The money we raise at Dance On goes to the Charity Care Program.  The Charity Care Program at Texas Children’s Hospital ensures that every child gets the care they need regardless of expense.  If health care will not cover the costs, CHIP is unavailable, the parents do not have a penny left in their pockets, IT DOES NOT MATTER.  Every child will be cared for.  
 
To find out more about the Charity Care Program, CLICK HERE.
 
 
Charity Care Program Beneficiaries
The Sauter family will never forget the Saturday after Thanksgiving 2004. It was the day they learned that their youngest child, Nicholaus, had leukemia and realized that their lives would never be the same again. Nicholaus was immediately taken to Texas Children's Hospital where he received the first of many lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirations and blood work- words that normally no 4-year-old could ever comprehend. During this difficult and painful time, Nicholaus still found time to be his regular playful self and would ride up and down the hospital halls on his big wheel. During their time at TCH, the Sauters found a special person to help them deal with Nicky's sickness. Rich Sosa, one of the nurses on the Cancer Center, became a constant presence in Nicky's room and in the Sauters' hearts. Nicky's last hospitalization was on May 20, 2005. Nicky is a healthy, energetic six-year-old with a smile that lights up a room. Nicholaus (Nicky) Sauter
At 10 months old, Keri Len was a foster child suffering with cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease in which the heart muscle is abnormally enlargened or thickened. She needed a home and foster parents willing to love and take care of her and her vast medical needs. Mary Alice and Lester, retired grandparents, provided her with just that. Keri Len was taken to Texas Children's Heart Center where doctors confirmed that she needed a heart transplant. Two months after arrival, a match was found and Keri Len underwent a successful heart transplant. Keri Len is now a vibrant and energetic six year old and the adoption proceedings have been finalized.
Keri Len Spivey
Anything but typical when you meet 10-year-old Garrett Clark, it's a special treat. Not only do you get to meet a brave boy who has fought a brain tumor, but you also might have the opportunity to see his Elvis impersonation – but only if you're lucky! Tracye Clark describes her son as a "live wire" – full of energy, spunk and not the least bit shy. "He's your typical boy," says Tracye. "He's curious about everything and is just a tad mischievous." But Garrett's life has been anything but typical.  When he was 2-years-old, he developed a "wiggle" in his right eye that was of concern to his mom. Just to be safe, Tracye took Garrett to an ophthalmologist, who referred him to Texas Children's Hospital.  After a series of tests and the fear of the unknown, Garrett was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Two days later, while the Clarks were still trying to comprehend the news, Garrett had surgery to remove the tumor and immediately began starting treatment at Texas Children's Cancer Center. Now a happy, healthy 10-year-old, who might sing you a verse from "Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog," barely remembers anything about being in the hospital and receiving chemotherapy.  But Texas Children's has certainly made quite an impression on the Clark family. Inspired by the Cancer Center's expert nursing care, Tracye has been studying to become a pediatric oncology nurse for the last couple of years. The Clarks have become active in efforts to raise money for pediatric brain tumor research and other volunteer organizations serving children with cancer, including "The Sunshine Kids," organized by  Astros' 2nd baseman, Craig Biggio. "Craig Biggio is my favorite player," said Garrett.  "But he'd better watch out … one day I'm going to take his job!" It's only natural that Garrett would love baseball.  His middle name is 'Ryan,' after the legendary Astros' pitcher, Nolan Ryan.
Garrett Clark