Benefactors

Jan and Dan Duncan

Houston businessman Dan Duncan and Texas Children's Hospital trustee, Jan Duncan, have announced a landmark $50 million commitment to support the creation and development of the new Texas Children’s Neurological Research Institute.  Their gift, the largest ever given to the hospital, will fund collaborative research, education and identification of new treatments for disorders including autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, as well as learning disorders.  

“The Duncans’ gift will help realize a vision of unparalleled promise and sets a new standard for philanthropy at Texas Children’s–one that will help propel all of our projects forward at an incredible pace,” said Mark A. Wallace, president and chief executive officer of Texas Children’s Hospital.  “I cannot even put into words how immensely grateful we are for this amazing contribution. Jan and Dan truly believe in our calling to heal sick children, and they are building a beautiful legacy for generations to come.”

Anthony and Cynthia Petrello

Anthony Petrello, a member of the Texas Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees, and his wife, Cynthia, have launched a fundraising effort to establish the new Texas Children’s Neurological Research Institute, a research-based center of excellence in pediatric neurosciences.  With their $5 million private donation, one of the largest philanthropic commitments in the hospital’s history, the Petrello's gift will help create a facility that combines clinical, educational and research programs focused on children with mental or neurological disorders.  Watch "A Vision for Texas Children's Neurological Research Institute" video.

Blue Bird Circle

Founded in Houston in 1923, the Blue Bird Circle is an organization of women volunteers dedicated to community improvement through acts of charity and service.  The section receives invaluable support from the organization through its sponsorship of the Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology, the Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory, and the Blue Bird Circle Rett Center.  Blue Bird volunteers raise over $1 million annually and contribute over 100,000 hours of service each year in support of neurological research and patient care.

The Gordon and Mary Cain Pediatric Neurology Research Foundation

The Gordon and Mary Cain Pediatric Neurology Research Foundation Laboratories were established in 1992 to conduct research into the underlying causes of epilepsy and other disorders of neurological development.  Through the generous financial support of the late Houston businessman and philanthropist, Gordon Cain, the Laboratories have generated significant discoveries relating to neurological function and disease, and are able provide multidisciplinary training for a new generation of neuroscientists.