What a Summer!

As summer comes to a close, we wanted to recap all we’ve been up to in the last few months! (Spoiler alert: It’s a lot!) It’s been a whirlwind and we can’t wait for you to read all about it. Make sure to check out all the pictures at the bottom!

Lemonade Stands

This was the 3rd year for us to hold Dixon’s Lemonade Stand.  This year we decided to invite other families to hold lemonade stands with us, in their neighborhood, and donate the proceeds to the foundation.  When we asked Dixon what his goal was this year, he quickly responded, “$9,000.”  We were shocked! It seemed like such an arbitrary number and much more than we had done years prior.  We tried to set level expectations, but he was adamant with a $9000 goal.

A couple of months later we had 23 families hold stands all over the nation and raised $11,600!  We are so thankful to all of those that hosted stands, purchased lemonade, & supported online.  Dixon exceeded his goal and is excited to use the money for a special purchase for the hospital. 

NICU Babies (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

This summer we added the Texas Children’s Main Campus NICU to the patients we serve.  TCH has 2 NICU’s housing up to 170 patients at a time.  We were able to start some great programs with them and bring Moments of Joy to even the tiniest patients.  Through book donations, caregivers can read to their babies. Graduation gifts celebrating milestones and patients getting to go home are another way we get to love on these tiny babies and their families. We are so honored to be able to partner with the NICU team. 

Donut Day

On June 7th, we helped Texas Children’s Main Campus Cancer & Hematology Center celebrate National Donut Day!  We provided 35 dozen donuts, with the help of Shipley’s, to patients and their families in the Infusion Clinic and those admitted to the Cancer Center. 

The amazing Child Life team set up a donut shop in clinic and a donut cart to visit patients in their room.  Some patients were even able to help by handing out donuts.  Everyone enjoyed a sweet treat and a little Moment of Joy in the form of a donut!

July 4th
For patients celebrating July 4th in the hospital, we made sure they got to have some fun. We provided goodies for NICU babies at Texas Children’s Main Campus to be able to take pictures with for their “1st 4th of July.”  We also provided crafts and dress up items for patients at Texas Children’s in The Woodlands.

Vacation Bible School with Houston Northwest Church

We had the honor of being the Mission Partner with Houston Northwest Church Vacation Bible School.  HNW has been the Rasco’s home church for 12 years and supported them through everything. During the VBS week over 400 children and their families had the opportunity learn about how we are being the hands and feet of Jesus by serving hospital patients just like them and Haley.

With a Christmas in July theme, we colored pictures, made Christmas cards, and packed boxes of Christmas decorations for patients to receive in December.  Every box and patient to receive it was prayed over by the group that packed it that evening.  It was such a sweet moment to hear prayers from children; prayers for joy and healing for the patients.  The kids also had a fundraising competition between the girls and boys and raised $2,700 to donate to the foundation!  It was a momentous week for us to share Haley and her legacy with so many.

Ice Cream Day

Every day has a reason to celebrate, but on July 13th, we celebrated Ice Cream Day with the Texas Children’s Main Campus Cancer & Hematology team. Once again, the Child Life Department did an amazing job setting up an ice cream parlor. Patients and their families were able to get ice cream with all the toppings.  Patients were able to experience a fun event with their peers in the halls of the hospital.

2 Summer Luaus

On July 13th, we were able to volunteer in the hospital for the first time!  At Texas Children’s Main Campus, we hosted a Summer Luau in the Child Life Zone.  This area is for patients and their families only, No Doctors allowed! 😊 It is meant to be a place where patients and families can gather to hang out, play games, create art, make new friends, and find a bit of respite from hospital routines. Because of Covid protocols, volunteers in-hospital have been limited so it was amazing to be able to interact with patients and families at the event, as well as tell them more about Haley and what we do.

We also provided supplies for a Summer Luau on the Cancer & Hematology floor on August 11th. Patients got to get buckets of kinetic sand and sand toys, make palm tree or surfboard crafts, play with beach balls, and of course grab delicious snacks. 

Hospital Lobby Crafts

We hosted two “Crafts in the Lobby” events at Texas Children's West and Woodlands Campus. We had tables and summer crafts set out for patients to do while they waited for their appointments.  Patients and siblings had the opportunity to do something fun while parents had a moment of respite from a busy day of appointments.  It was so special to see patients of all kinds to sit and craft together.

As you can see, we have been busy!  We are so thankful to our donors that financially support us so events like these are possible.  Hundreds of Moments of Joy and sweet memories were created this summer for so many patients. 

Want to learn more about getting involved or how to donate?  Click here to learn more.