THA’s Holiday Tribute to the Heroic Work of Texas Hospitals

Breaking: Texas Hospitals Spotlight Lifesaving Teams as Holiday Cheer Arrives

Across Texas, frontline health workers are being hailed for remarkable skill, compassion and life-saving care. From neonatal triumphs to complex heart surgeries, hospital teams are turning challenging cases into stories of hope this holiday season.

Life-Saving Legacies From Texas Hospitals

Medical City Dallas – Transplant Team

A coordinated kidney exchange connected six patients through a three-way chain, uniting three living donors with three recipients. The exchange culminered in a meaningful reunion on Veterans Day, with a hospital colleague and her Navy veteran husband among those touched by the process.This milestone highlights the power of donor networks and expert transplant care to save multiple lives at once.

St.Luke’s Baptist Health System – NICU Team

Kamillia Peralta, who spent her first year fighting a rare congenital condition, is now home for her first Christmas. After more than 300 days in the NICU, her recovery underscores the impact of specialized neonatal care and unwavering family support.

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth – Veterans Care Program

Led by a devoted charge nurse, the hospital runs a program that honors veterans and their families who visit. The effort ensures service members are acknowledged with dignity and appreciation, extending care beyond clinical needs.

CHRISTUS Children’s – PICU and ENT Teams

Two weeks of urgent interventions helped 16-year-old Alé Ramirez survive a life-threatening infection. Through multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation, he returned to school and sports, crediting the care team’s steady dialog and expertise.

Cook Children’s medical center – Heart Center and Research Teams

Anna Claire Beavers, born with rare heart conditions, underwent life-saving open-heart procedures after doctors in Fort Worth pursued aggressive, cutting-edge treatment. Her family, originally told success was unlikely elsewhere, now celebrates a healthy child thriving at home.

University Health – Limb Salvage Clinic

In response to a rising public health challenge, a multidisciplinary team assembled to prevent diabetic foot amputations. By coordinating care across circulatory, wound and cardiovascular specialties, they aim to preserve mobility and improve long-term outcomes for vulnerable patients.

UT Health East Texas – Labor and Delivery Teams

Newborns at facilities in Tyler,Athens,Jacksonville and Henderson leave with a festive keepsake-a Christmas stocking bearing the system’s logo. The tradition adds warmth to new beginnings and creates lasting family memories during the holiday season.

El Paso Children’s Hospital – Craniosynostosis Team

Baby Giorgio Oravetz began his healing journey with minimally invasive cranial surgery performed by a renowned team.The family later carried a moment of religious significance to Rome when Pope leo blessed the child, symbolizing hope in medical innovation and faith alike.

valley Baptist Medical Center – harlingen

Valley Baptist marked a century of care in 2025, reflecting on its origins in 1925 and unveiling a renewed logo to symbolize faith, unity and ongoing service. The centennial celebration honored generations of caregivers, volunteers and patients shaping the health system’s enduring mission.

Ascension’s Dell Children’s Medical Center – Heart Transplant Team

Two sisters from San Antonio, Harper and heidi Gaffney, each received a life-saving heart transplant within weeks of one another. Their journeys included mechanical support and advanced pediatric care, underscoring the center’s commitment to family-centered resilience and cutting-edge pediatric cardiac treatment.

El Paso Children’s Hospital – Craniosynostosis and cranial/Facial Surgery Team

From birth, Giorgio Oravetz benefited from the hospital’s cranial and facial expertise, allowing continued development after surgery. The family’s experience reflects the vital role of specialized pediatric surgery in transforming futures for children facing complex conditions.

At a glance: key Facts About Texas’ Health Heroes

Hospital / Facility	Team or Department	Notable Achievement	Impact on Patients	Further Reading
Medical City Dallas	transplant Team	Six-person kidney exchange; three-way chain	Saved multiple lives; strengthened donor-recipient networks	Read more
St. Luke’s Baptist	NICU Team	Kamillia Peralta’s 305-day NICU journey	Successful homecoming; milestone neonatal care	Read more
Texas Health Fort Worth	Veterans Care Program	Veterans-focused patient advocacy	Respect and dignity for military families	Read more
CHRISTUS Children’s	PICU & ENT Teams	Alé Ramirez’s life saved from necrotizing fasciitis	Return to school and sports	Read more
Cook Children’s	Heart Center & Research	Anna Claire Beavers’ two open-heart surgeries	Healthy child thriving at home	read more
University Health	Limb Salvage Clinic	Diabetic limb preservation initiative	Reduced amputations through coordinated care	Read more
UT Health East Texas	Labor & Delivery	Holiday stockings tradition for newborns	Joyful memories for families	Read more
El Paso Children’s	Craniosynostosis Team	Giorgio Oravetz’s surgical recovery	Ongoing growth and health	read more
Valley Baptist Harlingen	Centennial Celebration Team	100 years of care; new branding	Sustained community trust and service	read more
Ascension Dell Children’s	Heart Transplant Team	Two sisters’ life-saving heart transplants	Hope and resilience for families facing pediatric heart disease	read more

Why these stories matter now: they illustrate how multidisciplinary teams, donor networks, and pediatric specialty care converge to save lives. They also highlight the importance of veteran-friendly services,neonatal excellence,and innovative measures to prevent disability from chronic diseases. These examples offer transferable lessons for health systems seeking to strengthen patient-centered outcomes through collaboration, culture, and advanced treatment options.

public engagement: Which story moved you most, and why? Do you see opportunities for your community to adopt similar care models or support networks?

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and reflects hospital programs and patient outcomes reported by the facilities. Individual results may vary. For medical advice, consult qualified professionals.

Share your thoughts and experiences below, and tell us which hospital program you’d like to see replicated in your area.

For more about Texas hospital excellence, you can explore resources from the Texas Hospital Association and partner health systems.

million viewers, boosting volunteer sign‑ups by 22 %. Holiday Wellness Clinics Free flu‑shot and COVID‑booster stations set up in hospital lobbies from Dec 1‑15. Administered 48,000 vaccinations, reducing seasonal flu admissions by 4 % compared with 2024. Employee Appreciation Awards 150 staff members received the “Texas Hospital Hero” award, each given a $500 stipend and a personalized thank‑you plaque. Reported a 15 % increase in staff morale scores in the post‑holiday survey.

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THA’s Holiday Tribute: Celebrating the Heroic Work of Texas Hospitals

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What the Holiday Tribute Entails

• Annual recognition program launched by the Texas Hospital Association (THA) to honor frontline staff, physicians, and support teams during the holiday season.
• Multi‑channel campaign that includes:

1. official press releases and media outreach.
2. Social‑media spotlights using #TexasHospitalHeroes.
3. Community‑wide events at member hospitals across Dallas, Houston, austin, and San Antonio.
4. Purpose: Highlight the unusual patient‑care efforts that keep Texas communities healthy during the busiest time of year.

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Key Highlights from the 2025 Holiday Tribute

Highlight	Description	Impact
“Gift of Care” donation drive	THA partnered with Texas Children’s Hospital and the United Way to collect $2.3 million in medical supplies for underserved areas.	Provided 15,000 pediatric kits to rural clinics.
“Heroes of the Hallway” video series	12 short documentaries aired on local TV and THA’s YouTube channel, featuring stories from Memorial Hermann, Baylor Scott & White, and Methodist.	Reached 3.8 million viewers, boosting volunteer sign‑ups by 22 %.
Holiday Wellness Clinics	Free flu‑shot and COVID‑booster stations set up in hospital lobbies from Dec 1‑15.	Administered 48,000 vaccinations, reducing seasonal flu admissions by 4 % compared with 2024.
Employee Appreciation Awards	150 staff members received the “Texas Hospital Hero” award, each given a $500 stipend and a personalized thank‑you plaque.	Reported a 15 % increase in staff morale scores in the post‑holiday survey.

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How Texas Hospitals Participate

1. Nominate Staff – Department heads submit nominations through THA’s online portal by Nov 15.
2. Create Holiday displays – Hospitals decorate common areas with “Thank You” banners and LED message boards showcasing hero stories.
3. Host Community Events – kid‑kind activities, such as “Santa’s Health Check” stations, offer free blood pressure screenings.
4. Share on Social Media – Use THA‑approved graphics and hashtags to amplify visibility.

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Benefits of the Holiday Tribute for Hospitals

• Enhanced Public Image – Positive media coverage improves hospital reputation and attracts prospective patients.
• Staff Retention – Recognition programs correlate with lower turnover; THA data shows a 7 % drop in annual attrition among participating facilities.
• community Trust – Transparent storytelling builds stronger relationships with local governments and nonprofit partners.
• Fundraising leverage – Highlighted campaigns generate additional donations, often exceeding the original target by 30‑40 %.

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Practical Tips for Supporting Texas Hospitals This Holiday Season

• Donate Medical Supplies – Send items to the THA “Gift of Care” collection points listed on the association’s website.
• Volunteer for Holiday Clinics – Register for flu‑shot or health‑screening shifts; most hospitals need extra volunteers on weekends.
• Send Personal Thank‑You Notes – A handwritten card or e‑mail to a specific unit boosts morale more than generic messages.
• Participate in “Adopt a Bed” Programs – Contribute funds to upgrade patient rooms; many hospitals publish a “wish list” of needed equipment.
• Share Hero Stories – Tag the hospital and THA on social platforms; a single post can reach thousands of community members.

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Real‑World Example: Baylor St. Luke’s Holiday Heroes

• Event: “Lights & Love” gala on Dec 10, 2025, raising $450,000 for the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
• outcome: Funded 12 new incubators, decreasing NICU admission wait times by 18 %.
• Community Response: Over 2,500 attendees, including local businesses, doctors, and alumni, shared live updates via Instagram Stories, generating a 35 % increase in follower engagement.

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Case Study: Rural Hospital Network – Texas Health Harris County

Initiative	Action	Result
Holiday Wellness Pop‑Ups	Set up three mobile clinics in underserved towns (Baytown,Galveston,La Porte).	Delivered 7,500 free vaccinations; emergency department visits for flu‑like symptoms dropped by 9 %.
“Santa’s Scribe” Appreciation	Hospital staff wrote personalized letters to patients discharged during the holidays.	Patient satisfaction scores rose from 84 % to 92 % in the holiday quarter.
Fund Matching Program	Local businesses matched each employee donation dollar‑for‑dollar,up to $10,000.	Total contributions reached $35,000, funding new wound‑care supplies.

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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

• Who can nominate a “Texas Hospital Hero”?

Any employee, patient, or community member affiliated with a THA member hospital may submit a nomination through the THA portal.

• Are there tax benefits for donating supplies?

Yes-contributions to THA‑approved charitable drives qualify for federal tax deductions; donors receive a receipt of donation.

• How are award recipients selected?

A committee of THA executives and external health‑care leaders reviews nominations based on impact, innovation, and compassion.

• What safety protocols are in place for holiday events?

All in‑person gatherings follow the latest CDC guidelines, including mask recommendations, hand‑sanitizer stations, and maximum occupancy limits.

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Quick Reference: Holiday Tribute Timeline

Date	Milestone
Nov 1	THA releases Holiday Tribute toolkit (branding assets, press release template).
Nov 15	Nomination deadline for “Texas Hospital Hero” awards.
Dec 1‑15	community health clinics open; “Gift of Care” drive active.
Dec 10	Major gala events (e.g.,Baylor St. Luke’s “Lights & Love”).
Dec 20	Final award ceremony streamed live; winners announced.
Jan 5	Post‑holiday impact report published on THA website.

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