From the Editor | August & September 2026
There is something about back-to-school season that always feels a little like New Year’s. Summer adventures begin to wind down, calendars fill back up and suddenly everyone is trying to get back into a routine. New backpacks are packed, alarm clocks are reset and families are squeezing in checkups, sports physicals and one last summer outing before the first school bell rings. The Mayo Clinic estimates kids contract the cold or flu 12 times per year. Between fatigue from school, sports or other extracurricular activities, stress and exposure to new pathogens, those first few weeks of school are the most vulnerable time.
For this special Healthcare and Back-to-School issue of Tex Appeal, we wanted to celebrate both the promise of new beginnings through education, along with the people, programs and innovations helping our community thrive. Education and health are two of the biggest investments we make in ourselves, our children and our communities, and Central Texas is fortunate to have incredible people working every day to make both stronger.
At Baylor Scott & White Health – Temple, advances in early cancer detection, here, continue to make a difference for patients and families. Early screenings can be life-changing, and in many cases, lifesaving. We also shine a spotlight on the BSWH – Temple’s Poison Center, here, an often-overlooked resource that serves thousands of Texans each year. Whether it’s an accidental exposure, a medication question or a worried parent seeking guidance, experts are only a phone call away.
We’re also highlighting some of the innovative ways healthcare providers are improving patient care. At AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen, Smart Rooms, here, are helping create a more connected experience for patients, allowing them to communicate with caregivers, access information and feel more engaged in their own recovery. We also explore panoramic MRI technology, here, and how it is providing a more comfortable option for patients while delivering the detailed imaging physicians rely on every day.
Over at Belton ISD, we’re taking a look at Belton New Tech @Waskow’s law program, here, where students get an introduction to careers in law, public service and advocacy. It is exciting to see young people discovering their passions and developing skills that could shape not only their futures, but the future of our communities as well.
But perhaps the story that stayed with me the most this issue is that of Temple resident Betty Thrasher. For years, Betty has poured her heart into helping others, raising funds and supporting organizations that make our community better. She has spent countless hours giving back, often without seeking recognition or praise. Today, she is facing cancer herself. Her story, here, is a reminder that communities are built by people willing to show up, lend a hand and make a difference, even in small ways. The kindness we share has a way of coming full circle, touching lives in ways we may never fully realize.
As families prepare for another school year and many of us look ahead to the changing seasons, I hope this issue serves as a reminder to take care of ourselves and one another. Schedule the appointment. Ask the question. Volunteer your time. Support a local cause. Cheer on a student. Thank a teacher. Appreciate a healthcare worker.
Because behind every classroom lesson, every new technology, every medical breakthrough and every community fundraiser are people who genuinely care about making Central Texas a better place to live. And that, perhaps more than anything else, is what makes this region special.
Happy reading, and here’s to a healthy, successful school year ahead.
Brandy Cruz
Tex Appeal editor
