Q : Why are you so passionate about Baylor Scott & White ?
A : This is an outstanding institution , serving longstanding devoted patients from all over our city , state , and nation . The hospital plays a major role in the economy of this area , supplying tremendous job opportunities in Temple , Belton , and the surrounding areas . I personally know many of the doctors and administrators and how committed they are to their patients .
Q : Is any part of your passion driven by personal reasons ?
A : Many years ago in this hospital , I had a knee replacement that was expected to last ten years . It is nearing 20 years and still going strong , so it is no wonder I love my orthopedic surgeon . I had a massive heart attack and open-heart surgery with five bypasses , and I ’ m still going non-stop . I feel especially blessed .
Q : How long have you been working to support the hospital ?
A : I have been supporting Baylor Scott and White for more than 30 years . In 1981 , I brought my business , The RoseBud , to Temple . To benefit S & W , I began staging fabulous fashion shows at the Frank
Mayborn Convention Center . One hundred business and professional gentlemen dressed in black tuxedos served champagne to the 800 guests attending the Holiday Extravaganza , sponsored by the Yellow Birds Auxiliary of S & W . This annual October event benefitted the Critical Care Unit , Women ’ s Healthcare Research , and Children ’ s Miracle Network . It became the social event of the year .
Q : How did you get involved with McLane Children ’ s ?
A : I have a passion for children . At age eight , I spent 3½ months in the hospital with double pneumonia . There were five of us with this illness . I was the only survivor . So , having a children ’ s hospital for our area was very important to me . Nancy Birdwell , former president and CEO of Scott and White Healthcare Foundation , rallied to the cause and helped organize The Visionaries , a group of incredible women from this area who volunteer their time , talent , and influence in support of McLane Children ’ s Medical Center . This organization has helped to raise $ 2.5 million since its inception . McLane Children ’ s needs everyone ’ s support ! We are especially appreciative of the Drayton McLane family for their tremendous gifts .
Q : Why is McLane Children ’ s so important to the region ?
A : It is very important that families receive the best medical care for their children close to home . We know a family with three children in need of serious medical care , who were traveling to Texas Children ’ s Hospital in Houston . Parking costs alone reached nearly $ 100 per day . Lodging and food were above and beyond this expense . McLane Children ’ s offers the convenience of free parking , and the Ronald McDonald House is close by as a lodging alternative . This is a tremendous blessing for those who must travel in for care for their little ones .
Until recently , children were sent out of town for critically needed dialysis treatments . In 2015 , the Visionaries ’ Boots and Bandanas event raised enough money for two pediatric dialysis machines . Our children can now receive their sometimes daily treatments close to home .
The McLane Children ’ s team of doctors , nurses and staff are extremely dedicated to the children . They are bright , talented , and truly gifted people — always willing to go that extra mile . They are the best of the best ! Folks have absolutely no idea of the many miracles that take place within the walls of McLane Children ’ s Medical Center .
30 THE CATALYST Spring 17 | sw . org