VISION
 Everyone needs a hug from time to time.
Families who spend significant amounts of time in the Texas Medical Center often need hugs more than others. While navigating the medical issues in their life they also carry heavy and unexpected financial liabilities. Medical bills soar easily into the thousands of dollars, but you often hear people complaining of the expenses from parking and eating in the hospital district. These small, but daily expenses tax the cash in their wallets and add up quickly. For many families the need to pay $75 a week for parking means they will not make their mortgage payment.
It is in the relatively small area of parking that Emma’s Hugs would like to help. That is right, we are not going to pay off huge medical bills, but instead simply help them pay for parking.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Emma’s Hugs is to support families and caregivers of those in hospital settings so that they can better focus on their loved one’s recovery. This support will be unbiased. We will actively search out opportunities to help.
INSPIRATIONEmma is Kelvin and Christy Dunnam's third child. At 18 months old she began losing milestones. Doctors diagnosed her in July 2008 with Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (INCL), a degenerative neurological condition otherwise known as Batten Disease. Patients with INCL lose their cognitive and motor skills, are associated with variable yet progressive symptoms including seizures, dementia, visual loss, and/or cerebral atrophy and show an average life span of 5 years. Emma lost her battle with Batten Disease February 1, 2010.
There was a special time in Emma’s life, when she gave hugs and kisses. She even met her daddy at the door a few times, said “Dada” and gave him a hug. Those times are gone. Through Emma’s Hugs we hope to memorialize that time in Emma’s life and will share the spirit of a simple hug from a small child.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board is currently comprised of its founders Kelvin L. Dunnam and Christy M. Dunnam and family friends Denise J. King and Lisa Burris. The Board will structure fundraising events and coordinate volunteers to disperse gifts. Additional Board members will be added as needed. No one on the Board is compensated financially.
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Kelvin Dunnam, president, is originally from Baytown, Texas. After graduating high school in 1989, he began working at Lubrizol Corporation in Deer Park, Texas, as an operator trainee. Today, as Production Supervisor he is responsible for two processing units. Kelvin has learned many of the skills required to effectively manage and motivate a work force. Additionally, he is a past board member of the Pregnancy Resource Center East, Personnel Committee board member at Second Baptist, Baytown, and a current student at Lee College.
Christy Dunnam, Vice-President and Secretary, was also raised in Baytown, Texas. She is a graduate of Houston Baptist University with a major in music education and is certified by the state of Texas. She taught at the junior and high school levels for five years, taking several students to the state competition level. Christy has also enjoyed participating in the music ministry at the Dunnam's church. She served as the co-coordinator of one of the Baytown Area MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups in 2009 and 2010. This blend of education and work experience are a reflection of Christy’s ability to connect with people and her desire for perfection. Her impeccable taste will mold the standards for Emma’s Hugs web design and social fundraisers.
The Dunnams enjoy raising their beautiful children; Carleigh, Luke, and Cora. Kelvin and Christy are active members of their church. |
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David Carsey was raised in Baytown, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M Univeristy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Science and obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. David spent 5 years as a litigation associate at Baker Botts in Houston before moving to Chevron. David now works in Chevron's Upstream Litigation Management Unit. He spends his free time coaching Upward Sports, hanging out with his family, and enjoying the outdoors.
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Dian Rosier is a lifelong Baytown resident. After graduating from Ross S Sterling and Lee College, she ran a successful child care center. In 1999 she began a career with Continental Airlines. She has been blessed to have been able to see the world during her tenure there. Now retired from the airline business, she is employed with Blue Northern Air Conditioning in Channelview, Texas. Being an advocate for the unborn, Dian has served on the Board of Directors for Baytown’s Crisis Pregnancy Center. She is also an active member of Second Baptist church where she enjoys being part of the music ministry. |
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Linda Burriswas raised in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area and has lived in the Houston area for the last 27 years. She is an engineering and administrative support professional with over 30 years experience in diversified office atmospheres. Linda’s exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and great disposition towards life prove highly beneficial to Emma’s Hugs.
Linda is very passionate towards helping others and willing to take those extra steps to make things happen. She is a family advocate and it shows with a quick scan of her desk which shows her family proudly on display. Linda enjoys spending time with her son and his family who live in League City. |
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