News Releases

Holiday Cheer Abounds at Memorial Hermann

Houston, Texas, December 25, 2002 -- Everyone at Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital was thrilled by the holiday visit from radio station 93Q Country DJ Johnnie Ray as he delivered Holy Bears to patients just in time for the holidays. Taking care to visit each child personally, Ray seemed as elated as the young patients and their families as he passed out the soft, colorful, embroidered bears for two-plus hours.
   

Three-year-old Rebecca Bunch enjoys a special holiday delivery of her very own Holy Bear from 93Q Country DJ Johnnie Ray during the radio station’s visit to Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital.

"It was refreshing to see how energetic and genuine he was with every child," said Susan Pastor, vice president of Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital. "He took his time with everyone whom he encountered and went beyond just making the patients happy, as he visited with families and staff between each room visit."

An anonymous donor approached 93Q Country to request the bears be delivered to children who are hospitalized and going through other such turmoil during the holidays. The station then contacted Memorial Hermann as soon as the shipment of Holy Bears arrived to schedule the holiday visit.

A universal symbol of happiness and warmth, more bears were in order for the ninth annual Hug-A-Bear event at Memorial Hermann's University Place Retirement and Nursing Center. During the event, stuffed toy bears, donated over the past few weeks by University Place residents, were distributed to children from Small Steps Nurturing Center, a facility for economically-at-risk children. Each bear was presented to the children with a hug from the many "grandparents" residing at University Place, and the children shared cookies they baked and cards they created with the seniors.

Finally, a visit from Toro, the Houston Texans mascot took place just a few days before Christmas at Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital. Sponsored by Emery Financial Group, the Texans energetic bull mascot made "rounds" room-to-room, followed by a party in the hospital's indoor park for all patients.

For more information, contact Media Relations.