TITLE: Honoring Driscoll Children's Hospital of Corpus Christi and its founder, Clara Driscoll, on the occasion of the hospital's 60th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Honoring Driscoll Children's Hospital of Corpus Christi and its founder, Clara Driscoll, on the occasion of the hospital's 60th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Driscoll Children's Hospital of Corpus Christi celebrated its 60th anniversary on April 2, 2013, with the dedication of a historical marker honoring its founder, Clara Driscoll; and WHEREAS, A generous gift from Driscoll Foundation trustee Joe Fulton and his wife, Fran, the marker celebrates the life of an illustrious Texas businesswoman, philanthropist, and historic preservationist; Clara Driscoll was born in St. Mary's, near present-day Bayside, on April 2, 1881, to a family already established in South Texas for half a century; often called the "Savior of the Alamo" for her instrumental role in the purchase of the famous mission when it was slated for demolition in the early 1900s, she later donated her home in Austin to the Texas Fine Arts Association for use as a museum and served as vice chair of the Texas Centennial Exposition executive board; Clara Driscoll also took a keen interest in politics and served for 16 years as the Democratic Party's national committeewoman from Texas; at her death in 1945, she bequeathed most of her fortune for the establishment of a children's hospital in Corpus Christi; and WHEREAS, Driscoll Children's Hospital opened with 25 beds in 1953 and originally served a five-county area in the Coastal Bend; today, this exceptional institution has grown to 189 beds and provides treatment to children in 31 South Texas counties; each year, Driscoll admits some 6,500 children for inpatient care, more than 3,500 for day surgery, approximately 40,000 for emergency care, and 132,000 for outpatient care; and WHEREAS, To further its mission of providing high-quality medical services for newborns, infants, and children, the hospital is embarking on a $12 million emergency department renovation that will increase its capacity to treat life-threatening injuries; and WHEREAS, Driscoll Children's Hospital is an asset of immeasurable value to the citizens of South Texas, and it is a privilege to recognize both the hospital and its founder during this milestone year; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby honor Clara Driscoll and Driscoll Children's Hospital on the occasion of the hospital's 60th anniversary and extend to the hospital's physicians, nurses, administrators, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success in their vital endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Driscoll Children's Hospital as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Herrero Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1496 was adopted by the House on April 24, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House