28th Annual Bad Pants Open Raises Over $450,000 for Texas Children’s Tiniest Patients

HOUSTON (Oct. 14, 2026) – Texas Children’s 28th annual Bad Pants Open, held October 12, 2026 at Champions Golf Club, brought together supporters, golfers and community leaders to raise more than $450,000 for Texas Children’s Newborn Center. Proceeds directly support family-centered care and resources for babies and their families throughout their journey in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

For nearly three decades, the Bad Pants Open has turned a fun day on the golf course into meaningful support for Texas Children’s tiniest patients and their families. Funds raised through the tournament help provide resources that go beyond medical care, helping families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of having a critically ill or premature baby in the NICU.

“We extend our greatest thanks to the generous donors, golfers and sponsors who continue to make this beloved tradition possible,” said Dr. Kris Reber, Chief of Neonatology at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Caring for a critically ill newborn is about more than treating the baby — it’s about supporting the entire family through what can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience. The Bad Pants Open helps us provide families with the resources, connection and support they need while their babies receive the highest level of neonatal care.”

Texas Children’s cares for some of the sickest newborns and is the nation’s largest Level IV NICU in the country. The Newborn Center brings together specialized expertise and advanced technology to care for critically ill and premature newborns while supporting their families throughout their NICU stay.

Shawna Keyes knows firsthand the uncertainty and emotional weight of having a baby in the NICU. When she unexpectedly went into labor at just 26 weeks, her son, Asher, was born weighing 1 pound, 6.9 ounces and spent 103 days in the Texas Children’s NICU. For Shawna, the experience was marked by countless milestones and the compassionate, specialized care Asher received as he grew stronger. Today, Asher is a thriving 8-year-old who loves art, science, reading and bird-watching.

Reflecting on Asher’s time in the NICU, Shawna remembers how every milestone brought hope during an uncertain and emotional journey.

“As a first-time mom, I had no idea what to expect when Asher was born at 26 weeks," said Shawna. "His NICU journey was filled with challenges, but the incredible care he received and the progress he made gave us something to celebrate every day. Every tiny step was a victory."

The 2026 Bad Pants Open continues a longstanding tradition of turning a fun day on the golf course into meaningful support for Texas Children’s tiniest patients and the families by their side. The tournament has raised more than $9 million during the last two and a half decades to aid patients and their families.

Proceeds from the Bad Pants Open help support programs and resources designed to ease the challenges families face during a NICU stay. This includes:

• AngelEye cameras, which help keep parents connected to their babies 24/7 when they cannot be physically at the bedside
• Hand to Hold, which provides personalized peer support from a certified Family Support Specialist
• Practical assistance with expenses such as parking, transportation assistance, meal vouchers and other everyday necessities.

For more information about the Bad Pants Open or to support Texas Children’s NICU, visit texaschildrens.org/support/events/bad-pants-open.

About Texas Children’s  
Texas Children’s, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The system includes the Texas Children’s Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital Katy Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.