Driscoll Nauman Khan, MD
Nauman Khan, MD, has joined
the staff of Driscoll Children’s
welcomes Hospital as a Child and
Adolescent Psychiatrist.
Dr. Khan received his medical
new
degree from Khyber Medical
College in Peshawar, Pakistan.
He completed his Residency
in Psychiatry at Western
physicians
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
Shanan Brown, DDS
Danielle Kleppe, MD, has joined
Shanan Brown, DDS, has joined the the staff of Driscoll Children’s
staff of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Hospital as a Pediatric
as a Pediatric Dentist. Hospitalist.
Dr. Brown received her Doctor of Dr. Kleppe received her
Dental Surgery degree from the medical degree from the
University of Texas Health Science University of North Dakota
Center in San Antonio, Texas. School of Medicine and Health
Sciences in Grand Forks, North
She received a Certificate in
Dakota.
Pediatric Dentistry from the
University of Florida School of She completed her Pediatric
Dentistry in Naples, Florida. Residency at the University
of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Arkansas Children’s
She is board certified by the
Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
She is board certified in General Pediatrics by the
American Board of Pediatrics.
Ashley Hanna, MD
Scott Kleppe, DO
Ashley Hanna, MD, has joined
the staff of Driscoll Children’s Scott Kleppe, DO, has joined
Hospital as a Pediatric the staff of Driscoll Children’s
Neurosurgeon. Hospital as a Pediatric Sports
Dr. Hanna received her medical Medicine Specialist.
degree from Wayne State Dr. Kleppe received his medical
University School of Medicine in degree from the Texas College
Detroit, Michigan. of Osteopathic Medicine at
She completed her Neurological the University of North Texas
Surgery Residency at the Science Center in Fort Worth,
University of Chicago Medical Texas.
Center in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. He completed his Residency
Hanna completed her Neurosurgical Trauma and Critical at the University of Arkansas
Care Fellowship at the University of Miami School of for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Kleppe
Medicine in Miami, Florida, and her Pediatric Neurosurgery completed his Fellowship in Primary Care Sports
Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Medicine at University Hospitals Sports Medicine
Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.
He is board certified in General Pediatrics by the
American Board of Pediatrics.
14 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.orgShannon Koehler, MD, PhD Waldemar Torres, MD
Shannon Koehler, MD, PhD, Waldemar Torres, MD, has joined
has joined the staff of Driscoll the staff of Driscoll Children’s
Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric Hospital as a Retinal Pediatric
Surgeon. Ophthamologist.
Dr. Koehler received her medical Dr. Torres received his medical
degree from the University of degree from the Ponce School of
Wisconsin School of Medicine Medicine in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
and Public Health in Madison, He completed his Residency
Wisconsin. at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital
She completed her General Center/Albert College of
Surgery Residency at the Medicine of Yeshiva University
University of Hawaii in Honolulu, in Bronx, New York. Dr. Torres
Hawaii. Dr. Koehler completed her Postdoctoral completed his Medical and Surgical Vitro-Retinal
Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin/ Fellowship at South Texas Retina Consultants in Corpus
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christi, Texas.
and her Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Children’s He is board certified in Ophthamology by the American
Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Board of Ophthamology.
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.
Robin Whitehall, MD
Robin Whitehall, MD, has
Stephen M. Langley, MD joined the staff of Driscoll
Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric
Neurologist.
Stephen M. Langley, MD, has
Dr. Whitehall received her
joined the staff at Driscoll
medical degree from Drexel
Children’s Hospital as a Pediatric
University College of Medicine in
Cardiothoracic Surgeon and
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Driscoll’s Heart Center Medical
Director. She completed her Pediatric
Residency and Child Neurology
Dr. Langley earned his Medical
Residency at Dell Medical School
Degree from the University of
at the University of Texas at
London in London, England.
Austin in Austin, Texas.
After completing his residency in
General Surgery, he completed
his Residency in Cardiothoracic
Surgery in Cambridge and Southampton, after which he
Michelle Zebrack, MD
spent a year in laboratory research at Duke University
in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Langley completed his Michelle Zebrack, MD, has
Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at Great joined the staff of Driscoll
Ormond Street Hospital in London and Birmingham Children’s Hospital as a
Children’s Hospital, UK. 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.
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 15Mike Minor, MHA, named
Driscoll Health Plan President and CEO
Mike Minor, to recruit such a seasoned health plan He has worked at several institutions,
MHA, has executive as Mike Minor, who especially including as National Medicaid
been named loves working for children’s hospitals,” President and Regional Market
President said Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MSHCA, President for Evolent Health in
and Chief Executive Vice President and Chief Arlington, Virginia, and as Kentucky
Executive Operating Officer (COO) for Driscoll Market President and South Division
Officer (CEO) Health System, and former President Chief Operating Officer (COO) for
for Driscoll and Chief Executive Office for Driscoll Wellcare Health Plans Inc., based in
Health Plan. Health Plan. Tampa, Florida.
As President “He understands the population that “I am honored and excited to join the
and CEO, we serve and the need to have close Team at Driscoll Health Plan. I look
Minor will be relationships with our wonderful forward to working with South Texas
responsible for the overall performance network of physicians and other providers and spending time in local
of Driscoll Health Plan. He also will providers. We welcome Mike and his communities to support our members
be responsible for developing and wife Lauren to South Texas,” she said. in as many ways as we can,” said Minor.
maintaining strong relationships with Minor is coming to Driscoll Health Plan He received his Bachelor of Business
all providers and individuals in the from Miami Children’s Health Plan Administration (BBA) from the University
public and political arena, as well as in Miami, Florida, where he served of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky,
representing Driscoll Health Plan in the as President. While there, he led the in 1990 and his Master of Healthcare
South Texas community. successful launch of a new health plan Administration (MHA) from Xavier
“I am thrilled that we have been able in 150 days. University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1992.
Lee Budin, MD, named first Driscoll Health System CMO
Lee Budin, safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of the system’s DNA! This is a mission
MD, has healthcare delivery. that makes me jump out of bed in the
been named morning excited to go to work.”
Dr. Budin is a general pediatrician
Chief Medical who brings more than 15 years of He received his Bachelor of Arts
Officer (CMO) distinguished clinical leadership degree from Yale University in New
for Driscoll experience to Driscoll. He has held Haven, Connecticut, and his medical
Health leadership positions at Nationwide degree from The Ohio State University
System. Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, College of Medicine in Columbus,
As Driscoll and at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Ohio. He completed his residency
Health Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. at Nationwide Children’s Hospital/
System’s first The Ohio State University College of
Chief Medical “While every pediatric hospital is sure
Medicine – Department of Pediatrics, in
Officer, Dr. that they are the pediatric hospital
Columbus, Ohio.
Budin will be responsible for leading a whose mission is to care for kids (they
culture of excellence in the delivery of all share this mission), Driscoll takes it Dr. Budin is a member of the Children’s
clinical services. further,” said Dr. Budin. “Driscoll is so Hospital Association Quality and
committed to caring for kids and has Safety Leader Conference Steering
Working with medical staff, the senior a special emphasis on focusing on the Committee and the Children’s Hospital
leadership team and the Board of most vulnerable children, those who Association Quality Member Advisory
Directors, Dr. Budin will establish the are indigent. The passion around this Committee. He is board certified by the
direction and priorities for Driscoll is palpable and feels like it is part of American Board of Pediatrics.
in enhancing the overall quality,
16 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.orgProceeds from Fiesta de los Niños
2020 will go toward
Driscoll’s Heart Program
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
Josh Abbott Band will provide entertainment for the event.
line at Driscoll Children’s Hospital,
will receive upgraded equipment, children and infants with congenital children’s hospital in South Texas.
for surgeries, fetal imaging and heart issues.
interventional cardiology inclusive of This year’s event chairs are Alice
catheterization (cath) procedures and Guests at Fiesta de los Niños will enjoy and Jeremy Evans. Visit www.
electrophysiology. A comprehensive great food, live entertainment from driscollchildrens.org/fiesta-de-los-
and responsive team, along with country music artist Josh Abbott Band, ninos to view auction items and for
the most advanced technology and silent and live auctions, and most ticket information. Contact Amy McCoy
equipment are key to the high-caliber importantly, an opportunity to support at (361) 694-6419 or amy.mccoy@
care Driscoll is able to provide for the only comprehensive, free-standing dchstx.org.
Development Foundation welcomes
new Special Events Coordinator
Amy McCoy joined the staff of Driscoll Amy received a Bachelor of Arts
Children’s Hospital in December 2019 degree in English from Trinity
as a Special Events Coordinator for the University. She brings 10 years of
Development Foundation. Amy will experience as the Event Manager for
organize all fundraising events including the Buccaneer Commission, where
Fiesta de los Niños, South Texas she facilitated events for Buc Days
Cattlemen’s Roundup, Singer Songwriter and Rodeo Corpus Christi.
Amy McCoy Showcase and Golf Classic.
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 17Honor giving
July 23, 2019 to November 12, 2019
Aysun Alagoz Estate of Leah B. Goltzman Diane H. Kirmse Courtney Reopelle
Ms. Beverly Dirks Ms. Lisa Strickhausen Mrs. Cecile Pesek Mr. Todd Reopelle
Janet Allen Logan Fierro-Rayhons Kelsey Krnavek Manette and Richard Scanio
Elizabeth A. Nisbet Mr. and Mrs. George A. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan W. Krnavek Ms. Mary Beth DeLano
Aubree Avants Rayhons Stacia Krnavek Marcie Taylor
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Mazzola Penny and William Fletcher Mr. and Mrs. Bryan W. Krnavek Mrs. Georgia P. Duff Schwartz
Azali Homes, LLC Mrs. Cecile Pesek Malorie and Carlos Mendez Stella Griffith Thomas
Ms. Connie Esparza Gayle and Hendrik Goedhart Ms. Connie Esparza Ms. Mary Carol Griffith
Ermelinda Banuelos Ms. Beverly Dirks Dorothy R. Minten Andy Torrez
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edelman Rodolfo F. Gutierrez Ms. Melinda S. Minks Ms. Connie Esparza
Kelly and Brian Berner Ms. Connie Esparza Cayden Montonthez Irma and Jesse Valle
Ms. Mary Beth DeLano Levi Haas Mr. Leroy Darrow Ms. Lisa Strickhausen
Cynthia and Timothy Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Haas Christopher L. Munro Tina and Peter Vasconellos
Blacklock Ticia Hanisch Ms. Deborah Cook Ms. Lisa Strickhausen
Mrs. Cecile Pesek Mrs. Georgia P. Duff Schwartz My Grandchild / Matthew Huckaby and
Wayne Brown Alicia Huerta Grandchildren Benjamin Walther
Ms. Beverly Dirks Ms. Dolores G. Huerta Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Ms. Deborah Cook
Kelly and Michael Davis Josh Jarvis Herrmann Frank Weathered
Ms. Dianne Mendiola Mr. and Mrs. Gary D. Jarvis Mr. and Mrs. Wes W. Hoskins Ms. Mary Beth DeLano
Mrs. Zulema V. Maldonado
Driscoll Children’s Hospital Michael P. Kelly Mrs. Tammy Shockney Emily Weil
Volunteens IAM&AW Aeronautical Mrs. Linda H. Weil
Mrs. Averill Walters Industrial Jacob Palermo
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Mazzola Sandra G. Williamson
Driscoll Children’s Hospital District Lodge 776 Ms. Mary Beth DeLano
Volunteers IAM&AW Local Lodge 2916 Lowell S. Pigott
Mrs. Averill Walters Carol and Kevin Kirksmith Ms. Dianne Mendiola
Ann K. Engel Ms. Lisa Strickhausen Sada Englelking Reeves
Elizabeth A. Nisbet Ms. Susan J. Kibbe
Planned giving
Your savings, your legacy
Over the many decades in the life of Driscoll, one of the most gifts are vitally important. If you are 70 ½ years or older, you
significant and ongoing traditions has been the generous can use your individual retirement account (IRA) to support
support of Driscoll by grateful parents, grandparents, friends, Driscoll’s mission. Making an IRA charitable rollover gift to
physicians, staff and volunteers. Philanthropy has been the Driscoll will lower the income and taxes from your IRA required
lifeblood of Driscoll since its founding, by and through the will of minimum distribution (RMD) this year. Plus, it’s easy to do!
Clara Driscoll. Instruct your retirement account custodian to send any amount
(up to $100,000) to Driscoll this year. There is no tax paid on the
Gifts made through estate commitments and other planned
18 WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE www.driscollchildrens.orgMemorial giving
July 23, 2019 to November 12, 2019
Consuelo Alaffa Ted Ellis Dorothy K. Lamm Mercedes Popejoy
Ms. Loryanne DeHoyos Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Seidel Mr. and Mrs. David L. Getz
Leigh W. Blum George W. Flood, MD Lori Lull Edmond F. Powers
Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton Mr. Peter S. Flood Mr. Bobby Clark Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young
John A. Canales Merle J. Main Edith (Edie) D. Sapp
Ms. Rosalinda Canales Traci G. Fugh Mr. and Mrs. Gail A. Oldham Mr. and Mrs. Gregory E.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Lembke Muenster
Emma Cantrell Helen McCrimmon
Mr. Lee A. DeLaune Kathryn and Robert Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young Eden E. Settegast
Goodwyn NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving
Yolanda Cortes Edinburg Livestock Auction Inc. Homer G. Moralez, Sr.
Mrs. Martha Avery Mr. and Mrs. Oscar G. Moralez James W. Simpson, MD
Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Harris Bruce M. Henderson, MD Dr. and Mrs. John J. Fraser, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Gaylord Hoyt Stephen Almond, M.D. Elaine Moses
NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving Lisa Villarreal
Aimee L. DeHoyos Brooke Hester Mr. Roger Villarreal, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Amado R. Trevino Mr. and Mrs. Jim R. Covington Marianne R. Oldham
Mr. and Mrs. Gail A. Oldham Ruth D. Welch
Michael T. Dellinger Bertie H. Hoch Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton
Mrs. Frances Z. Fulton Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young Mary Ann Parish Mrs. Georgia P. Duff Schwartz
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Young Mr. Ken Hodges, Jr.
Verna Jolley NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving Dooley and James Weyman
Isabel C. Dodson Mr. and Mrs. Darwin B. Rea Ms. Ann E. Hodges
Mr. Ken Hodges, Jr. Helen Pavelka
NRG Engery, Inc Global Giving Anna M. Koenning Mr. and Mrs. Donald W.
Herrmann’s Fish Farm, LLC Herrmann
Gerald W. Eckel
Mr. Dale Kopecki
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.
transfer, and all or part of your RMD will be met. invite you to consider how you might make your commitment.
Thank you for your love and support of Driscoll Children’s
Our donors help thousands of children every year to dream,
Hospital.
hope and triumph. We hope that you are ready to join Driscoll’s
special family of supporters. To discover how you can make a difference in the lives of ill and
injured children through your estate plans, please contact John
Our staff is readily available to help you find ways of giving to
Hyde, Director of Major Gifts, at (361) 694-4394 or
Driscoll Children’s Hospital that are unique and meaningful. We
john.hyde@dchstx.org.
www.driscollchildrens.org WINTER 2020 DRISCOLL LIFE 19Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 712
Corpus Christi, TX
Development Foundation
3533 South Alameda Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411-1785
www.driscollchildrens.org
Save the date:
Fiesta de los Niños
Friday, January 24, 2020 American Bank Center Presented by:
6:30 - 11:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall
Driscollchildrens.org/donateYou can also read
