dell children's medical center of texas
Seton Family of Hospitals
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2010 Funding Priorities

Donations of any size will support the program of your choice, or, your gift may be unrestricted to go to the area of greatest need.

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Intraoperative MRI ( iMRI)
Funding Need: $1,500,000
This advanced imaging technology will make the removal of brain tumors faster and safer for our young patients by clearly showing where a tumor begins and normal tissue ends during surgical procedures. Surgeons using an iMRI can verify that a child’s entire tumor has been removed prior to ending the surgery – eliminating the necessity of additional operations. In addition, the iMRI will be used to conduct research on the causes of autism and epilepsy to further our understanding of devastating conditions in children. Dell Children’s is one of only 5 pediatric hospitals in the country to have an iMRI. Your gift will help bring this revolutionary technology to Central Texas. 

MEG (Magnetoencephlograph)
Funding Need: $1,000,000
Non-invasive, real-time brain mapping is one of the most exciting developments in neurosciences today. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgery is an increasingly common alternative and MEG technology can help locate epileptogenic zones which are the source of the child’s seizures. Research opportunities include improved outcomes for mild brain trauma; psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression; learning disorders such as dyslexia and normal cognitive functions underlying memory and language. Your gift will help children and contribute to cutting edge research.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
Funding Need: $600,000
The new Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Dell Children’s will be a specialized six-bed unit designed to evaluate, diagnose, and treat seizures in children and adolescents. Staffed with specially trained medical, nursing, and technical personnel, the EMU is equipped with computerbased monitoring equipment expressly designed for the evaluation of seizure disorders. With your help we can treat children with epilepsy and return them to their homes and schools to grow and thrive.

Orthopedics

The Children's Bone, Joint and Spine Center
The Center is comprised of specialists with the highest level of training and experience in treating many orthopedic conditions in children and adolescents; from simple to complex.  Our multi-disciplinary team of experts uses the latest technology, surgical procedures and rehabilitation methods for the treatment of children's bone and joint problems.  This dedicated group of felloship trained physicians, as well as therapists and nurses provide comprehensive care and treatment for a wide array of orthopedic injuries and conditions, such as spine disorders, clubfeet, sports injuries, cerebral palsy and more.

Cardiac Care

ECMO Technology (advanced capability to treat cardiac patients)
Funding Need: $500,000
The Regional Heart Program at Dell Children’s provides specialized medical and surgical care for children with congenital and acquired heart disease. Our exceptional team of pediatric cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons works with our pediatric critical care team to offer a full spectrum of care through diagnostic procedures, surgical expertise, and follow-up care. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation capability (ECMO) will soon be available for newborns and children whose heart and lungs need time to grow or heal following complex surgeries. Specialized operating room equipment will mean that more and more children with heart disease can be treated right here in Central Texas. Your gift can help bring the newest and most effective cardiac interventions to our young patients.

Obesity Treatment and Prevention

The Texas Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity
Funding Need: $350,000
More and more children in Central Texas are overweight and obese. The Texas Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity at Dell Children’s Medical Center will provide these children and their families with a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach including physical therapy, nutrition, psychology and medications, if needed. Already underway, the Healthy Living, Happy Living Program, a nine week intervention class, represents the first phase of the evolving Childhood Obesity Center initiative. It provides the tools children and their families need to eat well, be more active, and to believe in themselves. Partner with us to reverse the trend of obesity in Central Texas as we work with children and their families who want to change.

Mental Health 

The Texas Child Study Center
Funding Need: $500,000
A critical shortage of mental health services for children and adolescents exists in our community. This affects teens and children with depression, bi-polar diagnosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and autism. Mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible. But can you imagine how devastating it is to want help for your child and face a waiting list of several months? The Texas Child Study Center, a program of Dell Children’s Medical Center in collaboration with the Educational Psychology Department at the University of Texas at Austin, opened in September 2008 to help meet the needs of our community. In its first year of operation the center served 700 patients and volumes are increasing. With your help we can do even more to help children and teens before their illness threatens to ruin their lives.

Cancer and Blood Disorders 

The LIVESTRONG ™ Survivorship Center
Funding Need: $200,000
The news about childhood cancer is getting better and better. Important changes in the treatment of childhood cancer have resulted in significant increases in survival rates which are currently at 70%. The Cancer and Blood Disorders Program at Dell Children’s specializes in the care of leukemias, brain tumors, and other pediatric cancers as well as sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and other childhood blood disorders. The LIVESTRONG ™ Survivorship Center works with children and teens who have completed treatment. Many pediatric cancer survivors are at risk for physical and psychological issues related to cancer and its therapy. These “late effects” may include problems with internal organs, bones, fertility, learning, and emotional behavior. Help us improve outcomes for our brave young cancer patients and survivors.

Bone Marrow Transplant Program
Funding Need: $100,000
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a special therapy for patients with cancer or other diseases. It is a highly specialized procedure that involves taking cells normally found in the bone marrow (stem cells), filtering those cells, and giving them back either to the patient or to another person. The goal of BMT is to transfuse healthy bone marrow cells into a person after their own unhealthy bone marrow has been eliminated. Bone marrow transplant operations will soon be possible at Dell Children’s Medical Center. This notable achievement means that patients and their families will no longer need to leave Central Texas to receive this treatment. Your generosity can help bring this life-saving program to Dell Children’s.

Craniofacial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

The Craniofacial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Center
Funding Need: $150,000
This Center serves the complex needs of children born with deformities of the face or skull or those who have suffered a trauma.The center offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive care that truly transforms lives, not just appearances. Says a patient’s father “The reconstructive surgery that was performed on my daughter’s face completely changedhher life and our life along with hers.” Specialists from numerous disciplines (such as reconstructive orthodontics, genetics, ophthalmology, speech pathology, nutrition, social work, and physical therapy) work together to meet the multiple needs of each patient at every stage of their lives. Help our talented team change the lives of even more children. 

Critical Care

NICU and PICU
Funding Need: $125,000
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Dell Children’s care for our smallest and most vulnerable patients. Skilled pediatricians, specialists, nurses, and staff care for the diverse medical needs of these infants and children. Private and spacious rooms offer controlled sound and light to aid in healing. Our smallest and most vulnerable patients depend on the generosity of our community to provide the highest level of care.

Trauma services
Funding Need: $150,000
Traumatic injuries disable and kill more children than all other diseases combined. Dell Children’s Medical Center is a Level One Pediatric Trauma Center, one of only 17 in the nation. We use Telemedicine technology to transmit our pediatric specialists’ expertise to other hospitals that receive young patients. This enables immediate care to children in outlying areas during that “golden hour” when care is critical to save lives. We then stabilize and transport children, if necessary, to Dell Children’s. Trauma Services also includes the Injury Prevention Program to educate families on child safety. We also participate in research to drive changes in the practice of trauma care. Our trauma patients depend on people like you who help us provide the highest level of care.

Child Life Services

Creative Arts Therapy Program
Funding Need: $100,000
Part of Dell Children’s expertise is the ability to meet the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the hospitalized child and their family. Our trained Child Life specialists help children to understand their diagnosis and treatment, reduce anxiety, express their feelings, and increase their ability to cope and heal. One young patient started crying when she was told she could go home, saying she wasn’t ready to leave “The Get Well Hotel.” A Creative Arts Therapy Program will incorporate music and art to enhance emotional self-expression and to promote healing.