FROM THE PRESIDENT

As this issue of the News illustrates, the holiday season is rapidly approaching and once again it's time to remember our loved ones and close friends with gifts and good cheer.

One of the best things about the holiday season is that it truly does bring out the best in all of us. That is particularly true of those who work, study and volunteer at the Texas Medical Center's 42 institutions.

The concept of giving is actually an everyday occurrence at the Texas Medical Center. Every day, our physicians and nurses give life, soothe weary families and render the best medical care available to thousands of patients from all over the world.

Also every day, thousands of employees and concerned citizens take a few hours out of their busy schedules to bake cookies, throw parties, distribute magazines and plan special outings for patients.

As years of experience have shown, a gentle smile or a caring face can go a long way towards easing the pain, uneasiness and discomfort some patients may feel while spending the holidays away from their loved ones.

All this giving seems to reach a crescendo in December, however, as multitudes of local businesses and civic organizations join together with employees and volunteers to ensure that those patients who cannot go home for the holidays feel loved and wanted.

Take, for example, the party held at Shriners Hospital for Children in which a busy Olympic athlete took time out of her schedule to hand out holiday gifts to children and brighten their lives during one magical evening.

To help children with special needs experience the holidays, the Harris County Medical Society Alliance hosted a "sensory" party complete with Christmas trees adorned with ornaments that children could touch, smell or hear - a wonderful gesture to help those children without sight get the most out of the holidays.

The Methodist DeBakey Heart Center hosted a party for 60 children from a local Head Start program, complete with clothes, toys and refreshments for every child.

At each of the institutions, there has been an outpouring of support and caring from local businesses, organizations, volunteers and employees to ensure that no one feels lonely or goes without this holiday season.

A warm and happy holiday season and a safe and prosperous new year is our wish for all of the people of the Texas Medical Center.

Happy holidays!

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/12_15_00/page_10.html