In Memoriam
Ralph D. Feigin, M.D. (1938–2008)
- Former Physician-in-Chief, Texas Children's Hospital
- Former Professor and Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
"I do not believe that there is any other place today that starts with the core facilities, the core laboratories, the intellectual talent in genetics and the talent we have in pediatric neurology."
Internationally renowned as a teacher, author, educator, and clinician, Dr. Ralph D. Feigin was one of the most revered figures in pediatric medicine. For more than 31 years, Dr. Ralph D. Feigin served as physician-in-chief at Texas Children's Hospital, and was Chair of the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics from 1996 to 2003. He was the Physician-in-Chief of Texas Children's Hospital from 1977 until the time of his death in 2008. Under his visionary leadership, both institutions expanded dramatically and grew in national and international stature. Dr. Feigin's tireless advocacy for research on pediatric disorders, that was so instrumental to the inception and vision of the NRI, was complemented by his exceptional ability to inspire and connect with the people around him.
Dan Duncan (1933–2010)
Texas Children's Hospital lost a great friend when Houston business leader and philanthropist, Dan Duncan, unexpectedly passed away on March 28, 2010. Together, Jan and Dan Duncan served as honorary chairs of the hospital's Heal Sick Children campaign, acting as tireless advocates and helping to ensure the success of Texas Children's 'Vision 2010' initiative.
In 2007, Jan and Dan Duncan made a record $50 million gift to launch the world's pre-eminent collaborative institute to study and treat pediatric neurological disorders. The gift was given to support the creation and development of the Neurological Research Institute. The institute is among the first dedicated facility to use a multidisciplinary research approach to understand the unique issues of a child's brain structure, development patterns and related diseases.