Former University of Texas great Colt McCoy is teaming up with Scott & White Healthcare as part of a philanthropic initiative to raise $50 million for a planned regional children's hospital. The collaboration was announced at a reception for hospital officials and donors at Scott & White Hospital in Temple.
The King's Daughters Hospital in Temple, which merged with Scott & White in April 2009, will be renovated into a new, comprehensive medical and surgical pediatric hospital beginning in the Fall. It will be the first stand alone children's hospital between Austin and Dallas, slated to open in late 2011.
McCoy, a recent draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, was asked to partner with the hospital because of his passion for advocacy on behalf of children's health.
McCoy knows firsthand the impact a new children's hospital will have on surrounding communities and families. Every few months when his younger brother Case needed specialized care for a rare skin condition, McCoy, his siblings and his parents would load into the family car and drive two hours to the nearest pediatric hospital, staying in hotels for the weekend while Case received treatment.
"Children and their families will no longer have to drive great distances to receive the highest standard of care," said Colt McCoy. "We all need the support of family and friends during difficult situations and now these kids will be able to stay close to home. It's my privilege to lend my support in making this children's hospital a reality for so many people in my home state."
The fundraising efforts will be divided into two phases, with $35 million in phase one, and the remaining $15 million taking place in phase two, after the renovations are completed.
"Colt's sterling reputation on and off the field and his compassion for children and their challenges make him an ideal spokesperson for both phases of this venture," said Nancy Birdwell, Scott & White chief development officer. "Philanthropy will make it possible for us to make King's Daughters Hospital the home of a truly great Children's Hospital and we are thrilled to have Colt McCoy on our team to help make that happen."
The renovation project of King's Daughters Hospital will be a 12-month process, opening in Fall 2011.
"Scott & White is completely changing the way we deliver health care to children in Central Texas," said John Boyd, M.D., chief executive officer and chief medical officer to The Children's Hospital at Scott & White. "We have always received tremendous support from the communities we serve. This partnership with Colt McCoy will give us additional momentum in a philanthropy effort that will bring the absolute best medical care available to the children of our area."
For more information, visit http://coltmedia.sw.org