Out and about, June 2026
Moments from community events made possible by the Pediatrics team
Big Splashy Day
On May 2, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Director of Community Pediatric Hospital Medicine Melissa Kwan, MD, and her team of enthusiastic volunteers hosted this free water-safety event for families with children ages 5 to 12. An estimated 80 people attended for activities and information on drowning prevention. Special thanks to medical student Morgan Marsh who recruited and coordinated volunteers.
Walk to End Lupus Now
Also on May 2, Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic Nurse Annjeanette Smith, RN, (pictured above with the CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (external link)) participated in the Walk to End Lupus Now held on the campus of Texas Southern University. The walk was one of numerous activities commemorating Lupus Awareness Month in May, including a Sneaker Ball, ambassador training, and World Lupus Day. The Pediatric Rheumatology Division
March for Babies
We did fundraising a little differently than in years past—and had great results! $2,266.26 raised through grassroots giving:
- $1,257.01 (55% of total) raised through the Division Challenge, i.e., individual online donation attributed to specific divisions
- $865.05 (38% of total) raised through Snack Carts that roamed through the UTHealth Houston Professional Building, the medical school building, JJL, and more
Many thanks to those who contributed and the team that led and supported these efforts: Ashley Willis, Joanie Hernandez, Suzanne Paramore, JoAnn Nguyen, and Christiana Sawiros.
The Department of Pediatrics showed outstanding support for March of Dimes March for Babies at Helix Park on April 26. Many members participated in the walk itself, despite warm weather.
