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Celebrity sightings not uncommon at Texas Children’s
Every year, several dozen
celebrities make their way to Texas Children’s Hospital in
hopes that young patients will at least momentarily forget
their health problems.
Since the hospital’s early
days, star-gazing has been a favorite ritual. Back then, the
visitors’ roster included
comedian Bob Hope and country-western star Roy Rogers.
Even though big-name
personalities have made their mark in a variety of highly
competitive fields, their biggest achievement at Texas
Children’s is simply cheering up the kids.
“Seeing the patients’
reactions is so much fun,” said Pat Dolan, director of
Volunteer Services and Family Relations. “For kids, a visit
by someone famous is something new and different, a break
from the hospital routine. It gives them something to look
forward to and talk about – and something neat to share with
their friends when they return to school.”
Often accompanied by team
mascots, Houston’s
professional athletes are among the most frequent visitors.
In addition, collegiate finalists vying for football’s
Rotary Lombardi Award and baseball’s Roger Clemens Award
make annual trips to Texas Children’s.
Through the years,
celebrities also have participated
in some of the hospital’s historical ceremonies. In fact,
singing trio Destiny’s Child was on hand to celebrate Radio
Lollipop’s first anniversary in 2000.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry
officially dedicated the Clinical Care Center in 2001, and
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison rededicated the Feigin Center when
it opened as a state-of-the-art research facility in 2003.
Actress Hilary Duff recently appeared at Texas Children’s
50th Birthday Gala.
Among the personalities who
maintain an ongoing
relationship with Texas Children’s are Olympic ice-skating
champ Tara Lipinski, who donates both time and resources;
and Houston Texans kicker Kris Brown, who founded Kris
Brown’s Kick Club for corporate sponsors and fans. During a
1993 visit, Oprah Winfrey donated $35,000 to train
residents about the needs of abused children.
One particular visitor is
familiar to all ages.
“Of course, the biggest
celebrity ever to visit is Santa Claus,” Dolan said. “He
visits quite often and has even been known to come in July,
which is considered his off season.”
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