CHRISTUS Health celebrates $200,000 gift to support pediatric emergency care

CHRISTUS Health celebrated a transformative $200,000 gift from Panda Express through Children’s Miracle Network, funding Panda Cares Center of Hope pediatric emergency rooms and specialized equipment across the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System, serving the communities of Beaumont, Jasper, Orange, Mid-County and surrounding areas.

Designed with colorful décor, panda-themed artwork and child-friendly features, the rooms help create a welcoming and reassuring environment for young patients during emergency visits.

“We are deeply thankful for Panda Express and its continued commitment to the children and families we serve,” said Caralee Thompson, Children’s Miracle Network program manager, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation. “A child’s life can change in an instant when an unexpected illness or injury leads to an emergency department visit. These Panda Cares Center of Hope rooms create a comforting environment where children have access to resources supporting not only their physical healing, but also their emotional, spiritual and psychological well-being.”

In addition to the room enhancements, the Panda Cares Centers of Hope are equipped with specialized, personal pediatric resources designed to improve care and reduce anxiety for children and their families. These enhancements include AccuVein, vein finders to help clinicians locate veins more easily and reduce needle sticks, Buzzy Bee devices to ease discomfort during procedures, pediatric crash carts stocked with child-sized emergency equipment and protective stretcher bumper pads to improve safety and comfort. The initiative also supports Touch2Play gaming systems, Nintendo Switch devices and in-room entertainment systems providing age-appropriate distractions and a sense of normalcy during emergency visits.

“This investment will have a meaningful impact on the pediatric patients and families we serve throughout Southeast Texas,” said Jenny Kelly, emergency department director, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. “By providing specialized pediatric-friendly spaces and equipment, Panda Express is helping us deliver more compassionate, personalized care when children need it most.”

Panda Express is one of the fastest-growing partners for Children’s Miracle Network. One of the primary drivers of the company’s growth is the culture of giving fostered by their co-founders and co-CEOs. Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Before asking guests to contribute, Panda Express first encouraged giving among its associates, establishing philanthropy as a core part of its culture. That commitment reflects the company’s dedication to being a responsible steward of funds donated by both associates and guests.