Children’s Miracle Network Teams with T.V. Stars to Kick Off Campaign

Celebrating its 2003 sponsor kickoff, Children’s Miracle Network rolled out the red carpet at Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital for the stars of the ABC-TV series “Houston Medical.” Speaking about their experiences on the television program, as well as a variety of topics such as neonatology, neurology and Life Flight, the stars illustrated for network sponsors just how their donations are helping sick and injured children.

In addition, the network’s two new program coordinators, Yemike Hatfield and Teresa Vickery, were introduced and hosted the event.

“Through sponsor donations, CMN is able to purchase equipment and fund programs that touch the lives of children and families throughout the city of Houston,” said Hatfield. “Corporations such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, Eckerd Drugs, Re/Max of Texas and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are some of the sponsors we recognized with this event for their many years of commitment and support to CMN.”

Special guests from “Houston Medical” included Terri Major-Kincade, M.D., assistant professor of neonatology at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, who discussed the challenges of being a neonatologist; Myles Rose, twin brother of the late Marnie Rose, M.D., who spoke about his sister’s love for her work with children and her perseverance despite her complications with brain cancer; UT Houston Medical School faculty Ian Butler, M.D., James Wheless, M.D., and James Baumgartner, M.D., who discussed new strides in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery; Tom Flanagan, assistant vice president of emergency services, Life Flight and trauma services for Memorial Hermann; and Patrick Green, Memorial Hermann Life Flight paramedic, and Noel Kowis-Green, a Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital neonatal transport team nurse.

After a brief break, Kowis-Green was then joined by Topper, the giraffe mascot for Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital, to showcase and explain one of the very valuable pieces of equipment made possible by donations – a neonatal transport unit. Kowis-Green explained how this elaborate apparatus is crucial for neonates and was designed by Memorial Hermann’s Life Flight crew.

“This neonatal transport unit is one of two specifically used on Life Flight,” added Vickery. “Each one was an investment upwards of $60,000. CMN funds were used to purchase one, and the Women’s Club of Houston raised funds to purchase the other.”

The program concluded with the presentation of one of the many success stories made possible by CMN – one of this year’s “Miracle Children,” 3-year-old Jasmine Gonzales. Her mother, Brandy Gonzales, gave a stirring speech about the family she found in the physicians and staff within Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital.

With 100 percent of the locally raised funds staying in Houston, Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital is the sole beneficiary of CMN’s local efforts. More than 8,000 sick and injured children are treated every year at this 150-bed hospital, from the tiniest of premature infants to adolescents up to the age of 16. This year’s telethon is scheduled for May 31 through June 1 on Channel 11, KHOU-TV Houston.

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