Mega Doctor News
Planned or unplanned, a hospital stay can be nerve-wracking for children due to the unfamiliar environments and unknown faces, separation from family and friends, the disruption of their daily routine and a fear of procedures.
Unfortunately, that stress can manifest emotionally, mentally and physically, which can negatively affect recovery and may lead to avoidance of future care if not addressed.
In the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System Children’s – the first dedicated pediatric facility and children’s emergency room in the four-county region –is dedicated to normalizing the hospital environment and helping children cope with their medical experiences for the littlest of patients and their families.
Through the facility’s Child Life Program, staff members at STHS Children’s collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, social workers and other healthcare team members to meet the social, emotional, developmental and recreational needs of patients and their families.
“By offering psychological and emotional support through age-appropriate education, therapeutic play and engaging activities that shift focus away from negative emotions, pain or worries during a child’s hospitalization, our Child Life Program plays an essential role in supporting child health and wellness in the hospital setting,” says Kim Davis, MBA, BSN, RN, Pediatric Administrator, STHS Children’s. “Throughout the hospitalization, our staff work to create a child-friendly environment through our pediatric playrooms, special events and recreational activities like arts and crafts to help minimize the immediate and long-term effects of stress, anxiety and psychosocial traumaand create positive patient experiences, which can help them on their healing journey.”
In its nearly 20-year history, STHS Children’s has been blessed to receive generous support from local businesses and community organizations to help children and their families effectively cope with the stress of hospitalization.Through their kind donations, the facility has been able to provide important patient, sibling and family support services, purchase soothing sensory equipment and patient-focused resources like art, music, recreational and animal-assisted therapy, diagnosis-specific education and therapeutic play.
Recently, the Auxiliary to South Texas Health System, STHS’ non-profit arm that manages contributions to the STHS Children’s Child Life program, received a special donation from Dutch Bros. for the third consecutive year.
As part of the drive-through coffee chain’s Buck for Kids Day – an annual initiative that gives back to children in communities across the United States – Dutch Bros. gives $1 from every drink sold to local nonprofits that mentor, support and better the lives of youth.
Following Buck for Kids Day on September 19, 2025, the Auxiliary to STHS received $14,150 from Dutch Bros.’ 13 Valley locations, a 32% increase from the $10,665 collected from the same locations in the previous year.
In all, Dutch Bros has donated more than $26,000 to STHS Children’s in the last three years.
“We’re all about making a difference at Dutch Bros, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in our community,” said local Dutch Bros. operator, John Darms. “Being able to give back to the patients and families hospitalized at STHS Children’s Hospital means the world to us.”
The Auxiliary to STHS will use the funds to continue providing essential programming through the STHS Children’s Child Life Program that helps children and their families feel safe, comfortable and heard during hospital stay.
“The STHS Children’s Child Life Program helps support children and their families during difficult times with the support of incredible community partners like Dutch Bros,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Their Buck for Kids initiative is a testament to the power of community; it proves that one day can make a significant difference in the lives of our patients. We’re grateful to Dutch Bros. and all the Rio Grande Valley residents who supported this worthy cause. Every dollar donated will directly benefit our patients at STHS Children’s by helping turn a stressful situation into a more positive experience.”
To learn more about STHS Children’s services, including the Child Life Program, visit www.sthschildrens.com.
