Texas Children’s announced on April 10 a $5 million estate gift from Houston philanthropist Barbara LeGrange, who died last month. The planned gift, made before her passing, will provide both immediate and long-term support to Texas Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative.
The donation is significant as it addresses the growing need for mental health care among children and adolescents. With behavioral health challenges rising nationwide, this funding aims to enhance integrated care and expand resources for young patients and their families.
Barbara LeGrange dedicated the planned gift in memory of her late husband, Ulyesse LeGrange. Ulyesse had a distinguished career at ExxonMobil, serving in several leadership roles including President of Exxon Pipeline Co. Barbara was active in supporting cultural, educational, and medical institutions in Houston throughout her life.
“Investing in behavioral health care at Texas Children’s represents a deeply meaningful way to make a positive impact,” Barbara said before her passing. “Every child deserves the opportunity to feel supported, understood, and hopeful. Comprehensive care can help children achieve emotional well-being and brighter futures.”
Lara Shekerdemian, MD, MHA, Pediatrician-in-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine said: “We are deeply saddened by Barbara’s passing and profoundly grateful to her and the LeGrange family for their extraordinary generosity and vision. The legacy that Barbara and Ulyesse built together will live on in the children and families who receive compassionate, high-quality care at Texas Children’s — now and for future generations.”
National data shows suicide rates among people ages 10–24 have increased by more than half over the past decade according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In September 2025 alone, Texas Children’s recorded a record number of 685 behavioral health patient encounters in its Emergency Center. Philanthropic support has enabled Texas Children’s Pediatrics to embed behavioral health clinicians within 28 primary care clinics across Greater Houston and Austin; additional clinics are expected to join soon.
The LeGrange estate gift illustrates how planned giving can create lasting benefits for children’s healthcare needs.
