Out and about, Fall 2026

Moments from community events made possible by the Pediatrics team

Puzzles for Piper

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the DYNC1H1 Association (external link) hosted the 3rd Annual Puzzles for Piper (external link) Jigsaw Puzzle Competition to raise funds to support research and educational efforts into this disorder. Teams of four competed to see who could complete a 500 or 300-piece puzzle in the shortest time. Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Neurology Ardeene Francisco, MD, showed up to support, alongside friends and family.

STAR Day

The Short Bowel Syndrome Therapy And Rehabilitation (STAR) Team hosted its first annual STAR Day on August 15, bringing together pediatric patients, families, caregivers, and members of the care team for a morning focused on connection and community.

The event drew approximately 60 patients and family members, along with more than 20 physicians, medical students, and volunteers. Patients ranged in age from 1 to 19 years. Activities included a ball pit, slime station, Polaroid photo decorating, and STAR Team coloring books, with a special appearance by Topper, the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital mascot. Patients and families also received STAR Team T-shirts and customized reusable gastrostomy tube pads.

Established in 2011, the multidisciplinary STAR Team provides comprehensive intestinal rehabilitation management for pediatric patients with intestinal failure at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and UTHealth Houston. The team is led by Medical Director Essam M. Imseis, MD, professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and Surgical Director Allison L. Speer, MD, FACS, FAAP, associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery.

---