In the heart of Houston’s world-renowned Texas Medical Center, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one that should change the lives of children and families for generations to come. It doesn’t roar like a jet or glimmer like a new skyscraper. Its power lies in compassion, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the future.
That future now has a name: The Kinder Children’s Cancer Center.
Made possible by a historic $150 million gift from the Kinder Foundation, the new center is the product of a groundbreaking partnership between two medical powerhouses—Texas Children’s Hospital and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. It will be the largest pediatric cancer center in the nation, and perhaps the most advanced of its kind anywhere in the world.
“We fully expect this will be a global destination for children with cancer,” says Dr. Debra Sukin, President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital. “It’s about solving one of the greatest challenges in medicine: curing childhood cancer.”
Two Institutions, One Mission
The alliance between Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center and MD Anderson represents a rare moment of unity in the healthcare world—two globally respected institutions combining expertise, resources, and leadership to fight a shared foe.
In a recent interview, Dr. Will Parsons, Interim Director and pediatric oncologist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, shared insight into the alliance’s profound impact.
“The partnership allows us to more effectively care for patients and develop innovative therapies,” Dr. Parsons explains. “We’re combining strengths to make Houston an international center for childhood cancer treatment and research.”
Progress and Possibility: A Q&A with Dr. Will Parsons
To understand the promise of the new Kinder Center, we asked Dr. Parsons to reflect on both the challenges and the hope ahead in pediatric cancer care.
Where have we made the most progress in treating childhood cancers, and where are the greatest challenges?
“There have been remarkable advances in treatment, particularly for blood cancers like leukemia. Some diseases that were once incurable can now be treated effectively, and overall, more than 85% of children with cancer can be cured. But aggressive brain tumors or cancers that spread remain hard to treat. That’s why our focus is also on developing better, safer treatments with fewer side effects, so children not only survive, but thrive.”
How will the partnership with MD Anderson strengthen your work?
“By joining forces, we can collaborate on strategies, clinical trials, and treatments—especially for the hardest-to-treat cancers. The Kinder Children’s Cancer Center will amplify what we can do together, making Houston a global leader in pediatric oncology.”
What does this collaboration mean for families?
“It means confidence. Families can know their child is receiving cutting-edge care in a facility dedicated to children, backed by the expertise of two premier institutions. It’s a unified, thoughtful approach—because it’s the right thing to do.”
How will the Kinder Foundation’s gift change what’s possible?
“This kind of support is rare and extraordinary. It allows us to dream big and pursue research and care models that can truly transform outcomes for children. We’ve always had community support, but this gift accelerates everything.”
When you think of the young patients who will enter this center, what is your greatest hope for them?
“My hope is simple: that every child who comes through our doors will be cured and go on to live a long, healthy life. We want them to feel supported, to know they’re receiving the best care available, and to benefit from the most promising research. We’re training the next generation of doctors and researchers to carry that mission forward.”
A Place Just for Children
Unlike many hospital wings retrofitted for pediatric care, the Kinder Center is being designed from the ground up for children—with everything from child-friendly interiors to outdoor spaces and therapeutic play areas.
“Children with cancer need to be treated differently than adults,” said Rich Kinder. “This center will be tailored to them, not just medically, but emotionally.”
That includes attention to the full spectrum of healing: mental health, family support, long-term survivorship, and holistic wellness. Cancer doesn’t just affect the body—it touches the entire family. The Kinder Center will reflect that truth in every hallway, every bed, every decision.
A Gift Calling Others to Action
The $150 million donation is the first step in a larger $1 billion campaign, with $600 million earmarked for construction, and the remainder supporting research, programming, and recruitment.
For Houstonians, this project is another shining chapter in the city’s tradition of innovation. For families across Texas—and eventually, the globe—it may be the difference between fear and hope, illness and healing, despair and joy.
In the end, it’s not just about buildings or budgets. It’s about the children—and the belief that their lives are worth every ounce of effort we can give.
Children with cancer need to be treated differently than adults...this center will be tailored to them.
My hope is simple: that every child who comes through our doors will be cured and go on to live a long, healthy life.