Staff & Reader Submitted
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Susser Bank has appointed Jamie Kile as Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Solutions Officer, a strategic addition to its Dallas team located at the new Old Parkland East Campus. In her role, Kile will work closely with commercial clients, helping businesses optimize cash flow, manage payments, enhance liquidity, and mitigate financial risks.

Susser Bank has appointed Jamie Kile as Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Solutions Officer, a strategic addition to its Dallas team located at the new Old Parkland East Campus. In her role, Kile will work closely with commercial clients, helping businesses optimize cash flow, manage payments, enhance liquidity, and mitigate financial risks.

With more than 25 years of experience in banking and treasury management, Kile brings a wealth of expertise to Dallas-area companies. 

“Jamie brings a rare combination of deep treasury management expertise and a proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with commercial clients,” said Carl Cravens, President and Chief Banking Officer of Susser Bank. “Her appointment strengthens our Dallas team’s capacity to provide strategic solutions that help businesses optimize operations, manage risk effectively, and pursue growth with confidence. She is a resource our clients can rely on for guidance on complex financial challenges."

Kile’s role is designed to make Susser Bank a go-to partner for Dallas businesses navigating the complexities of treasury management. She will work closely with clients to tailor solutions to their specific needs, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner in the region.

Beyond her professional work, Kile is an advocate for financial literacy and community engagement. She partners with Youth with Faces, a Dallas-based nonprofit supporting at-risk youth across Dallas and Collin counties, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening local communities.

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company, founded in 1959, offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas – Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger. 

More information is available at susserbank.com.

Gravatar

With the bold theme “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!”, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) will host its 45thAnniversary Gala on Saturday, April 25, at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas in support of children battling cancer and the families who stand beside them.

For 45 years, WOKC has worked to bring comfort, hope, and meaningful support to children facing pediatric cancer, affectionately called WOKC Warriors. The organization’s Buddy Bag and Warrior Family programs and its relentless efforts to fund pediatric cancer research are designed to help families and to remind every child a diagnosis does not define who they are.

“Everything we do is for these courageous and heroic kids,” exclaimed Cindy Brinker Simmons, founder of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. “From the initial diagnosis, we meet children and their families at their point of need. Working with children’s hospitals, we provide Buddy Bags filled with essentials designed to bring comfort, hope and a modicum of normalcy to the child and their parents – every Buddy Bag contains an iPad to allow the child to communicate with family, friends, and their school while hospitalized and homebound. Perhaps one of WOKC’s Warriors will someday unlock the mystery of childhood cancer. These mighty kids do not let cancer define them!” 

Jersey Mike’s founder Peter Cancro and his wife, Tatiana, are serving as Honorary Chairs for the milestone evening. Their generous underwriting of the gala allows all proceeds raised that evening to directly support WOKC’s mission and to fund novel, innovative pediatric cancer research.

Cancro’s life changed at age 17, when he gave up a potential college football career to purchase a small sub shop, Mike’s Subs, in his hometown of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. That shop became Jersey Mike’s, now one of the top fastest-growing food franchises and fast-casual restaurant chains in America. Under his leadership, Jersey Mike’s launched its popular Month of Giving in 2011, a philanthropic initiative that has generated $143 million for more than 200 charities nationwide through 2025, including $5 million for WOKC during those years. Although Cancro sold Jersey Mike’s in 2025, he remains a shareholder and now serves as Chairman of the Board.

Award-winning ESPN and ABC Sports broadcaster Holly Rowe will serve as master of ceremonies. A five-time Emmy Award winner and recipient of the 2023 Curt Gowdy Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Rowe has spent more than 30 years covering college sports, the WNBA, and other major events for ESPN and ABC Sports. After her own battle with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, she has become a passionate advocate for cancer research and prevention.

Cindy Brinker Simmons and Karee Sampson are serving as Gala Co-Chairs, helping bring the community together in support of WOKC’s mighty Warriors and the organization’s work to fund research and care for families facing pediatric cancer.

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs serving the entire family and funds innovative research leading to new discoveries and treatments in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information on WOKC, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitteror visit WOKC.org.

To learn more about WOKC’s 45th Anniversary Gala, visit wokc.org/gala.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
The youngest Chargers took center stage as Shelton School celebrated a major milestone — its 50th birthday — on Founders Day, Thursday, April 2.

 The youngest Chargers took center stage as Shelton School celebrated a major milestone — its 50th birthday — on Founders Day, Thursday, April 2.

At 10:30 a.m. in the Moody Fine Arts Center, Early Childhood through fourth-grade students, teachers and administrators were joined by staff from across the school for a joyful celebration. The event put students at the heart of the moment, bringing Shelton’s history to life in a way that was meaningful, memorable and fun.

Second-grader Robert Nixon helped set the tone for the celebration by creating the Shelton birthday artwork featured on the T-shirt designed for the day — a student-created symbol of Charger pride worn across the Lower School division. 

During the celebration, Lower School students and teachers came together to count to 50 and sing “Happy Birthday” to Shelton, marking five decades of learning, growth and community. The excitement continued throughout the day with cupcakes at lunch — thanks to Chef Christian Moreno and the SAGE dining team.

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell attended, and Head of Lower School Christine Davis reminded students of their role in Shelton’s future. “We have creative minds, courageous hearts and a strong Shelton spirit built on 50 years of legacy,” Mrs. Davis said. “But it’s not over yet — it’s your vision that will shape the next 50 years at Shelton and beyond.”

Shelton second-grader Robert Nixon. 

Thank you to Mrs. Davis, Assistant Heads of Lower School Lena Hilbert and Beth Womble and all of the Lower School teachers and staff who organized such a meaningful 50th Founders Day celebration.

Shelton 50th Fun Facts:

  • Shelton was founded on April 2, 1976, when The June Shelton School and Evaluation Center was officially chartered under the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act.
  • Founder Dr. June Shelton established the school to provide evaluation, education and training for individuals with learning differences — and to help educators better understand language disorders and school-related challenges.
  • Larry Beeman personally flew the incorporation papers to Austin and hand-delivered them to ensure the school was chartered without delay. 
Gravatar

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend a spring day outdoors, Folds of Honor — North Texas has one of those events that truly delivers, both on experience and impact.

On Monday, April 13, Folds of Honor North Texas will host the 2026 Wingman Open at Ridglea Country Club. Organized by the Fort Worth Board of Directors, the event brings together community members, supporters, and local leaders for a full day of golf, connection, and purpose.

The Wingman Open is designed to be more than a traditional golf tournament. While participants will enjoy 18 holes on one of Fort Worth’s well-known courses, the day also includes dinner, live music, an auction, and guest speakers. It is a chance to gather, reflect, and contribute to a mission that has a direct impact in North Texas.

Proceeds from the event support educational scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members and first responders. For many families, these scholarships provide critical access to educational opportunities and help ease the long-term impact of service and sacrifice.

The day begins with registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. start. Programming continues through the afternoon and into the evening, concluding around 6:00 p.m. with dinner and entertainment.

Whether you are an avid golfer or simply interested in supporting the cause, the Wingman Open offers several ways to get involved. Attendees can register as players, form teams, or explore sponsorship opportunities to further support the mission.

To learn more or register, visit https://northtexas.foldsofhonor.org/event/2026-wingman-open/ or email mscott@foldsofhonor.org.

Events like the Wingman Open highlight the strength of the North Texas community and its ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served. 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
THE STUDIO designers Erica McLain, Living Luxury Lab by MxD Interiors Ashleigh Graber, Ashleigh Graber Design Arina Gurfinkel, Roco and Xander by Amara Home Designs Bryan Yates, Yates Desygn Kellie Sirna, Studio 11 Design Kaky Kuby, Studio Thomas James Sarah Graham, Graham + Co. Interiors (photo: Aaron Dougherty Photography)
Dwell with Dignity announces the return of The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio), presented by Amazon, the organization’s flagship annual fundraiser and a longstanding spring event within Dallas’ design and philanthropic communities. The VIP Party is April 9 (ticketed) and the shopping extravaganza, which is free and open to the public, is April 10 to May 9.  
 
Launched in September 2011, The STUDIO is now in its 15th year, marking a milestone moment in the event’s evolution and continued impact across North Texas.
 
Since its inception, the event has grown into a highly anticipated event, bringing together interior designers, showrooms, retailers, corporate partners and supporters to generate critical funding for Dwell with Dignity’s home transformation work across Dallas. The STUDIO provides approximately one-third of the organization’s annual operating revenue.
 
Formerly known as Thrift Studio, the updated name reflects the continued evolution and maturity of the event. As designer participation and community engagement have expanded over the years, The STUDIO aligns with the caliber of the experience and the design-forward presentation the event has become known for.
 
The STUDIO is a high-end pop-up shop featuring donated and purchased furniture, housewares, accessories, artwork and designer finds sold at significant discounts, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Dwell with Dignity’s mission. The space is transformed into fully styled one-of-a-kind room vignettes by leading local designers, creating an immersive shopping environment that blends design, retail and philanthropy.
 
Each year, The STUDIO features a new roster of designers. The 2026 lineup includes nationally recognized and Dallas-based firms whose work spans residential, hospitality and showhouse projects: 
 
The 2026 event is chaired by Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design, with Art Chair Kendall Bardin.
 
“The STUDIO is our flagship fundraiser and a critical driver of our mission to transform lives through design,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “Dwell with Dignity provides families with renovated fully furnished home interiors that give stability, support and comfort to empower them to lead their best lives in a beautiful environment. When someone shops at The STUDIO, they are directly supporting that work.”
 
Amazon returns as Presenting Sponsor of The STUDIO. Since Amazon became presenting sponsor, the partnership has helped generate more than $1.5 million in merchandise sales, providing life-changing home transformations for 72 families and redesigning 21 community spaces into inspiring, functional environments that serve thousands.
 
"At Amazon, we invest in organizations that create lasting solutions for families in our community," said Vickie Yakunin, Amazon’s head of community engagement in Texas. "Through our continued partnership with Dwell with Dignity and The STUDIO, we're supporting their work to create thoughtfully designed spaces that foster stability and long-term opportunity for families across Dallas."
 
EVENT DETAILS
VIP Premiere Party
Thursday, April 9, 2026
6 – 9 p.m.
  • VIP early access: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • General admission: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Ticketed event | Limited capacity
    • General Admission: $200
    • VIP: $300
    • Host Committee: $350
  • Purchase tickets here
 
The Premiere Party serves as the exclusive kickoff to the month-long pop-up, drawing industry leaders from Dallas’ design, business and philanthropic communities.
 
Open to the Public Pop-Up
April 10 – May 9, 2026
Tuesday – Saturday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free admission
 
Location:
1833 E. Levee St.
Dallas, TX 75207
Following the Premiere Party, The STUDIO opens to the public for four weeks, offering access to designer-created installations and one-of-a-kind pieces available for purchase at significant discounts.
 
ABOUT THE STUDIO
The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio) is Dwell with Dignity’s flagship fundraising event. Now in its 15th year, the month-long pop-up features designer-created vignettes showcasing donated home furnishings, décor and artwork available for purchase at significant discounts. The STUDIO supports Dwell with Dignity’s mission to create fully furnished homes and community spaces for families across Dallas.
 
ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 285 home design projects and 55 community spaces, and in 2025 the organization served more than 3,000 people through its home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
The Summer Blizzard Collection includes the NEW Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard Treat, the S’mores Blizzard Treat, and the Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat.

There’s only one thing better than summertime, and that’s enjoying your favorite Blizzard® Treat in the sunshine. DQ® restaurants in Texas are kicking off the season with the Summer Blizzard Collection which includes the NEW Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard Treat, the S’mores Blizzard Treat, and the Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat.

The NEW Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard Treat, the official April Blizzard of the Month, blends light and fluffy angel food cake pieces, strawberry and world-famous DQ soft serve finished with whipped topping.This refreshing, sweetness explosion is the answer to those Texas summer days ahead.

Returning to the Blizzard Treat lineup this summer is the classic S’mores Blizzard Treat. Featuring marshmallow-filled DQ chocolate bars and graham cracker swirled together with world-famous DQ vanilla soft serve, this fan-favorite couldn’t stay off the menu for too long.

The Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat is back as well with its signature purple and pink swirl. This summertime favorite has cotton candy sprinkles mixed into world-famous DQ soft serve, making each red spoonful sweeter than the last. 

“Texans look forward to the summertime Blizzard Treat lineup every year,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “As the temperatures warm up, DQ Fans get excited to see what new and returning flavors will appear on our menus for the summer.”  

For those craving something spicy alongside their Blizzard Treat, fans can also try the NEW Spicy Dude Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich available until April 26, or while supplies last. The Spicy Dude Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich features a chicken fried steak cooked to crispy perfection with a bold kick of heat, topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños and creamy jalapeño ranch. 

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

 About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,800 franchised locations in more than 20 other countries. 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Everyone can experience stress – it’s a natural physical and emotional response to life’s challenges. Whether related to school, work, money, or relationships, stress can sometimes help us stay focused and problem-solve effectively. However, when stress becomes long-term, it can take a toll on both your physical and mental health.

 

When Stress Becomes a Concern

Chronic stress, or stress that persists over time, can contribute to a range of health issues. Recognizing the signs early is an important step toward protecting your well-being. According to the CDC, common effects of stress may include:

• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, or frustration

• Changes in appetite, energy levels, and interests

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, or stomach problems

• Worsening of existing health or mental health conditions

• Increased reliance on alcohol or other substances

 

Effective Ways to Manage Stress

Incorporating simple, healthy habits into your routine can make a meaningful difference in how you respond to stress. Try these physical and mental techniques to help reduce mental overload:

• Spend time in nature.

• Take up daily walks, yoga, or other forms of exercise.

• Take a few moments to breathe deeply.

• Focus on what you can control and shift away from negative thinking patterns.

• Write down your thoughts to help process emotions and reduce mental overload.

 

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is an important part of managing stress. Start by managing your time effectively – break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and prioritize what matters most. 

Support your overall well-being by maintaining healthy routines, including eating a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night. It’s also important to set boundaries, allowing yourself to say no and step back from stressors when needed. Finally, staying connected with friends and family can provide valuable support and perspective during challenging times.

 

When to Seek Support

If stress becomes overwhelming or difficult to manage, seeking support is an important step. Talking with a healthcare provider or mental health professional can help you develop effective coping strategies and improve your overall well-being.

At Carrollton Regional Medical Center, we are committed to supporting your health, both physically and emotionally. Taking steps to manage stress today can lead to a healthier, more balanced tomorrow.

 

Carrollton Regional Medical Center is a 216-bed Acute Care Hospital managed by Sana Healthcare. CRMC serves Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, The Colony, and other surrounding communities. CRMC offers an array of services including 24/7 Emergency Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Imaging Services, Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, Cancer Care, a 16- bed Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Services, and an Inpatient Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Our Women’s Imaging Center is just 2 blocks north of the hospital and provides 3D digital mammography and other specialized breast procedures. CRMC is here to serve its community with high quality, patient-focused care, close to home. Visit www.crmc.health.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
DQ restaurants in Texas are debuting their most over-the-top creation yet, the Blizzard® Treat Bucket.
Leaning into the Lone Star State’s “everything is bigger in Texas” legend, DQ restaurants in Texas are debuting their most over-the-top creation yet, the Blizzard® Treat Bucket. This five-gallon serving of DQ’s world-famous soft serve takes Texas-sized indulgence to a whole new level.

The Blizzard Treat Bucket gives new meaning to upsizing the brand’s signature treat, turning a fan favorite into a five-gallon masterpiece made for big appetites, bigger personalities, and a very long spoon. 

“At DQ restaurants in Texas we love creating moments that bring our fans joy and a little laughter,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “The Blizzard Treat Bucket is our way of celebrating Texas pride while having some fun with the idea that maybe everything really should be bigger in Texas.”

The limited-time concept introduces a bold new menu size lineup: Mini, Small, Medium, Large, and TEXAS…because in Texas, sometimes even large just isn’t large enough.

While the Blizzard Treat Bucket isn’t officially joining menus in Texas, the larger-than-life creation is a playful reminder that when Texans dream, we go BIG.  

“We would all like to believe in the Easter Bunny and the Blizzard Treat Bucket, but the latter is just our way of having a little fun on April Fool’s Day!” said Romanus. 

Fans are encouraged to join the conversation and share what Blizzard Treat flavor they would fill a bucket with, and whether they would tackle the five gallons solo or call in reinforcements – use #TexasSizedTreat #AprilFools on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,800 franchised locations in more than 20 other countries. 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Dr. John Neubert

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s professor and head of biomedical sciences and his researchers will receive more than $2.87 million over the next five years to study temporomandibular disorders.  

 

Dr. John Neubert is A&M Dentistry’s principal investigator in the world’s most extensive collaborative study of patients with TMDs. TMDs are 30-plus painful conditions that affect the jaw muscles, nerves and joints in the face. The $17 million Collaborative for REsearch to Advance TMD Evidence, nicknamed CREATE, project will collect data on patients’ chronic pain to identify ways to eventually manage TMDs more effectively. 

 

Sufferers may report a variety of symptoms, including facial and jaw tenderness and pain; popping, clicking and grinding sounds when opening and closing their mouths; difficulty chewing; and locking jaws. Some people experience earaches, headaches, dizziness and vision problems. 

 

“This can make everyday activities such as eating and talking difficult, lowering quality of life,” Neubert said. “TMDs are also linked to stress, anxiety and depression, which can make things even worse. Despite how much these problems affect people and society, there are still no consistently effective treatments, partly because research hasn’t fully bridged the gap between lab studies and real-world care.” 

 

Plans are to study 1,000 patients with TMDs and 300 pain-free individuals across five national sites, including A&M Dentistry, collecting brain images, clinical data and more. CREATE is funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health, and it’s led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.  

 

Other principal investigation sites include the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where Neubert taught and first contributed to the project’s planning before joining A&M Dentistry in February 2025. Other partnering institutions are Missouri State University, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, Colorado State University, HealthPartners Institute and The TMJ Association, a patient advocacy organization.  

  

 “We are planning to have our first patient early this year,” said Neubert, who is a nationally respected oral pain specialist.  

 

Data collected will go to UF because it has the most experience managing clinical studies and data, he said. About 200 people will likely participate in A&M Dentistry’s study.  

 

Dr. Madhu Nair, professor and head of diagnostic sciences, is A&M Dentistry’s other co-investigator. Neubert will recruit other clinical faculty at A&M Dentistry, a clinical manager, a clinical research assistant and support staff. 

 

A&M Dentistry will collect data for three years and spend the last two years bringing back some patients for additional studies. Researchers will conduct standardized pain tests, collect biological samples – such as saliva and blood – and complete neuroimaging of the brain and TMJ to collect data for “deep phenotyping” with the goal of investigating molecular mechanisms in the future for those with TMDs. 

 

Neubert, an internationally known expert in TMDs, said the collections will enable more grant-funded studies as science advances. 

 

The temporomandibular joint, often referred to as TMJ, connects the jawbone to the skull. There’s one on each side of the jaw.  

 

Few studies on TMDs exist. 

  

TMDs affect 5-10% of the U.S. population, according to NIDCR. The conditions are at least twice as common in women as in men, and TMDs can occur alone or with other medical conditions such as back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia and arthritis. 

 

The Imaging Center at A&M Dentistry and a regional imaging facility at the Sammons Brain Health Center at The University of Texas at Dallas that specializes in brain imaging will provide imaging support through cone beam computed tomography and high-resolution MRI for generating appropriate image datasets to help further understand the complex pathophysiology associated with TMDs, Nair said. 

 

CREATE’s research will build on the findings of Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment, the largest prior study on TMDs.   

 

The new study is part of the larger umbrella TMD Collaborative for IMproving PAtient-Centered Translational Research, TMD IMPACT for short. Developed by NIDCR in partnership with multiple NIH institutes, centers and offices, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, the initiative seeks to advance basic and clinical research, research training and translation to evidence-based treatments and improved clinical care.  

 

This is TMD IMPACT’s second funding round. The first awarded nine planning grants totaling $2.8 million in 2023. CREATE received some of that money. Neubert was a principal investigator and part of UF’s CREATE Award before he joined the A&M Dentistry faculty. 

 

As a companion to his work on the CREATE project, Neubert and others recently published an article in the Journal of Pain, titled “Preclinical Perspectives on Disorders of the Temporomandibular Joint: Tracing the Past, Navigating the Present, and Shaping the Future,” which offers a deep dive into the science behind jaw disorders. It looks back at past animal and lab studies, examines the state of current preclinical research, and suggests ways to improve future treatments.  

 

“This paper is an essential roadmap for translating basic science into real-world solutions for TMD—and it highlights exactly where the field needs to focus next,” he said. 

  

 

 

 

  

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

DALLAS – Patriot PAWS will host its 3rd Annual Clays Shoot on April 10, bringing together North Texas supporters for a day of competition and community to raise funds for Service Dogs provided at no cost to disabled American Veterans and service members living with disabilities. The event kicks off celebrations of the organization’s 20th anniversary in 2026.

The Clays Shoot will take place at the Dallas Gun Club on 3601 N Stemmons Fwy in Lewisville from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Attendees will begin the morning with breakfast and coffee before the first flight of sporting clays at 9 a.m. The competition will feature two 12-station courses, along with raffle prizes, a 50/50 cash drawing, and a barbecue lunch. Awards will be presented to the top three teams at the end of the day. Carts and ammo are provided, but participants must bring their own shotgun.

The event supports Patriot PAWS’ mission to restore independence and quality of life through highly trained Service Dogs that assist Veterans living with mobility disabilities, post-traumatic stress, military sexual trauma, and traumatic brain injury. 

“The Clays Shoot is a great opportunity for people to get involved with Patriot PAWS, whether by sponsoring the event, registering a team, or simply coming out to support the cause,” said Lauren Vaughan, Director of Development of Patriot PAWS. “Our Veteran clients will be there as well, sharing mission moments and the real impact a Service Dog has on daily life. It’s a chance to spend time together, hear their stories, and see firsthand how community support helps us continue this work.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities range from $250 individual shooter entries to $15,000 presenting sponsorships, with all proceeds supporting the training and placement of Service Dogs at no cost to the Veterans who receive them. To purchase a ticket or become a sponsor, visit www.PatriotPAWS.org/clays-shoot/.

“This year marks Patriot PAWS’ 20th anniversary, and it’s incredible to reflect on how many lives have been changed through the Service Dogs placed with Veterans across the country,” said Rick Stevens, Executive Director of Patriot PAWS. “Today, more than 80 active Service Dogs are supporting Veterans nationwide, while more than 50 Veterans remain on our waiting list as we work to meet the growing need. Preparing each dog takes thousands of hours and the support of an entire community, which is why events like the Clays Shoot are so important.”

Since its founding in 2006, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs has grown into a nationally recognized provider of highly trained Service Dogs for disabled Veterans at no cost to them. Through partnerships with universities like Texas A&M and the Trained to Heal program within Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, Patriot PAWS prepares Service Dogs for Veterans living with both visible and invisible wounds of service. The result is Service Dogs that restore independence, strengthen families, and change daily life for the people they serve. In honor of its 20th anniversary, Patriot PAWS is aiming to have 120 Service Dogs in their 2026 training program, a significant increase from their 80 to 100 dogs trained annually. Patriot PAWS welcomes community members to become a Puppy Raiser and provide critical socialization to Service Dogs in Training, with all costs covered by Patriot PAWS.