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.”

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation held our 40^th Annual Gala Saturday, April 15 at the Beaumont Civic Center. This event has become one of the most anticipated fundraising events each year and has drawn some of the biggest names in entertainment. This year we were honored to add Country Music Hall of Famer, Wynonna Judd to that list!

With over 900 attendees, this black-tie benefit provided an opportunity for an intimate evening filled with amazing music, great food, and fantastic company! The Foundation honored The Penland Foundation with the Legacy Award, for their philanthropic efforts as the lead donor of our Maternal Child Unit Renovation. CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth will be able to provide state of the art care to our tiniest patients and their mothers. The Penland Foundation’s support of this project will make a difference to future generations of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Families. It will have a lasting impact on patients and families by welcoming more newborns and sending them home safely with bright, promising futures ahead of them.

The Valero Foundation was also honored with the Service Award. This Award is bestowed on an organization or community member who has served their community and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation’s mission over the years. In 2022, the Valero Foundation pledged to be the lead equipment donor for our Maternal Child Unit. This donation ensured that CHRISTUS Health Southeast Texas stays at the forefront of maternal, fetal, and pediatric medicine in our region. This Equipment Update for the Maternal and Child Unit at CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth will help to meet the patient needs through state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology, which will be matched by the highest levels of compassionate and expert maternity, labor and delivery, and infant care.

We would like to take an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible 2023 sponsors. Your generous contributions made the evening possible and allowed us to raise funds to support the needs of women and children services in Southeast Texas.

Warmest regards,

The CHRISTUS Foundation Team