Even as a child growing up in Houston, Charlene Ault-Hallmark, RN BSN CCRP, knew that Texas Children's Hospital offered sick kids what she believed everyone should have-the best care possible. While she never visited Texas Children's as a patient, she has spent almost half of her adult life here as an employee.
"I always wanted to work with kids and families, and to this day, I love Texas Children's worldwide reputation for providing excellent family-centered care to so many diverse individuals."
Charlene has spent 21 of her 29 years as a registered nurse providing critical and emergency care at Texas Children's. She started working in the emergency center here in 1991 and now serves as a research nurse in the new Surgical Outcomes Center.
Time is not all that Charlene has given to Texas Children's. She has made financial contributions in memory of loved ones and in support of special programs like the Families Helping Families fund for employees. Because Charlene wanted to keep giving beyond her lifetime, she named the hospital as a beneficiary in her will. Charlene's gift will support an area of great importance to her and to the quality of care we provide at Texas Children's-spiritual care.
"Not only does Texas Children's provide compassionate holistic care for children and families, the hospital takes care of its employees. Texas Children's ministers to our needs while we are helping patients and families to cope with critical illness, pain, trauma and loss."
Charlene's own spirituality, along with her family upbringing, has influenced her cheerful giving to Texas Children's. "My parents always made me feel like I had everything I needed and that I could and should give to others. The Bible taught me how to give." She hopes her example will in turn inspire others, including her two daughters, her grandson and future grandchildren, to carry on her family's legacy of giving.
Working at Texas Children's has allowed Charlene to see firsthand the many needs in the hospital and how philanthropic support helps to meet those needs. For Charlene, philanthropy is another way to make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of children and families. As a new member of the J.S. and Lillie Abercrombie Society, she's learning even more about the impact of her gifts. She's also connecting with others who share her philosophy of giving.
"I give because I believe in Texas Children's."