Over three years ago, Chris and Jenny’s son, Keane, was born with a cleft lip and palate. Without surgeries, Keane would have had trouble eating and speaking. He was treated by Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s pediatric plastic surgery team.
“When we decided to raise money through the Dreambuilders Foundation, we had no doubt that we wanted these funds to go to the pediatric plastic surgery program at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital,” said Jenny Myers. “We wanted other families to share the incredible experience that the outstanding team provided for our son, Keane. The opportunity to assist families in easing the financial burden that comes along with cleft surgeries is extremely humbling.”
Guests at the event were asked to make a contribution to the Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program in lieu of a going away present for the Myers, who are moving to Philadelphia this summer. As a gift to the Myers, patients from Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital painted a keepsake plate, which reads “thank you” and shows a decorated landscape.
“The Myers’ generosity has assisted a number of families who otherwise might not have had access to the procedures needed to help their children,” said Matthew Greives, MD, craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeon affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Our department operates like a family, and the Myers have been an integral part of that family for many years now. We wish them all the best in their upcoming move. Their compassionate hearts will be missed.”
Also in attendance at the event were Susie Distefano, Senior Vice President and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and John Teichgraeber, MD, Co-Director of the Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Clinic at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and professor in the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at McGovern Medical School.