McLANE CHILDREN’S: DONOR SPOTLIGHT
It’s the Little Things
Donors help create a positive experience for patients and families at McLane Children’s
Ann and Bill Messer of Belton know
first-hand the struggles many families face
when a child needs specialized care. Their
own son, Andrew, was treated for a rare
medical disorder more than 30 years ago.
“Andrew received excellent care at Scott &
White,” Mrs. Messer says. “It was close to
home, so we were surrounded by family
during an extremely difficult time. We want
to make sure families have that same type
of support available when they’re worried
about their sick child.”
In memory of their son, who passed
away before the age of one, and in honor
of their grandchildren, the Messers are
dedicated to making sure children in
Central Texas have access to everything
they need to grow and develop, both
physically and mentally, into their own
entirely unique selves.
The Messers are particularly passionate
about the Ronald McDonald Family Room
and other programs at McLane Children’s
that help ease the stress that comes with
a health crisis. “We feel that families play
such a vital role in a child’s treatment,” Mrs.
Messer says. “Parents need those
resources and conveniences so they
don’t have to worry about anything
except supporting their child.”
The attention McLane Children’s
gives to the child’s experience is also
important to Mr. and Mrs. Messer.
“Imagine you’re a toddler, and you
don’t feel good or you’re in pain,
and you don’t understand what’s
happening. In everything they do,
McLane Children’s tries to make it less
frightening, which is key in making
that child feel safe and loved while all
these stressful things are happening around
them,” Mrs. Messer says.
“Our area is so blessed to have a great
children’s hospital,” Mrs. Messer says. “We
feel privileged that in these small ways we
can be part of something so important.”
Ann and Bill Messer
McLANE CHILDREN’S: PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITY
Are You a Grandparent?
Celebrate the joy of being a grandparent by joining Grandparents’ Club!
Calling all Grandmas, Grandpas,
Nonnas, Papaws, Grammies, and
Grampys! (Honorary or grandparents-to-be
are also welcome!) You’re invited to join this
exclusive group of supporters by making a
special gift to honor your grandchildren and
show them what it means to help others.
Every child who enters McLane
Children’s is someone’s precious grandchild.
Through your gift to the Grandparents’ Club,
you are helping children throughout Central
Texas, and the ones closest to your heart,
by ensuring that they have everything they
need to grow up strong and healthy.
Impact
Since its inception in 2011, the
Grandparents’ Club has funded specialty
recliners for patient rooms, kitchen items,
and much needed medical equipment.
In 2018, the Grandparents’ Club raised
funds for two bi-pap machines to provide
non-invasive respiratory support to children
who are having difficulty breathing, helping
them avoid a breathing tube. The machines
help children take deep breaths by pushing
air into the lungs.
Annual gifts at various levels can help
purchase items ranging from diapers for
NICU patients, to therapy supplies, to larger
equipment such as a distraction station or
specialized wheelchair.
Benefits
When you join Grandparents’ Club,
we will send a personalized letter to your
grandchildren to let them know a gift was
made in their honor. You’ll receive a 30%
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE CENTRAL TEXAS FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2019
discount at the McLane Children’s Starflower
Gift shop and have access to educational
opportunities, such as CPR and summer
safety training. You and your grandchildren
will also be invited to exclusive Grandparents’
Club experiences, like service projects, movie
nights, and character meet-and-greet events.
To learn more about Grandparents’
Club and how you can get involved, please
contact Rachel Clark at 254.899.3776.
Save the date!
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Celebrate National Grandparents’ Day
with an exclusive Grandparents’ Club
event for you and your grandchildren!