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October 2026
We put our heart in everything we do.
Spooky Season is Here!
Helping Our Kids Stay Safe and Spooky
Halloween is a fun filled time for our pediatric patients and their families, but is also a great time to keep safety top of mind. As pediatric caregivers, we play an important role in helping children enjoy the holiday while staying safe and comfortable.
Costumes should be comfortable, properly fitted, and free of tripping hazards. Consider visibility when children are going outside after dark, and keep medical equipment, mobility devices, and emergency supplies easily accessible throughout the evening.
Check Before you Treat
Halloween candy can be tricky for children with food allergies, so take a moment to check every piece before it’s eaten. Read the ingredient list and allergen statement on each package, and don’t rely on memory or familiar wrappers—ingredients and manufacturing practices can change. Watch for warnings such as “may contain” or “processed in a facility with” statements, and avoid homemade or unlabeled treats when you can’t verify the ingredients. If the label is unclear or missing, it’s safest to set that treat aside and choose a known-safe option instead. For children with severe allergies, keep their prescribed emergency medication nearby and follow their allergy action plan.
PPECC UPDATE
We are excited to say that our new PPECCs in The Colony as well as in Hurst have started taking patients. We are hiring and accepting new patients. Please spread the word about our amazing PPECC facilities!
PPECCs (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers) provide skilled nursing care in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive setting during the day. These new centers reflect our continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality pediatric care while giving families more options closer to home.
We can’t wait to welcome new families, build strong care teams, and create spaces where children can receive the medical care they need while still getting to be kids.
Highlights & Happenings
Pumpkin Nights at Howell Family Farms
September 17th- October 31st
4016 W Division St, Arlington, TX 76012
" The Art of Halloween. Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, nine immersive Lands, and one glowing night your family won't forget. "
Reserve your spot here:
Boo at the Zoo
Fridays and Saturdays through October 17th
Starts at 5:45PM
10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
"A nighttime Halloween festival featuring a Haunted Mansion, train rides, and animal shows."
Reserve your spot here:
Silly Science Carnival
Thursday, October 29, 2026 10:00AM
2579 S Loop 289, #250, Lubbock, TX, 79423
"A fall and Halloween-themed carnival for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 18 months to 5 years), featuring games with guaranteed prizes and interactive science crafts."
Reserve your spot here:
Sow a Seed Sunday
Sunday October 11, 2026 1:00PM
207 South Spur 63, Longview, TX 75601
"A free community nature festival featuring a butterfly release (hundreds of Painted Lady butterflies), wildflower seed sowing, live music, face painting, crafts, and a visit from Smokey Bear. Treats available from vendors like Kona Ice"
Reserve your spot here:
Spotlight on PPECC
Fun Things in Longview and Lubbock
Our Kiddos in Lubbock enjoyed a movie day where they watched a film and enjoyed some delicious treats
Over in Longview, the kiddos enjoyed doing some super cute, fall themed crafts.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn, challenge misconceptions, and celebrate the lives and contributions of people with Down Syndrome. Observed each October in many communities, the month encourages greater understanding of the syndrome.
Understanding Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. It can affect physical development and learning, but every person with Down Syndrome is unique, with their own personality, strengths, interests, talents, and goals. People with Down syndrome can learn, form friendships, attend school, work, participate in community life, and build meaningful relationships. With appropriate support and opportunities, many people with Down syndrome lead active and fulfilling lives.
The Importance of Inclusion
True inclusion means more than simply being present. It means having opportunities to participate, contribute, make choices, develop friendships, and be heard.
In schools, inclusion can mean learning alongside peers and receiving the support needed to succeed. In workplaces, it can mean meaningful employment opportunities and an environment where employees with disabilities are respected for their contributions. In communities, it means ensuring that activities, services, and public spaces are accessible and welcoming.
Small changes in attitudes can make a significant difference. Speaking directly to a person rather than only to their caregiver, offering appropriate assistance instead of assuming help is needed, and treating everyone with dignity are simple ways to promote inclusion.
Resources
VIVA Pediatrics Resources
In an effort to help our families, we constantly strive to provide them with relevant and helpful resources and information.
Texas Star Kids
The Texas’ Star Kids mandate threatens the lives of our weakest and most vulnerable little citizens. Join us in standing up for those who have no voice.
The Parker Lee Project
The Parker Lee Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families of children with medical needs obtain the necessary supplies & equipment, education, and support they need. While most supplies are covered by insurance, some are not, or not enough supplies are provided.
Thrive Magazine
Need Resources for your child with special needs? Thrive Magazine shares resources and stories of other families in the DFW area who are living and thriving with special needs.
"Being normal is vastly overrated."
-Aggie Cromwell from 'Halloweentown'
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