How a childhood moment of comfort became a lifelong commitment

Growing up in East Texas, Brooke Soard had never been to Dallas, but after her pediatrician listened to her heart during a checkup and suspected something was wrong, her parents drove to Children’s Health for further testing.

“You don’t really know what to expect,” she said. “I remember everyone being so patient and kind and nurturing. No one wants to be in the hospital, but that made such a big difference. I felt comfortable and safe.”

After meeting with a cardiologist and exhausting all tests, physicians shared the good news with then-5-year-old Brooke and her family: her heart was strong and healthy.

The comfort she felt during that unexpected hospital visit left a deep impression on Brooke, who would one day return to help make life better for other children — and inspire her to give back to Children’s Health.

‘Absolutely meant to be’

Brooke came back to Children’s Health a couple of decades later as an intern while completing her master’s degree in special education. When a position opened in the School Services department, she joined the team.

As an educational specialist for the School Services department at Children’s Medical Center Plano, Brooke ensures patients don’t fall behind in their classes during long hospital stays.

Her days often include coordinating between patients’ schools and care teams to help patients stay on top of their grades. She’ll also check in to see whether they need school supplies or to borrow a laptop.

For the past 15 years, Brooke’s efforts have allowed parents to focus entirely on being there for their children as they heal, and for kids to continue taking part in normal activities throughout their care journey.

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Patients and their families have enough going on with new diagnoses, chronic medical conditions or emergency situations. I can help with school. Let me take that off your shoulders. That makes a big difference for them.

— Brooke Soard, Children's Health employee

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As the handler for one of the hospital’s Pet Therapy dogs, Brooke also gives patients a little furry comfort during difficult days with the help of Patton, the 10-year-old golden retriever.

“I get to take him to see patients and families and staff who need some distractions,” she said. “He is helpful to everyone.”

Going above and beyond

Over the years, Brooke has gotten to know many patients and their families closely. She’s become a familiar face to them, someone who will always greet them with a warm smile.

“They feel comfortable around me,” she said. “Everyone here goes out of their way to do whatever they can for the patients and families.”

For Brooke, going above and beyond doesn’t stop with the care and support she provides. She also gives back to the place that has been part of her life for decades.

Brooke supports Children’s Health through ongoing payroll deduction gifts, which helps ensure so much of what the health system has to offer can continue to make an incredible difference in the lives of kids for generations to come.

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I see the difference that we’re making in the patients and families’ lives. My hope is that everyone who comes here can feel like this is their safe place.

— Brooke Soard, Children's Health employee

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Brooke has seen firsthand how investment in Children’s Health can transform what’s possible for patients and families. The Plano campus’ new patient tower, which doubled the size of the hospital, is one example of how support from the community and team members can help the health system grow to meet the needs of more children.

Now, as Children’s Health builds its new Dallas pediatric campus, Brooke is excited to keep investing in that future through her own giving.

“I like knowing what my donations are supporting firsthand,” she said. “I see the good work being done here every day.”