East Texas PICU has treated more than 270 children since December opening

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - East Texas’ first pediatric intensive care unit has treated more than 270 critically ill children since it opened in December.

The unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances is still in a temporary space. The fifth annual Meaning of Miracles Luncheon, hosted by CHRISTUS and benefiting Children’s Miracle Network, is raising money to create a permanent facility.

“Finally, we’re able to offer the services. So almost five months now that we’ve been open, we’ve seen over 270 kids that were able to stay closer to home, make an impact on families and kids,” said Taylor Weathers, clinical director of pediatrics and PICU.

Before December, nearly 940 children had to be transferred out of East Texas in a single year because the care was not available locally.

For Tiffany Norman, getting her daughter Cassidy the care she needed meant leaving East Texas behind. Her daughter died two days before Christmas.

“Cassidy’s care has been several hours away. So, it was a road trip anytime we went anywhere,” Norman said.

Weathers said the goal is to make a permanent PICU with a more kid-friendly environment. The current unit can provide all necessary medical services.

Donations will go toward critical medical equipment and family support resources.

“They took care of not only her, but they took care of us,” Norman said.