A legacy that will power the future of Children’s Health℠

When Shana Berger decided to include Children’s Health in her estate plans, the decision didn’t feel difficult.

Volunteering at one of the playrooms at Children’s Medical Center Dallas early in her career helped Shana understand the many ways team members — from bedside to behind the scenes — touch the lives of patients and their families.

After nearly 25 years at the health system, she knew she wanted that impact to continue long into the future.

“We’re here to give them hope,” she said. “Everyone has a story about Children’s Health and how great it was for them. That gives you so much pride in what you do every day.”

Today, as senior director of technology business management and IT at Children’s Health, Shana makes sure “we have the best technology to care for our kids,” she said.

Over the years, the health system became one of the biggest parts of her life, and seeing how much of an impact it has on people’s lives inspired her to include Children’s Health in her estate plans.

“There was no doubt that I wanted to give back and contribute to the hospital’s future,” she said.

A career built on creating a better experience for everyone

Although technology seems to advance “at the speed of light,” Shana isn’t intimidated.

“It’s fun to see how we can move the whole health system forward,” Shana said. “Everything changes so fast, so trying to make long-term plans can be a challenge. But that’s also what’s exciting.”

From planning and managing technology investments that help physicians and nurses deliver care to supporting the digital tools that bring comfort and entertainment to patients through the Child Life department, Shana helps ensure technology makes a meaningful difference for children, families and care team members across the health system.

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Technology plays such a huge role in how we care for families. It’s incredible to see how we move the health system forward. If we can brighten the days of families who are facing some of their toughest days, even in the smallest of ways, their whole experience can change entirely.

— Shana, Children's Health employee

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A lasting legacy

After nearly 15 years of making recurring gifts to Children’s Health inspired by the incredible moments she’s witnessed throughout her career, Shana wanted to further her impact.

Thinking about the future is at the heart of Shana’s work, so supporting the health system through her estate plans felt like a meaningful way for her to continue helping make life better for the future generations of children.

Creating a will and including Children’s Health as a beneficiary ensured Shana will support the areas she cares about most — mental and behavioral health.

“It’s great knowing I have a plan … and that what I’ve been able to create in life will go toward the future of Children’s Health, which has been so impactful to my life,” Shana said.

Shana’s commitment to Children’s Health is helping shape the future of pediatric health care in North Texas. Through her estate plans, she is creating a lasting legacy that will support the next generation of children and families for years to come.

“Kids are so important to our future,” Shan said. “Knowing you can make a difference in their lives is incredible.”

Planning for the future doesn't have to be complicated. Thanks to a partnership between Children's Health and FreeWill, team members can create a legal will for free in about 20 minutes or less from home, helping provide for loved ones while also supporting the causes that matter most. If you'd like to make life better for children for generations to come like Shana, consider including Children's Health as a beneficiary in your will.