Monday June 12, 2023, Walmart and Sam’s Club kicked off their spark good to change kids’ health 2023 fundraising campaign benefiting Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health facilities.

Through July 14, you can make a difference for more kids like Brett by donating in-store at Walmart and Sam’s Club, on Walmart.com and in the Walmart app. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates are the heart of the campaign, as so many have strong relationships with CHRISTUS facilities across Southeast Texas. They lead creative fundraising activities and events at their stores for customers to enjoy while raising funds for the cause.

Local children’s hospitals are on the frontlines when it comes to protecting the health of future generations. But they can’t do it alone. Each dollar raised locally at Walmart and Sam’s Club helps CHRISTUS Southeast Texas provide treatments, critical equipment and services to meet their pediatric patients needs today, so they can fulfill their potential for tomorrow.

“At CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System, our associates play an essential role providing much-needed care for sick kids and their families,” said Caralee Thompson. Program Manager for the Children’s Miracle Network in Southeast Texas. “We are constantly working to ensure our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, treatments and other support services to build healthier communities.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Walmart and Sam’s Club associates whose support and dedication help provide the funds needed to ensure our youngest and most vulnerable patients receive the best care available.”

Walmart and Sam’s Club share a basic belief that every child deserves the chance to live better. That’s why they support CMN Hospitals in raising critical funds for our community to help change kids’ health, like 13-year-old Brett Baxter.

Last spring, Brett, who was a student at Vidor Junior High School at the time, was injured while playing football at school. He benefited from CMN donations while in the care of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. Brett has now fully recovered and is serving as the 2023 CMN Champion for CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System.

Walmart and Sam’s Club have been proud partners of CMN for more than 35 years and have raised more than $2 million for our CHRISTUS Southeast Texas facilities. CMN, Walmart and Sam’s Club know that when treatments and facilities improve, children’s hospitals can address the most challenging health issues of today while preparing for tomorrow.

Walmart and Sam’s Club Facts:

• The 2023 Walmart and Sam’s Club campaign runs June 12 – July 14.
• During its 35-year partnership, Walmart and Sam’s Club have raised more than $2 million to support Children’s Miracle Network in Southeast Texas.

 

Every year, 170 local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals identify a “Champion” in each local community to serve as the face for children treated at their local children’s hospital. These ambassadors spend their year advocating for the charitable need of children’s hospitals across North America. This year, the Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas is thrilled to introduce Brett Baxter as the 2023 CMN Champion!

Early in the spring of 2022, Brett Baxter, at the time, a 13-year-old athlete at Vidor Junior High School, was playing football with his friends during lunch when he dove for a pass and fell through a nearby window, causing a severe injury to his arm. The wound severed his radial artery, severely damaging a major vein and tendons. Mark Steele, the campus police officer, now employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, was present at the time and acted fast, putting his STOP THE BLEED training into practice by using a tourniquet to stem the bleeding and stabilize Brett until medical help arrived. Once transported to the emergency room at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth, Brett was quickly attended to by the trauma team and Dr. David Parkus, who ordered a blood transfusion and surgery to repair the damage. Brett needed extensive therapy to regain function in his hand, which was accomplished with his characteristic determination and the help of his occupational therapists.

Throughout his ordeal, Brett maintained a positive outlook that buoyed his family and caregivers. With the help of those who cared for him, Brett fully recovered and can once again enjoy his favorite activities, such as playing basketball with his friends. His experience also served as a reminder of the importance of the STOP THE BLEED training, which can save lives in the future. Additional assistance from the hospital’s Child Life Specialist, Nicole Albert, helped keep Brett and his family informed and cared for throughout his time in the hospital.

Dr. Parkus – Trauma Surgeon, Brett Baxter, Dr. Jones – Orthopedic Surgeon, Officer Mark Steele

On May 1, 2023, the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hosted a dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Pediatric Unit at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth Hospital. The renovation features an immersive “under the sea” theme and a comfortable, modern environment intended to help promote healing and recovery in an area designed specifically for children.

The successful renovation of the Pediatric Unit was made possible through the dedicated efforts of our community partners and supporters who fundraise throughout the year to provide money to CMN in Southeast Texas. 100 percent of all funds raised for CMN in Southeast Texas stay local to help sick kids in our community.

In addition to the incredible remodel, in 2022 CMN funds also provided over $330,000 worth of state-of-the-art medical equipment and services to help ensure that our youngest, most vulnerable patients at CHRISTUS receive the top care available.

“We are thrilled with the renovation of our Pediatric Unit, and it’s all thanks to the incredible dedication of our community partners and supporters who have given so generously to support the well-being of our youngest patients,” said Caralee Thompson, Program Manager for Children’s Miracle Network. “We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to make today possible.”

The renovation also features interactive and electronic equipment in both patient rooms and common areas, as well as an updated playroom to help provide the best possible experience during difficult circumstances. “At the end of the day, it’s all about our patients,” said Lacey Goodman, Director of Pediatrics and Neonatal ICU at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth Hospital. “This renovation, as well as the additional equipment purchased, will allow our highly trained staff to continue to provide personalized care for every patient using the best resources out there. Our nurses and staff work with children because it’s truly their calling and I’m so incredibly proud of the work they do every day.”