2/02/2026
CHRISTUS Health proudly announced that 12-year-old Trace White has been selected as the local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Champion representing CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. The announcement was made during a gathering of community partners and donors who came together to celebrate 2025 fundraising achievements and officially kick off this year’s efforts in support of local pediatric patients.
Each year, CMN member hospitals across the nation select an ambassador to serve as the face of children receiving care at their local children’s hospital. These ambassadors advocate for the charitable needs of children’s hospitals throughout their region. By sharing their experiences and inspirational stories, CMN Champions and their families help demonstrate the vital role of reliable local, unrestricted fundraising as member hospitals work to meet the needs of their communities.
“We are thrilled to have Trace representing CHRISTUS as our CMN Champion,” said Caralee Thompson, CMN program director, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation. “As a nonprofit hospital, we rely on the support of the community to continue providing the accessible care our patients need and deserve. Patients like Trace are proof of the transformative impact donations have on pediatric health care.”
Born six weeks early, Trace’s arrival came with unexpected news: he had Down syndrome. He spent the first six weeks of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Hospital - St. Elizabeth, where he received specialized, integrated care for feeding challenges and oxygen support.
Those early days were filled with uncertainty, but the NICU team surrounded Trace’s family with unwavering compassion. His neonatologist emphasized possibilities rather than limitations, encouraging his parents to believe that Trace could achieve everything his older brothers could. NICU nurses provided skilled and attentive care, guiding the family through every milestone, setback and victory, and helping them gain confidence in their new normal.Today, Trace is kind, loving, determined and thriving. What began as a journey filled with unknowns has transformed into one filled with pride, strength and joy.
Thanks to generous donations, CMN helps hospitals deliver compassionate care, family education and lifesaving equipment, giving children like Trace the chance to grow strong and pursue their dreams.
As the local CMN Champion, Trace will share his story throughout the community, representing and advocating for specialized pediatric care at events and with donors. He will also help champion CMN’s Health For All Kids Impact Pledge, a bold, nationwide commitment to raise $1 billion over the next two years to ensure every child has the best possible chance at a healthy future.
"In today's health care landscape, children's hospitals have to do more with less at a time when kids' health care needs are becoming more complex and more urgent," said Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., president & CEO, Children's Miracle Network. "The Impact Pledge demonstrates our expanded commitment to participate in the solution and invites communities to join our movement to ensure kids have the best possible chance for happy, healthy futures."
Learn more about how you can make a big change for all kids by visiting cmn.org/pledge.
