Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation, Inc. proudly announces the completion of a multi-phased atrium beautification project at the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic (www.vanniecookchildrensclinic.org). The project was a collaborative effort of members and volunteers of the South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalists (www.southtexasborder.wixsite.com/txmn) and the Deep South Texas Master Gardeners Association. The City of McAllen helped fund the third and final phase, which in addition to planting native plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, included picnic tables and shading and a beautiful waterfall and pond.
Prior to the opening of the Vannie Cook Clinic in 2001, children with cancer in this region lacked access to treatment locally. Instead, they had to travel to San Antonio, Houston or Corpus Christi for their treatment, a hardship physically, emotionally and financially for them and their families.
The Clinic was created through a joint effort of the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation Inc., Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Its goal is to ensure that local children who suffer from cancer and blood diseases receive the most up-to-date care and treatment without the need to leave the region.
“For many years now, we have had a desire to update and beautify the landscaping and grounds at Vannie Cook, but all of our funding has been directed to providing care and treatment to the thousands of children who have been seen here in the past twenty years. But thanks to the great vision, and generosity of the members of the South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalists, the Deep South Texas Master Gardeners Association and the City of McAllen, our patients and their families, and our staff, are now able to enjoy the beauty of nature while spending time at the Clinic,” said Laura Martinez Ilgun, Executive Director of the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation.
