John Wolf; Paige Wolf; Justin Kendrick, COO, Memorial Hermann the Woodlands; Josh Urban, CEO; Dr. David Weisoly; Elizabeth Kutchback, Director of Children's Services; Missy Hawkins, Interim NICU Manager, Max Wolf and Remi Wolf
A lasting legacy: New park at Children’s Memorial Hermann – The Woodlands honors former neonatal patient and provider
Ten years ago, John and Paige Wolf’s son, Jack, was born prematurely with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic disorder also known as “brittle bone disease” which causes bones to break easily - and often with no cause. Although Jack passed away when he was just five weeks old, he and his health care team at Children's Memorial Hermann - The Woodlands Hospital have helped to create a lasting legacy.
On July 5th, Dr. David Weisoly, Medical Director of Children's Services and the NICU, as well as member of the Pediatrix Medical Group of Texas/MEDNAX team, presented a check to the hospital in support of the Jack Wolf IV Memorial Park located on the hospital’s grounds. With completion slated for later this summer, the park will welcome siblings, families and visitors of patients at Children's Memorial Hermann - The Woodlands Hospital. The secure, fenced park will feature an innovative playground, picnic tables, lighting and is expected to expand over time.
The park has been a true labor of love. Because of the extraordinary care and efforts of the hospital’s NICU staff, including Pediatrix physicians and advanced practitioners, the Wolfs have made it their life's mission to give to others and help those in need. The Pediatrix contribution will help the hospital build a beautiful trellis in the park in honor of Jack and Dr. Richard Rivas, who was part of Jack’s care team.
The Wolfs were referred to Dr. Rivas before their son was born; they ultimately selected Children's Memorial Hermann - The Woodlands Hospital because, although the prognosis was grim, Dr. Rivas helped prepare them for what lie ahead while remaining compassionate and encouraging. The compassionate care continued when Jack was born and extended to Jack’s family members as well.
Dr. Rivas, a fixture in the community and hospital for more than 20 years, unexpectedly passed away in 2013. In recognition of his years of service to critically-ill and premature babies, today the hospital’s NICU is known as the Richard Rivas, MD, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
To learn more about Jack’s story, visit the Jack Wolf, IV Memorial Foundation.
To learn more about osteogenesis imperfect, visit the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation.