Panda Cares Center of Hope opens at Texas Children's Hospital's medical center site

In partnership with Panda Express, Texas Children's Hospital celebrated the unveiling of two new facilities as part of a 10-year, $5.9 million commitment from the restaurant chain to bolster the hospital's exercise and rehabilitation program.

The partnership will also expand the hospital's palliative care program, according to a Nov. 3 press release.

The Panda Cares Center of Hope Cardiac Catheterization Labs is now open on the 20th floor of the Lester and Sue Smith Legacy Tower in the Texas Medical Center, 6651 Main St., Houston. In addition, the Panda Cares Center of Hope Therapy Gym opened on the 24th floor of the tower.

The Center of Hope provides programs that address children’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being, according to the release. A program called LAUNCH—or Learning And Understanding New Cardiac Habits—will provide Heart Center patients with space and resources for individualized exercise programs, nutritional guidance, and physical and occupational therapies. The donation also covers the addition of two full-time positions at Texas Children's to support health are wellness.

"People don’t really think about palliative care for children because, fortunately, most children are healthy," said Dr. Tammy Kang, chief of palliative care at Texas Children’s, in a statement. "But for those experiencing serious or chronic illnesses, our goal is to maximize quality of life while supporting parents and family members who are caring for them."

The donation from Panda Express is part of a broader effort by the chain that has involved donating more than $120 million to Children Miracle Network Hospitals across the country, said Da Wei Cheng, regional director of operations with Panda Express.

www.texaschildrens.org