Raising Joy

Long before he became a health care executive, Rick W. Merrill was a West Texas boy with a guitar and a love for music. Today, he’s the president and CEO of one of the largest pediatric health care systems in the U.S., but music still holds a special place in his heart. 
 
On this extraordinary episode of Raising Joy, Mr. Merrill opens up about his love for songwriting, parenting children through challenges, and leading an organization with empathy and compassion. He also shares a song he wrote, which was inspired by Cook Children’s Joy Campaign titled, “Just a Breath Away.” 
 
This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

What is Raising Joy?

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Joy Campaign, which aims to encourage hope and resilience among children and teens. Cook Children’s Health Care System is located in Fort Worth, Texas and has seen the mental and emotional toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on children and their families. In this podcast, hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc explore topics of anxiety, stress, depression, trauma and suicide in order to bring hope and needed resources to struggling children and families. Raising Joy is produced by the public relations team at Cook Children’s. The theme music was created by Raymond Turner from the Sparklefly Recording Studio at Cook Children’s.

Disclaimer: The opinions and advice provided by our guests are not endorsed by Cook Children’s. If you
or someone you know are struggling, please reach out for professional help. Cook Children’s has a list of crisis contact information for youth and families on its website: cookchildrens.org/joy.