Children and families gathered Thursday evening at Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley for an outdoor carnival celebrating the hospital’s one-year anniversary.
The birthday celebration, held in the hospital’s parking lot, featured cupcakes, carnival games, food trucks, face painting, arts and crafts, and family-friendly fun. The Rio Grande Valley hospital officially opened May 24, 2024, becoming the region’s first and only designated freestanding children’s hospital.
A short ceremony included remarks from hospital leadership, reflecting on a year of care, growth and gratitude.
“One year ago, this was just a dream for many families—to be able to receive specialty care close to home,” said Matthew Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley. “Now we’re here, we’re growing, and this is just the beginning. Many of the 5,000 surgeries we’ve done this year would have required families to travel elsewhere. Today, children are getting that care right here in the Valley.”
In just one year, the hospital has made a measurable impact on children’s health, including:
