News Summary
Texas Children’s Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center have partnered to launch a groundbreaking pediatric cancer program in Houston, bolstered by a $150 million donation from the Kinder Foundation. This initiative aims to create the largest pediatric cancer center worldwide, enhancing treatment options and accessibility for children. With plans for major construction and over $1 billion in fundraising, this collaboration signifies a transformative approach to pediatric oncology, improving care for countless families in the region.
Texas – Texas Children’s Hospital in partnership with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has announced a new pediatric oncology program supported by a substantial $150 million donation from the Kinder Foundation. This significant contribution was revealed on Wednesday and will serve as the lead gift for a larger, multi-year fundraising effort aimed at raising $1 billion for developing this program.
The funds will primarily facilitate the construction of a new pediatric cancer center, with approximately $600 million allocated for its establishment. This center is set to be located on the 6700 block of Main Street within the Texas Medical Center and is expected to open its doors in 2030 or 2031. The remaining financial resources from the donation will go towards faculty recruitment, programming, and various operational expenses associated with the program.
In outlining the significance of this initiative, professionals from both institutions cited its potential to be truly “transformational.” The collaboration aims to create the largest pediatric cancer center globally, enhancing the quality and availability of care for children battling cancer. It is also expected to amplify the level of community support and involvement in pediatric oncology.
The joint pediatric oncology program was initially announced in February, designed to allow Texas Children’s Hospital and MD Anderson to share invaluable resources, treatments, and expertise. Together, Texas Children’s Hospital, which has been recognized as the top children’s hospital in the nation, and MD Anderson, revered as a leading cancer hospital, will create a streamlined approach to pediatric cancer care.
The Kinder Foundation’s generous donation marks one of the largest ever received by the Texas Medical Center and stands as the biggest contribution to an American children’s hospital. Rich and Nancy Kinder, the founders of the Kinder Foundation, have personal connections with MD Anderson through family members who have received treatment there, further emphasizing the importance of this initiative to them.
The new Kinder Children’s Cancer Center is projected to launch in early 2026. As part of the restructuring, MD Anderson’s Children’s Cancer Hospital will cease operations, and patients will be redirected to Texas Children’s Hospital. Additionally, ambulatory services will be integrated between the two hospitals, allowing for a seamless transition and continuous patient support.
This state-of-the-art cancer center will be equipped for both inpatient and outpatient treatments, offering specialized clinics for various types of cancer. Comprehensive facilities will include chemotherapy spaces and advanced research labs, ensuring that children have access to the most current treatments available. While radiation oncology services will remain at MD Anderson, surgeries for pediatric oncology patients will be conducted at Texas Children’s Hospital.
The new facility will employ a combined workforce of over 200 pediatric oncology specialists from Texas Children’s Hospital and more than 100 pediatric clinicians from MD Anderson, creating a robust team dedicated to improving cancer care for young patients. This partnership aims to increase access to clinical trials and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in cancer treatment.
A sky-bridge connecting the new building to Texas Children’s Hospital will facilitate easy access for patients and families. The area was previously occupied by a hotel, which will be demolished to make way for this much-anticipated center. This ambitious project is poised to revolutionize pediatric oncology in Texas and beyond, marking a significant milestone in the realm of children’s healthcare.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Children’s and MD Anderson’s $150 Million Gift
- Community Impact: $150M Donation Launches New Childhood Cancer Center
- The Malaysian Reserve: Kinder Gift to Launch Children’s Cancer Center
- Wikipedia: Pediatric Cancer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
