Cook Children's Health Care System

Join Cook Children’s and Child Study Center to bring potential to light for children with complex developmental, behavioral and educational needs. Set at Fort Worth favorite Joe T. Garcia's, Party on the Patio brings together live music, auctions, ice-cold margaritas and plenty of purpose. Committee member Kate Wisniewski shares, ‘Party on the Patio is not only a genuinely fun event that celebrates the great work of CSC – it’s a wonderful investment that truly changes lives for the better.’ 🤝 Bring your company or friends together join the party! Tables are available now: https://lnkd.in/d358V7fr

Cook Children's Health Care System is embarking on a pivotal era of digital modernization, and we are actively seeking a visionary leader to direct this initiative. Our executive team is currently welcoming applications for the role of Vice President of Information Systems and Chief Technology Officer. This strategic position is essential to designing the "Hospital of the Future" for our expanding network. The incoming Chief Technology Officer will serve as the primary architect of our technical infrastructure, overseeing comprehensive operations from core server and storage layers to the mobile devices utilized by our clinicians at the bedside. This role presents a distinct opportunity to harmonize complex technological systems with our enduring mission of providing exceptional pediatric care. We are searching for a bridge-builder who inherently understands that technology must empower our healthcare staff rather than impede them. The ideal professional will bring over twelve years of progressive IT leadership experience, alongside a proven track record in managing hybrid cloud environments and executing large-scale digital transformations. Direct experience with ground-up facility construction and a background in large healthcare organizations are strongly preferred as we navigate new growth efforts. This is a chance to leverage advanced technological solutions to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families. We encourage seasoned technology executives who are passionate about healthcare innovation to explore this opportunity and share it with those in your professional network who might be an excellent fit. Detailed information regarding the position and the application process can be found directly on our career portal: https://lnkd.in/gEZTmkMW

In recognition of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we are highlighting a specialized neurosurgical intervention designed to improve mobility and quality of life for children with spastic cerebral palsy. In this episode of the Doc Talk podcast, Stephanie Acord, M.D., a pediatric neurologist at Cook Children’s, provides a comprehensive overview of Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), exploring the intricate process from initial patient evaluation to long-term recovery. The discussion outlines the collaborative nature of this procedure, emphasizing the critical roles of motion lab analysis and intensive rehabilitative therapies in achieving successful outcomes. Dr. Acord offers a detailed look at the surgical process itself and the rigorous criteria used to ensure each candidate is positioned for the greatest functional gain. Understanding these sophisticated clinical pathways is essential for families and providers as they navigate the complexities of spasticity management. As medical advancements continue to evolve, the long-term outlook for children undergoing SDR remains a focal point of pediatric neurological innovation. This episode serves as an insightful resource for those looking to understand the intersection of surgical precision and the lifelong dedication required to enhance a child's independence and physical potential. 🧬 Listen to the full discussion on Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: https://lnkd.in/dwKFfgC3

At 8 years old, a child should focus on fun with friends and family, learning and reading, climbing jungle gyms and playing with toys. What a child should not have to endure is what George Morford had to go through, beginning in February 2025. Each year more than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer and nearly one in three cases is a form of leukemia. There are two main types of acute leukemia, with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) being the least common in children. In 2025, George Morford was diagnosed with AML at 8-years-old. George’s diagnosis and hospitalization came one month before The Blast, a community walk along the Trinity River benefitting the Cook Children’s Hematology and Oncology Center. His family and friends formed “George’s Purple Tomatoes,” on his behalf since he couldn’t go and they ended up becoming the organization’s largest team of 132 participants that year. Now in remission, George will walk The Blast for the first time as the leader of his renamed team “George’s Funky Town Fight Club” at the 2026 event tomorrow, at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth. “Cook Children’s is meant for kids, and it has everything a kid could need and it makes me mostly only remember the good things,” said George. It’s why The Blast is close to the Morford family’s hearts. To read more about George’s inspiring story and how you can get involved with the Blast, including signing up the day-of, visit: https://lnkd.in/gArWU4Fm

Cook Children’s invites school nurses and pediatric health care professionals to the 34th annual School Nurse Symposium on June 11, 2026, a full day dedicated to advancing school health, professional growth and collaboration. Last year’s hybrid symposium brought together over 2,000 participants from more than 15 states. This year, we’re excited to continue offering both in-person and virtual attendance options with the added benefit of on-site vendors available to share valuable resources and answer questions throughout the day. The 2026 symposium features expert-led sessions spanning a wide range of topics relevant to school nursing practice. Presentations will cover: • Trauma case studied and emergency response in schools • Recognizing and supporting students with eating disorders • Updates on unassigned albuterol use and safe legal practices for nurses • Oral health promotion and care for trafficked youth • Identifying pediatric oncology red flags and supporting students with persistent pain The day will include interactive discussions, continuing education opportunities and insights from leading physicians, nurse practitioners and specialists from Cook Children’s. Don’t miss out! Join us for this dynamic event to gain practical knowledge, connect with peers and strengthen your ability to care for students. Registration for in-person event https://lnkd.in/gu9tYPQ2 Registration for virtual event https://lnkd.in/g6CkwumT

  🎂This month, we’re celebrating 108 years of Cook Children’s providing world-class care close to home. But our care isn't just about meeting a crisis today – it’s about ensuring that a child who needs us 12 months from now has that same unwavering support.   To ensure this legacy of hope and healing continues for years to come, we’re looking for 50 new monthly donors – our Miracle Makers.   Miracle Makers provide the consistent, reliable support families need to reach their next milestone – whether it’s a successful treatment or a birthday of their own.   ❤️Help us reach our goal of 50 new Miracle Makers by March 31. Join this incredible community by clicking the link in the first comment below.

Expert care close to home.   Children: full of potential and promise. Each life is a journey of ups, and sometimes downs. At Cook Children's, we're here for it all, connecting your family to world-renowned specialists and pioneering research, providing breakthrough treatments and the latest technologies for when it matters most. It’s exceptional expertise, paired with compassion you can feel. And when you're here, you can trust that your child is in the best possible hands. Cook Children's: expert care at the peak of possible.
 #WeAreCookChildrens

Children and teens with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, have new hope following treatment with an investigative therapy that alters the effects of the genetic abnormality responsible for their condition. Following treatment, children experienced fewer seizures and demonstrated improved communication and other developmental skills – outcomes not generally possible with typical antiseizure medications. Researchers at Cook Children’s played a key role in the clinical trials that led to these findings, which were published in a March 2026 article in the New England Journal of Medicine NEJM Group. Pediatric epileptologist M. Scott Perry, M.D., head of Neurosciences and director of the Justin Institute at Cook Children’s, co-authored the article and served as the lead investigator for one of the pivotal studies. “We have a treatment which at least in early phase studies shows the potential to address the underlying genetic reason for the condition and as a result bring about improvements in the symptoms and frankly change the course of the condition for the patient, which is a considerable advancement over what we currently have available,” Dr. Perry said. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g842kRyn

Get to know the staff at Cook Children's Health Foundation! 🌟   Cook Children's Health Foundation supports the Promise of Cook Children's, working with individuals, corporations and organizations to match their philanthropic interests with the needs of our patients.   Every year, generosity from our community helps us care for nearly one million patients in our communities, many children with rare, complex or life-threatening illnesses. Your support helps ensure every family under our blue peaks receives the very best care.   Visit https://lnkd.in/gyg7udgZ to learn more. Together, we can bring hope, healing and a little bit of magic to the children counting on us.

📋 Registration is now open for the 2026 Leukemia Symposium, an intensive three-day, in-person event hosted at the Cook Children’s Hochberger Auditorium from July 23 to 25. This program is designed to equip the health care team with sophisticated strategies for personalizing supportive care and navigating the unique challenges of distinctive pediatric leukemia cohorts. Attendees will earn up to 14.5 continuing education credits while exploring the latest advances in minimal residual monitoring, molecular targeting, and oncofertility options. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment, integrating medical ethics and palliative care to ensure that clinical progress is always balanced with the patient's long-term well-being. Because this event is held exclusively in person with no recordings available, it offers a rare opportunity for high-level, real-time collaboration with colleagues from across the oncology spectrum. Discounted registration rates are available for students, residents, and fellows to encourage the next generation of specialists to join this essential professional conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to Fort Worth for this comprehensive update on leukemia care. Secure your registration: https://lnkd.in/gSWMbWZd