As perfect as the weather was for Family Night at Six Flags, it was even more outstanding for four-year-old Hank Taylor. In addition to having the entire park to party with Tweety Bird, Foghorn Leghorn and Sylvester the Cat, Hank and his family were celebrating a year since his last chemo treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma. The little fellow had earned quite a reputation for being a super hero during his days as a patient at Children’s Health, when he would don a super hero outfit for his visits at the hospital.
But on this night he was just a cutie joining countless other kids and their families for the Children’s Medical Center Foundation fundraiser, thanks to the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Here’s a report from the field:
With an amazing stretch of perfect spring weather in North Texas and the official start of summer around the corner, many parents are ready to get out of the house for family fun adventures. Family Night at Six Flags on Friday, April 14, was the perfect outing for just that – North Texas families had the opportunity to enjoy shorter lines during the annual private night at Six Flags over Texas benefiting Children’s Health.
The Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas allowed families to take in the 212-acre park from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., offering state-of-the-art rides, face painting, live shows, shopping, restaurants and more.
Sponsors and VIPs were invited to experience the park before it opened to the public for a reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Children’s Medical Center Foundation President Brent Christopher welcomed families by thanking Honorary Co-Chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw (who unfortunately could not attend) and by introducing Honorary Patient Family Molly Taylor and her son Hank, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that forms in the soft tissue, in July 2020. During Hank’s time at Children’s Health, Hank and his doctors came up with special traditions like dressing Hank up as a superhero for his appointments. More than a year ago, Hank finished his last round of chemotherapy.
Four-year-old Hank shared his excitement for a night full of thrilling rides and fun and proclaimed that it was “his night.”
The proceeds raised during Family Night at Six Flags will support patient superheroes like Hank who fight courageously against illness and injury every day.
* Photo provided by Children's Medical Center Foundation