leaders in giving
The Blue Bird Circle Goes Above and Beyond
By Angela Dolder

	Texas Children's Neurological Research Institute Did you know? In 2001, the World Health Organization estimated that more than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from mental or neurological disorders. The Children's Neurobiological Solutions Foundation reports that 14 million Americans under the age of 19 have experienced disabling neurological disorders. 1.5 million children and adults (ages 6-64 years) have mental retardation. One out of every 1,000 children has a language disorder. Autism afflicts as many as one in every 166 children. More children in the United States are diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders yearly than with diabetes mellitus or with cancer. Texas Children's pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons see more than 16,000 children annually.
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With a generous $2.8 million commitment to The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston’s oldest women’s volunteer organization – The Blue Bird Circle – has made a mark once again on the future of pediatric neurology.

The organization’s most recent contribution builds on the longtime, successful partnership between two of the city’s most recognizable nonprofit organizations dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of children with neurological disorders, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy and Rett syndrome.

“Blue Bird contributions will help bring in the very best talent in pediatric neurology and will continue to support the clinic’s daily operations,” said Mary Kay Coleman, first vice president of membership for The Blue Bird Circle and former clinic chairman.

Since joining with Texas Children’s, The Blue Bird Circle has contributed over $5 million in vital support of the 18-exam room clinic that now sees about 12,000 patients each year.

“This important gift will support the addition of a second social worker and will allow us to expand our physical capabilities,” said Robert S. Zeller, M.D., director of The Blue Bird Circle Clinic at Texas Children’s and associate professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

State-of-the-art neuropsychological testing, nutrition counseling and sophisticated neurological monitoring are important resources funded by The Blue Bird Circle that are available to clinic patients, explained Zeller.

The Circle’s commitment extends far beyond financial support of the clinic. Currently, 40 highly trained members regularly don their blue smocks and serve as support staff, answering phones and greeting and registering patients at the clinic.

Blue Bird volunteers log more than 5,000 hours a year in administrative assistance – the equivalent of three full-time employees – and help keep the clinic’s operating costs to a minimum, said Zeller.

He added that the Circle’s appreciation for molecular research conducted at Texas Children’s has distinguished them among other service organizations.

According to Zeller, The Blue Bird Circle’s initial backing of the research of Huda Zoghbi, M.D., Texas Children’s pediatric neurologist, professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, played an integral role in her
1999 discovery of the defective gene that causes Rett syndrome.

“The Blue Bird Circle founded The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology in 1951 at The Methodist Hospital and was its sole source of financial support until 1998 when it formed a relationship with Texas Children’s,” said Carole McGarry, president of The Blue Bird Circle.

Since its founding in 1923, The Blue Bird Circle has contributed more than $20 million in vital funding to Circle philanthropies and has enriched the community through compassionate service and giving for children with medical needs.

The Blue Bird Circle resale and gift shop, managed entirely by Circle volunteers, is a major source of income to the medical care and research the organization helps provide
the children it serves. Style shows, annual galas, cookbook sales, Easter baskets and hand-painted Easter eggs also have contributed to their ambitious philanthropic goals.

“Through grassroots efforts and a singular focus, these ladies have provided sustained support for pediatric neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital year in and year out,” said
Zeller. “This funding is a testament to The Blue Bird Circle’s commitment to this clinic.”