A Team for All Seasons: Purpose Drives Texas Children’s Philanthropy Team
In December, a sense of goodwill fills the air. It’s a time when many reflect on the year and consider ways to make a positive difference. At Texas Children’s Hospital, benevolence isn’t seasonal; facilitating the generosity of our community is at the core of everything our Philanthropy team does, all year round. This team of dedicated professionals works tirelessly to gather the support that makes so much of Texas Children’s life-changing work possible. Below, we explore what drives them—why they do what they do and how they find meaning in making an impact.
Strengthening Care for Children and Families
The mission of the Texas Children’s Hospital Philanthropy team is to connect those with a giving heart to the work that Texas Children’s does every day. Whether through corporate donations, individual gifts or community fundraising events, the team’s goal is to inspire others to contribute to a mission that ensures women, children and their families receive the best possible care, regardless of their circumstances.
Texas Children’s offers many ways for people to get involved—from supporting nursing education through the Ambassadors program to organizing community fundraising events. But behind these initiatives lies the heart of the team—the people who make it all happen.
Darry Hearon: In Tribute to Mental Health Support
For Darry Hearon, philanthropy advisor with the Major Giving team, the journey to philanthropy has been personal. As the service line liaison for behavioral health at Texas Children’s, Darry has focused his efforts on supporting the psychology, psychiatry and developmental pediatrics departments—areas that resonate deeply with him.
“I knew that it would be a way to shed light on her memory,” Darry says, reflecting on his great aunt’s battle with schizophrenia, a condition that affected her life significantly and led to her disappearance for many years. Darry’s work is his tribute to her memory, and to others struggling with mental health challenges. “It’s very hard to come by someone who hasn’t been touched by mental health issues. It’s fulfilling and humbling work.”
Darry’s background in music and his time working with the Houston Ballet taught him the importance of connecting with people, and he uses that understanding to create meaningful relationships with donors. His dedication to supporting behavioral health programs at Texas Children’s is both professional and profoundly personal.
Ann Saye: A Voice Behind the Scenes
Ann Saye, senior managing editor for Philanthropy, may not be on the frontline of donor meetings, but her work provides essential support for the entire team. “There are a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes people—database, research, communications—supporting our frontline fundraisers,” Ann says, emphasizing the vital yet often unseen input of many on the team.
With nearly 26 years at Texas Children’s, Ann has spent her career telling the hospital’s story in a multitude of ways—from writing donor reports and proposals to writing and editing for publications to preparing scripts and other communications for major events. “The writing team tries to review everything that goes out the door to ensure strong, consistent messaging,” she notes. The impact of their contributions is significant, helping the broader Philanthropy team share the hospital’s story effectively with donors and supporters.
Ann, whose father was a doctor and mother a long-time volunteer for various groups, always knew she wanted to work in the Texas Medical Center, which felt like a second home. “Texas Children’s mission resonates with so many people — writing about helping children and families and caring for the sickest of the sick is an honor,” she says. Our core mission keeps her motivated and connected to her work every day.
Cameron Carlin: Bringing the Community Together
Community Event Specialist Cameron Carlin brings the community into Texas Children’s mission through a wide range of events and initiatives. Cameron manages everything from small fundraisers like lemonade stands to large-scale community events like the Spirit Halloween campaign, which raised half a million dollars last year.
Cameron’s connection to Texas Children’s is also rooted in family. “My cousin had brain cancer and was treated at our cancer and hematology center,” Cameron recalls. “It was a scary time for my family, but the relationships and quality of care the doctors, nurses and staff extended to our family really showed what Texas Children’s is all about.”
His background in sports philanthropy, working with organizations like the Houston Astros and the Spurs, taught him about the power of community. Today, he applies those lessons to ensure every community member who contributes—no matter the amount—feels connected and valued. “We rely on our community out there. They tell our story and fight for our patients and families,” Cameron explains. His enthusiasm and genuine appreciation for the community are evident in everything he does.
Teresa Kaiser: Deepened Purpose Through Loss
For Teresa Kaiser, major giving philanthropy advisor at Texas Children’s, her passion for philanthropy was reinforced by a personal experience of loss. Teresa’s twins were born prematurely, and her family faced challenges that many parents of NICU babies endure. One of her daughters passed away after just ten days, while the other stayed in the NICU for months. Teresa has recordings of both girls’ heartbeats, thanks to the Child Life team and those who give.
“I got to be on the receiving end of the kind of compassionate services supported by donors,” Teresa says, acknowledging the significance of philanthropic initiatives at Texas Children’s like NICU family parking support, free books from the Patient/Family library and our Butterfly Bereavement Room. “My experiences really reminded me why I do what I do,” she shares.
Today, she works to help donors, some of whom are also navigating loss or challenges, to channel their experiences into something that can bring hope and support to others. Whether it’s funding a new piece of life-saving equipment or creating a comforting space for families, Teresa works tirelessly to connect donors with causes that matter to them.
Jonas Chin: Building Bridges with Businesses
Jonas Chin, a corporate philanthropy advisor, joined Texas Children’s to help build relationships with the business community. Having previously worked in higher education and a social good tech startup, Jonas was drawn to Texas Children’s mission to improve maternal and child health and to ensure no one is turned away.
“I wanted to do everything I could to encourage others to support great causes,” Jonas says, sharing how he first got into fundraising. He and his team focus on building corporate partnerships that align business goals with Texas Children’s mission. These partnerships range from corporate volunteerism to cause marketing initiatives to philanthropic giving and can also include sponsorships or in-kind donations.
Jonas’s personal connection to Texas Children’s mission deepened after he became a father to twin daughters. “It turns out that the phrase, ‘It takes a village’ is quite true,” Jonas notes. His experience navigating early parenthood, supported by the Texas Children’s community, gave him an even greater appreciation for the work he and the team do. It’s this connection that makes his role more than just a job.
A Team That Supports One Another Like a Family
What makes the Philanthropy team at Texas Children’s unique is not just their individual passion, but the way they come together as a unit. “We truly are a family. I’ve never seen a group come together so quickly to lend support or encouragement,” Teresa says of her colleagues.
Whether it’s celebrating weddings and new babies or supporting one another through losses, the support they provide for each other is mirrored in the work they do for children and families. The Philanthropy team members share a collective commitment to improving the lives of patients at Texas Children’s that goes beyond everyone’s unique “why.” Their collaborative spirit is evident in every proposal written, every community event managed and every corporate partner engaged.
Be the Difference: Join Us at Texas Children’s
The Philanthropy team at Texas Children’s is driven by passion, purpose and a sense of community. They are committed to making sure that every gift—big or small—makes a difference for the children, women and families who need it most.
This December, as we reflect on the past year and the ways we can contribute, consider joining Texas Children’s mission. Whether by donating, participating in a community event or becoming an ambassador, there are many ways to Make the Difference.
And if you’re looking for a career that matters, a career where you can truly Be the Difference, we invite you to explore opportunities to join our team. Explore careers at Texas Children’s and see how you can be a part of making an impact every day.
