While I-30 backed up nearly to the outskirts of West Dallas and East Fort Worth for fans heading to Globe Life Field for the game between the Rangers and Astros on the evening of Friday, April 5, a family that hardly anyone knew was driving to Six Flags Over Texas for the 56th Annual Family Night at Six Flags Over Texas hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Foundation.
As local news programs were in overdrive about the upcoming eclipse on Monday, April 8, Jessica Barnett and her three children mesmerized the crowd of parents and kids at the VIP gathering. But before the Barnetts took their place on the Gotham stage, guests like Texas Rangers VP/General Manager Chris Young, Asher Istook, Maddie Kaszynski, Women’s Auxiliary President Holly Lawrence, Sally Dutter, and members Monica Christopher and Joanna Clarke were focused on the cotton candy, having photos with Tweety Bird, the face painting, dancing to music played by DJ P-Love and getting excited about the incredible rides they would soon be enjoying.
Right on cue, P-Love stood to the side and WFAA’s Marc Istook took over the mic to introduce Children’s Medical Center Foundation President Brent Christopher, who saluted the work done by the Foundation’s Women Auxiliary and Family Night Co-Chairs Kelsey Coady, Adriane Coady, Kristin Mitchell and Jessica’s sister-in-law Megan Barnett Filgo
He then turned the program over to Jessica, who took her place on stage with daughters Clardy Ruth Barnett and Dot Barnett. Jessica looked like any mom you’ve seen in the grocery or at a school program. That is, until she shared a ten-year-old chap named R.H. Barnett trying to master the steps on the stage… a major accomplishment for the youngster. Jessica stopped the presentation and stepped over to help him manage the last few steps.
He was not just her son. R.H. was the twin brother of Clardy Ruth, the big brother of Dot … and the son of Michael Barnett, who had died the year before.
The Women’s Auxiliary of Children’s Medical Center Foundation and sponsors were touched as Jessica told how Children’s had played an instrumental role in R.H.’s progress.
Jessica told of the dozen treatments that R.H. had undergone over the past decade as a result of being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a rare genetic disorder that causes mobility loss. It was just three years ago that R.H. had walked down the front steps, outside his front door for the first time ever.
But as Jessica noted, the Barnett’s family journey over this time had been made possible thanks to the compassion, support and talents of Children’s Health.
It was gratifying for the Barnetts and the families surrounding the stage to know that there are even greater plans ahead for Children’s Medical Center. With the projected growth in the number of North Texas children, an incredible new facility would be replacing the current building in the Dallas medical district on Harry Hines.
As Jessica finished her story, the Barnetts were joined on stage by Brent, Chris, Megan, Holly, Adriane, Kristin and Kelsey to cut the red ribbon officially kicking off the night of fun and food for families. Just after the ribbon was sliced, the group was asked who was the cutest guy there. All fingers pointed to R.H. and he didn’t mind a bit.
Then it was off to Six Flags rides, games, food and entertainment for all but Chris, who had to go back to work at Globe Life Field.
Over the years, the Women’s Auxiliaries in Dallas and Plano have provided more than $27 million to Children’s, as well as countless hours of volunteering to support the staff, the patients and their families.