Texas Children's Heart Center

03/05/2026

“I think it helps kids to learn that someone else has been through it, too. They’re not alone.” ❤️

Nurse Practitioner Aubrey Campbell, Physician Assistant Lorrie Hill, and Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Thomas Glenn were all born with congenital heart defects. Having faced surgeries and hospital visits themselves, they now bring a unique understanding and compassion to the children and families they care for at Texas Children’s.

Their experiences help them guide patients, answer questions, and provide support every step of the way, showing children that challenges can be met with courage and hope.

Read the full story from the Houston Chronicle: http://ms.spr.ly/6179QgpoW. ❤️

03/01/2026

As Heart Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the moments that made this month so meaningful. ❤️✨

Throughout February, we celebrated the patients, families, and the extraordinary Heart Center teams who care for children of all ages and diagnoses. They are there for families at every stage of the journey, providing expert care and guidance.

Ranked the nation’s #1 children’s heart center for nine consecutive years, our experts treat even the rarest and most complex heart conditions, working to improve outcomes and make a difference in the lives of children and families every day. ❤️

02/27/2026

At 75, Catherine found hope and life-changing care at Texas Children’s ACHD Inpatient Unit. ❤️

Struggling with shortness of breath and a complex congenital heart condition, Catherine was referred to our team, where she and her daughter found experts ready to guide them through every step. 🩺

She underwent a complex surgery: left and right atrioventricular valve replacement, closure of a residual atrial septal defect, a coronary bypass graft, and placement of a dual-chamber pacemaker. Before surgery, our team helped her build strength and prepare for recovery, ensuring she could achieve the best possible outcome.

Catherine says, “From the moment we walked in, you could tell what has been built here is incredible. Everyone was kind, patient, and full of care.” Her daughter adds, “The unit is designed for families to be present, supported, and involved. It made all the difference.”

Today, Catherine is stronger, healthier, and feeling better than she has in over a decade—recently celebrating her 76th birthday and enjoying life with her daughter and family. 🎉

As we mark five years of our ACHD Inpatient Unit, stories like Catherine’s show why we built this space: to care for adults with congenital heart disease at every stage of life, with expertise and life-changing support. ❤️

Learn more about our Adult Congenital Heart Program: http://ms.spr.ly/6181Qj16F.

02/26/2026

When she was 20 weeks pregnant, Maci learned her son Sterling had a congenital heart condition. At Texas Children’s, specialists guided her family with a clear plan and support every step of the way. ❤️

After Sterling’s birth at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, our Heart Center team provided the care he needed. Maci also found comfort in Parent Pause, a program at the Heart Center that gives families space to recharge and connect with other parents on similar journeys away from the bedside.

“As a first-time mom, it was scary and overwhelming, but having a plan and a team guiding us made all the difference,” Maci shared.

Sterling has since celebrated his first birthday, continuing to grow and show just how resilient he is. 🌟

This Heart Month, we honor every child facing heart challenges and the dedicated teams who make healthier hearts and brighter futures possible at the nation’s #1 pediatric heart center. ❤️

Learn more about Texas Children’s Heart Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6177QbwQh.

02/20/2026

One heart transplant. One heart repair. Two brothers living life to the fullest. ❤️

When Brayden was just weeks old, his mom knew something wasn’t right. He was struggling to gain weight and was soon diagnosed with heart failure. He was rushed to Texas Children’s, where he received a life-saving heart transplant in 2016. Today, 10 years later, Brayden is back to being a kid, playing baseball and flag football.

Years later, Nolan’s journey began before he was even born. Diagnosed in utero with a heart condition, he was closely followed by Texas Children’s specialists from the very start. In 2025, he underwent a successful repair and is now doing great—learning baseball from his big brother and sharing everything from a room to an unbreakable bond.

Today, both Brayden and Nolan are able to continue their care close to home with the same heart expertise at Texas Children’s – Austin.

This Heart Month, we honor every child who faces heart challenges and the Texas Children’s teams whose dedication and world-class research make the nation’s #1 pediatric heart center a place for healthier hearts and brighter futures. ❤️

Learn more about Texas Children’s Heart Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6177QX8qH.

02/19/2026

Patients in the Heart Center had a heart-themed parade in honor of Heart Month, led by our facility dog, Noelle, rocking her fanciest heart-print outfit! ❤️🐾🐕‍🦺

The parade brought the fun right to each little heart warrior’s room—making sure everyone could join in, even from their hospital bed.

As the #1 pediatric heart center in the nation, our expert team provides world-class care for every little heart. Learn more about our Heart Center: http://ms.spr.ly/6187QVIw3.

02/17/2026

In recognition of Black History Month and American Heart Month, we are proud to recognize four outstanding team members whose work helps drive the success of the Heart Center at Texas Children’s.

Deitra Brown, director of Nursing, supports leaders in building well-prepared teams across inpatient and procedural areas—strengthening care through talent development, education, and training while elevating awareness of heart health in the Black community.

Andrea Sawyer-Gray, assistant director of Advanced Practice Providers, partners with teams to improve processes, safety, and standardization, empowering APPs to deliver high-quality care with every patient encounter.

Nicole Broussard, medical social worker, supports patients and families by strengthening emotional resilience, guiding them through complex cardiac journeys and promoting engagement in care.

Jessica Branch, business development liaison, builds partnerships that expand access to specialized heart care, helping ensure patients are connected to life-saving expertise without unnecessary delays.

Their leadership, compassion, and commitment bring our HEART values to life and strengthen the collaborative culture that defines how we care for children and families. ❤️

02/10/2026

Early detection gave Zekeriyah a healthy heart and a brighter childhood. ❤️

When he was a baby, Zekeriyah was diagnosed by cardiologist Dr. Christina Miyake with an extra electrical circuit in his heart—a condition that could put him at risk for life-threatening heart rhythm problems.

Dr. Miyake and her team provided personalized care, advanced procedures, and guidance informed by cutting-edge research. With careful monitoring and a safe ablation procedure, Zekeriyah is now able to enjoy a healthier, more active childhood.

“Seeing Zekeriyah and his family thrive—it’s why I chose this career,” Dr. Miyake says. “Knowing that what we do every day makes a difference in a child’s life, and a family’s life, is what keeps us going.”

This Heart Month, we honor every child who faces heart challenges and the Texas Children’s teams whose dedication and world-class research make the nation’s #1 pediatric heart center a place for healthier hearts and brighter futures. ❤️

Learn more about Texas Children’s Heart Center: https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/heart-center.

02/07/2026

Today, Texas Children’s Miracle Bridge is glowing red for National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart health. ❤️

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Being aware and taking action can make a life-saving difference.

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 children. Texas Children’s Heart Center, the nation’s #1 pediatric heart center, is treating the rarest and most complex heart conditions in children and adults with congenital heart disease.

Learn more about Texas Children’s world-class heart care: http://ms.spr.ly/6189Q3dHV. ❤️

01/26/2026

12/18/2025

All aboard the VAD Express. 🎄❤️

Our VAD team created a special experience for patients with heart pumps to come together, step away from routine care, and enjoy time filled with Christmas lights, holiday games, hot cocoa, and cookies.

The evening was made even more meaningful with a visit from Santa and an elf with a familiar face—Dr. Spinner, Medical Director of the Heart Failure and Transplant Program—reminding patients and families that heart care at Texas Children’s is also about connection and community.

Huge thank you to our VAD coordinators, nurses, PT/OT and medical personnel who made this event possible!

11/03/2025

Twenty years ago, Brady became the first patient at Texas Children’s to receive a Berlin Heart EXCOR at our Heart Center. ❤️

Born with aortic stenosis with severe left ventricular dysfunction, Brady’s journey began in utero when his parents, Becky and Brandon, learned of his heart condition. After a high-risk early birth and careful monitoring, Brady received his VAD on September 27, 2005. This groundbreaking procedure helped him gain strength, allowing him to have a successful heart transplant just two days later.

Today, Brady is 20 years old, and his family is proud of how this device has gone on to help so many children. To date, our Heart Center has performed more than 460 VAD implants, continuing to give hope and new beginnings to children and families facing serious heart conditions.

Learn more about Brady’s story and the #1 pediatric heart center in the nation: http://ms.spr.ly/6182tGYN8.