Cook Children's Pediatrics Clearfork

09/25/2026

One year ago, a bold partnership set out to transform health and wellness in Fort Worth's Las Vegas Trail neighborhood.

Since opening its doors on Aug. 5 2025 to July 2026, the Neighborhood Health Center serving the Las Vegas Trail area has welcomed more than 18,000 patient visits between JPS Health Network and Cook Chidren’s. The center connected thousands more community members with behavioral health visits, nutritious food, workforce training and community resources. In an achievement that cannot be conveyed by numbers alone, the center has also become a gathering place for residents and partners alike.

The center is a first-of-its-kind partnership among JPS Health Network, Cook Children’s Health Care System, the City of Fort Worth and WestAid. At the core of the center’s mission is providing health care to people of all ages in the Las Vegas Trail area. The partnership between JPS Health Network and Cook Children’s gives every generation of the household access to access to a medical home with adult and pediatric primary care services. Cook Children’s welcomed nearly 1,500 new patients into our health care network, providing close-to-home pediatric care for the area.

What began as a shared vision among community partners its first year has evolved into a thriving hub for health, wellness, education and connection, laying the foundation for an even greater impact in the years ahead.

“LVT has not only brought residents and community partners together, it has also provided a special opportunity for our Cook Children’s colleagues to actively experience our values of collaboration, generosity and imagination,” said Veronica Tolley, vice president of Primary Care and Specialty Services. “In this first year, employees from all areas of our system have poured their time and energy into LVT by participating as volunteers, mentors and supporters in events like gallery night showcasing local student art, community egg hunt, mock interviews for training center, demo kitchen classes, holiday festivities, and countless other events. Thank you to everyone for embracing togetherness and delivering moments of magic to LVT!”

To learn more, visit: https://shorturl.at/WT2Ay

09/23/2026

No parent can ever truly prepare to hear a cancer diagnosis, especially when their child has been happy and healthy all their life with no indication that such a diagnosis could arrive.

In October 2025, at only 6 years old, Adrienne Avila was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a common type of cancer among children that affects white blood cells. Her mother, April Rodriguez, vividly remembers how devastating it was to hear the diagnosis. She was alone with Adrienne in a hospital room at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth.

For almost a year, Adrienne and her family spent much of their time navigating life with Leukemia. But in July 2026, her family faced another frightening chapter when she became seriously ill and was readmitted to Cook Children’s, where she spent weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

As Adrienne’s birthday approached, April worried her daughter would have to celebrate from a hospital bed. Feeling hopeless for a moment, April turned to family and friends through social media, asking them to pray for her daughter, not knowing that her posts would reach people from other states and countries who would begin caring for Adrienne’s health as well.

Through it all, Adrienne held on to her faith and her biggest birthday wish: to be home surrounded by her family with nothing else but love and chicken wings.

"Adrienne has shown resilience and determination far greater than someone her age, while maintaining a sweet and joyful attitude even on the most difficult days," said Kevin Tien, M.D., oncologist at Cook Children’s Hematology and Oncology Center. “Her diagnosis and treatment have been far from typical, but she has faced it in a big way. I have learned a lot about the effects of chemotherapy and the heavy toll it can take on our sweet patients, and at the same time, it reminds me over and over again how resilient they consistently prove to be.”

Just two days before her birthday, Adrienne was discharged from the hospital in time to celebrate her seventh birthday with family at home, just as she wanted. To learn more about Adrienne's journey during , visit: https://shorturl.at/azwAG

09/23/2026

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body’s red blood cells to harden and become shaped like crescents or sickles, instead of resembling healthy round discs. These changes in cells can cause repeated episodes of severe pain, organ damage, serious infections or even stroke. To raise awareness of this disease we wanted to share four questions to test your knowledge and learn more about sickle cell disease.

09/22/2026

Today, September 22, marks the first day of fall! Swipe to see some of the festive, autumn art pieces created by our patients here at Cook Children’s.

Happy Fall, y’all!

09/22/2026

In this episode of For Kids’ Sake, Justin Smith, M.D., pediatrician at Cook Children's Pediatrics Trophy Club, aka. The Doc Smitty - Dr Justin Smith, Pediatrician, discusses common parenting concerns, the pressure of perfectionism and how families can build stronger connections with their children.

A well-child visit to Cook Children’s isn’t just about the child. It’s also about helping caregivers navigate concerns, questions and everyday parenting challenges. Sometimes reassurance is the most important prescription.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts and watch every episode on Cook Children’s YouTube channel. Subscribe to For Kids’ Sake for trusted parenting advice from Cook Children’s doctors, nurses and clinicians.

Learn more here:

Justin Smith, M.D., pediatrician discusses parenting concerns, the pressure of perfectionism and how families can build stronger connections with their kids.

09/22/2026

Flu Shots are here! Schedule now from the patient portal at mycookchildrens.org

09/22/2026

During , Cook Children’s shares education and resources to help families navigate asthma and its symptoms. Asthma Peak Week is the third week of September, when children return to school and the seasons begin to change – a time that can easily trigger symptoms. In fact, September is known for having the highest risk of asthma attacks.

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes lung inflammation. It narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. If your child has been diagnosed with asthma:

• Work with your child's doctor to update their asthma action plan. Share this plan with
anyone who takes care of your child.
• Check your child's medications for the expiration date. Refill prescriptions if needed.
• Know your child's triggers and symptoms.
Learn more at the link in our bio.

Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/b7UU0

Durante la semana , Cook Children’s comparte educación y recursos para ayudar a las familias a manejar el asma y sus síntomas. La semana Asthma Peak Week es la tercera semana de septiembre, cuando los niños regresan a la escuela y la temporada comienza a cambiar, una época que puede desencadenar síntomas fácilmente. De hecho, septiembre es conocido por tener el mayor riesgo de ataques de asma.

El asma es una enfermedad crónica que causa inflamación en los pulmones. Estrecha las vías respiratorias y dificulta la respiración.

Si han diagnosticado a su hijo con asma:
• Trabaje con el pediatra de su hijo para actualizar su plan de acción contra el asma.
• Comparta este plan con cualquier persona que cuide a su hijo.
• Verifique la fecha de vencimiento de los medicamentos de su hijo. Surta las recetas si es necesario.
• Conozca los factores provocadores y síntomas de su hijo.

Lee más aquí: https://shorturl.at/b7UU0

09/21/2026

As he dealt with severe kidney disease, 17-year-old Dylan Banks faced a choice: Continue with dialysis or try for a kidney transplant.

Dylan had already undergone more than a year of dialysis, a filtering process that removed waste and extra fluids from his blood. Each dialysis treatment took almost four hours, three days every week, which interfered with school. And he missed certain foods he couldn’t eat.

Dialysis was necessary but wasn’t easy. That’s why Dylan decided to pursue a transplant at the recommendation of Cook Children’s nephrologist Randa Razzouk, M.D., M.S., a specialist in kidneys and high blood pressure. In February 2026 he was placed on a national waiting list for a kidney from a deceased donor.

He didn’t wait long. On March 17, 2026, the Cook Children’s Kidney Transplant Program called to say an available kidney was a good match. Later that night Dylan underwent surgery at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth to receive the new kidney and a new lease on life.

“I feel very good. I can swim, I can eat, I can actually walk fully,” he said. ”Before, I was too weak and too tired. Now I feel energized.”

Dylan named his new kidney “Clover” in the spirit of the transplant occurring on St. Patrick’s Day. Another fun fact? Dylan was the 250th patient to receive a kidney transplant at Cook Children’s since the program started in 1993.

Dylan sets an alarm to remember to take his daily medications. He doesn’t know the name of his donor. But he’s very grateful and wants to do what he can to keep the kidney working. He would urge any teens on dialysis to consider if a transplant might be right for them.

“Your story isn’t over,” he said. “Don’t give up.”

The kidney transplant team at Cook Children’s involves pediatric surgeons, urologists, nephrologists, infectious disease doctors, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, child life specialists, dietitians and other experts in treating the unique needs of children and teens. Intensive follow-up helps ensure that the transplanted kidney functions properly.

To read more about Dylan's story and this incredible team, visit: https://shorturl.at/bAeQk

09/21/2026

September is known for having the highest risk of asthma attacks.
Asthma triggers are things that cause asthma symptoms. Your child may have one or many triggers. Protect your child from asthma flare-up by:
• Using a quality air filter on your heating/cooling system and change it monthly.
• Taking off your shoes when you enter the house to reduce tracking in pollen.
• Closing doors and windows during peak pollen times, between 5-10 a.m.
• Washing your hands frequently.
• Avoiding sick people.

Get resources and learn more at

Empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to prevent asthma attacks and improve quality of life.

09/17/2026

🎉 TODAY IS NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY! 🎉

We’re excited to partner with YOU to create moments of joy, hope, healing and magic for our patients and families. Give at the link in our comments now!

Every dollar you give today supports compassionate, life-saving care close to home for children in our community.

Give today here: https://shorturl.at/T0run

Can you believe it? 😭💙 We’ve already raised over $25,000 toward our $75,000 goal, and there are still 12 hours left today! Let’s make this a record-breaking year and show every child in North Texas that they matter. Donate today and your gift will be matched!

09/17/2026

North Texas Giving Day is TODAY! Every dollar raised on North Texas Giving Day will support the immediate needs of families seeking care for their children at our medical centers. Regardless of what's in their pocket or on their insurance card, families in our communities can count on us because we can count on you.
Donate today by visiting this link:
https://tinyurl.com/bdfa5t2e

09/16/2026

During ***dePreventionMonth, the Cook Children’s Behavioral Health team is sharing how they manage stress, calm their emotions and support one another—so they can better support you, too. 💙

Growing up in today’s world is hard and many children or teens may go through life experiences that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. As a parent or a caregiver, it can be hard to know when to ask for help.

Our Behavioral Health Center brings all services together in an expanded space that will provide a talented, dedicated team of caregivers, physicians and professionals with the facilities, resources, tools and programs they need to ensure that these most vulnerable children receive the high quality treatment they need and deserve.

To learn more, visit: https://www.cookchildrens.org/services/behavioral-health

09/15/2026

Cook Children's is proud to announce that five of our specialty programs earned national recognition on the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals list.

The recognition includes the 19th consecutive year that Cook Children's Neurology & Neurosurgery program has been nationally ranked. Notably, the program has appeared in the rankings every year since U.S. News and World Report introduced pediatric specialty rankings in 2008, reflecting nearly two decades of consistent excellence in caring for children and families.

Cook Children's was recognized in the following specialties:
• Behavioral Health (Top 50)
• Cancer (No. 41)
• Cardiology & Heart Surgery (No. 47)
• Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 36)
• Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 44)

Read more here: https://shorturl.at/CLtdT

09/14/2026

We’re growing to better serve our patients, families and staff with the expansion of our medical center in Fort Worth. These improvements will help us build a brighter, more magical future for everyone who walks through our doors.

As construction progresses, you may notice changes to parking and walking paths around campus. We know these adjustments can be inconvenient, and we’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way so your visit can be as smooth as possible.

Starting Monday, September 14, the intersection of 7th and Terrell Avenues will close to vehicular traffic through early January.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of transformation! To learn more about the latest updates, visit https://www.cookchildrens.org/construction

When visiting our Fort Worth campus, please allow extra time before your appointment to navigate these changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff before your visit—we’re here to help.

09/09/2026

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month where we honor the kids who are living with different types of cancer. This month wear gold and if you know a family with a child with cancer, reach out to serve, support and encourage them.
To learn more about different types of childhood cancer and the Cook Children’s Oncology Program click this link:

Cook Children's Oncology Program in Fort Worth and Prosper offers expert care for children with cancer. From advanced treatments like I-131 MIBG therapy to clinical trials, our team provides hope and healing for young patients. Learn more today.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Our office is closed, we hope you all are having an amazing long weekend!

09/04/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. Growing up in today's world can be hard. Many children and teens experience moments that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. It can be hard to know when to ask for help or where to find support. Cook Children's has identified resources to assist you and your family:

Growing up in today's world can be hard. Many children and teens experience moments that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. It can be hard to know when to ask for help or where to find support. Below are resources that Cook Children's has identified to assist you and your family...

09/01/2026

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month where we honor the kids who are living with different types of cancer. This month, wear gold and if you know a family with a child with cancer, reach out to serve, support and encourage them. To learn more about different types of childhood cancer and the Cook Children’s Oncology Program, learn more here:

Cook Children's Oncology Program in Fort Worth and Prosper offers expert care for children with cancer. From advanced treatments like I-131 MIBG therapy to clinical trials, our team provides hope and healing for young patients. Learn more today.

08/28/2026

Whether your child has already returned to school or is still preparing for their first day, we are here to help! If your child still needs their wellness check or sports physical, please make an appointment with us by calling our office or scheduling online.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to the pups who bring so much joy to our lives! Did you know that beyond being wonderful companions, interacting with dogs can boost wellness by reducing stress and anxiety? If you have a dog, make sure to give your loyal companion an extra treat today!