This holiday season, we celebrate the extraordinary expertise, compassion and lifesaving work of health care professionals in Texas hospitals. Every day, these dedicated individuals provide critical care, comfort and hope, making a profound difference for patients, families and their communities.
To honor their remarkable contributions, THA is highlighting stories of health care heroes whose skills, courage and compassion have saved lives, inspired families and strengthened their communities. Join us in celebrating these exceptional professionals and the incredible impact they make every day in hospitals across Texas.
Medical City Dallas
Transplant Team
Six lives are forever connected through an extraordinary act of generosity at Medical City Dallas Hospital. A remarkable three-way kidney exchange brought together six patients – three selfless living donors and three grateful recipients – whose journeys culminated in a powerful reunion on Veterans Day. Among them was Medical City Healthcare colleague Angela Arriaga and her husband, Frankie, a U.S. Navy veteran whose life was saved through the exchange. This emotional gathering celebrated the gift of life, the strength of human connection and the life-changing expertise of the Medical City Dallas Transplant team, whose compassion and clinical excellence made this rare and inspiring exchange possible. Read the full story here.
St. Luke’s Baptist Health System Hospital
NICU Team
After spending nearly her entire first year of life in the NICU, baby Kamillia Peralta is finally home—just in time to celebrate her first Christmas with family. Born with a rare congenital condition called omphalocele, Kamillia spent 305 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital, where her strength and resilience inspired everyone who cared for her. Through countless challenges, Kamillia defied the odds, supported by her mother’s unwavering faith and the compassionate, expert care of the NICU team. Her homecoming is a powerful reminder of hope, perseverance and the miracles made possible through exceptional neonatal care.
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
Mary de la Garza
Mary de la Garza, a dedicated charge nurse at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, leads a heartfelt program that honors veterans and their families who visit the hospital. Through her compassionate leadership, Mary ensures those who have served our country feel seen, appreciated and respected for their sacrifice, bringing dignity and gratitude to every interaction. Her commitment extends beyond clinical care to creating meaningful recognition and support for military patients and their loved ones. Mary’s unwavering dedication and genuine respect for service members make her a trusted advocate and a beacon of honor within the hospital community. Read the full story here.
CHRISTUS Children’s
PICU and ENT Teams
Sixteen-year-old Alé Ramirez’s life was forever changed after a routine illness rapidly became a life-threatening emergency. When he arrived at CHRISTUS Children’s, a swift response by the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit team, led by Dr. Arjun Chandran and Dr. Mark Boston, revealed a rare and aggressive infection, necrotizing fasciitis. Through multiple surgeries, weeks in a medically induced coma and intensive rehabilitation, Alé fought his way back to health with the unwavering support of his care team. Today, Alé has returned to school and sports, crediting the expertise, compassion and constant communication of the CHRISTUS Children’s team with saving his life and restoring his future.
Cook Children’s Medical Center
Heart Center and Research Teams
After being told “no” by hospitals across the country, a Georgia family found hope at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Born with two rare and complex heart conditions, newborn Anna Claire Beavers required surgeries many deemed too risky to attempt. Guided by pioneering research and the expertise of cardiologist Kevin Wilkes, M.D., and surgeon Vincent Tam, M.D., the Cook Children’s Heart Center team stepped forward. Anna Claire successfully underwent two critical open-heart surgeries and is now a thriving 8-month-old back home in Georgia. Her remarkable journey reflects the courage, innovation and compassionate excellence that define Cook Children’s commitment to giving every child a chance at a healthy future. Watch the full story here.
University Health
Limb Salvage Clinic
In response to a growing public health crisis, University Health has launched an innovative, multidisciplinary clinic focused on preventing diabetic limb amputations. After national attention highlighted San Antonio as the “diabetic foot amputation capital of the world,” a new team of cardiologists, podiatrists and specialists came together with a shared mission: intervene earlier and treat patients more holistically. By developing coordinated care plans that address circulation, wound care and underlying cardiovascular disease, the team is helping patients avoid life-altering amputations and preserve mobility. This groundbreaking approach reflects University Health’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and improving outcomes for some of the community’s most vulnerable patients. Read the full story here.
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth
Kathryn Callahan
At Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth, NICU nurse Kathryn Callahan brings joy and comfort to the hospital’s tiniest patients with her heartfelt tradition of crocheting holiday hats and costumes for every baby in the unit. More than just handmade outfits, Kathryn’s creations, paired with her own cheerful photos, bring smiles and treasured memories to families during challenging times. Her thoughtful dedication goes beyond clinical care, adding moments of warmth, celebration and human connection for parents and caregivers alike. Kathryn’s compassion and creativity embody the spirit of family-centered care, making the NICU a brighter place for babies and their loved ones all year round. Read the full story here.
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd
Emergency Department, Cardiac Cath Lab team and Dr. Tyler Straach
Bo Rogers’ life was saved through extraordinary teamwork and unwavering determination at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd. After suffering a near-fatal cardiac arrest, Bo was rushed to the ER, where paramedics and the emergency team fought for 48 minutes to revive him with relentless life-saving measures. Led by Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Tyler Straach, the team refused to give up, ultimately restoring Bo’s heartbeat and transferring him to the cardiac cath lab for a critical procedure. Against all odds, Bo survived without brain damage and later returned to thank the “stubborn heroes” who saved his life. His remarkable recovery stands as a powerful testament to faith, perseverance and exceptional care.
Ascension’s Dell Children’s Medical Center
Dell Children’s Pediatric Heart Transplant Team
At Ascension’s Dell Children’s Medical Center, two sisters from San Antonio, Harper and Heidi Gaffney, shared an extraordinary journey of courage and healing, each receiving a life-saving heart transplant just weeks apart. Facing a rare genetic heart condition, the girls underwent advanced care that included mechanical heart support and ultimately transplant surgery performed by the hospital’s expert pediatric cardiac team. Their resilience, mutual support and the compassionate care they received reflect Dell Children’s commitment to excellence and hope for families confronting the most complex challenges. Today, both sisters are thriving, pursuing their dreams and inspiring others facing serious health battles. Read the full story here.
Valley Baptist Medical Center–Harlingen
In 2025, Valley Baptist Medical Center–Harlingen proudly marked 100 years of care, compassion and service to the Rio Grande Valley. During a centennial celebration with community leaders, the hospital reflected on its humble beginnings in 1925 and its evolution into one of the region’s most trusted health care providers. The milestone event honored generations of caregivers, volunteers and patients while unveiling a new logo symbolizing faith, unity and the health system’s enduring mission. With the installation of historical panels in the South Tower Lobby, Valley Baptist–Harlingen is preserving its rich legacy while looking ahead to the next century of compassionate, patient-centered care.
UT Health East Texas
Labor and Delivery (Maternity) Teams
This holiday season, babies born at UT Health East Texas are leaving the hospital with a special keepsake: a festive Christmas stocking embroidered with the UT Health East Texas logo. The tradition, shared with new mothers at facilities in Tyler, Athens, Jacksonville and Henderson, adds a personal touch to the joy of welcoming a newborn. Families often treasure the stockings for years, fondly recalling how tiny their little one once was. Through thoughtful gestures like this, UT Health East Texas celebrates new life, spreads holiday cheer and creates lasting memories for families during one of the most magical times of the year.
El Paso Children’s Hospital
Craniosynostosis and Cranial/Facial Surgery Team
From the very beginning of his life, baby Giorgio Oravetz’s journey of healing began at El Paso Children’s Hospital. Diagnosed with craniosynostosis shortly after birth, Giorgio received expert, minimally invasive surgery from the hospital’s renowned cranial and facial team, led by Drs. David Yates and Ziyad Makoshi. Just months after surgery, Giorgio and his family traveled to Rome, where Pope Leo personally blessed the little fighter – a miraculous moment of faith and hope. Giorgio continues to grow stronger each day, wearing his corrective helmet, a testament to the life-changing expertise, compassion and dedication of El Paso Children’s Hospital.
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