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TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
From
Care to Commitment
Jennifer Briscoe with her dogs, Dorian and Sydney
PAYING IT FORWARD TO SUPPORT FUTURE DISCOVERIES
Jennifer Briscoe’s weekly pet therapy visits to Houston Methodist with her standard poodles, Dorian and Sydney, first sparked her desire to support the institution she credits with making an important difference in her life. As she brings comfort to patients through animal-assisted therapy, she also directly experiences the hospital’s patient-centered approach to care.
"I HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND HOW PATIENTS BENEFIT EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY WHEN ANIMAL-ASSISTED
THERAPY WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH MODERN MEDICINE. IT IS A TRUE PRIVILEGE TO BE A PART OF THIS PROGRAM."
“Volunteering with my dogs at Houston Methodist is incredibly rewarding and meaningful — just seeing Dorian and Sydney bring joy, comfort and unconditional love to the patients who need it the most,” Briscoe explains. “I have seen firsthand how patients benefit emotionally and physically when animal-assisted therapy works hand in hand with modern medicine. It is a true privilege to be a part of this program.”
Under the guidance of her own care team, Briscoe successfully managed a neurological condition and gained a deep appreciation for the expertise and compassion shown by her physicians and staff. Throughout her experience, she says, every interaction reinforced her belief that Houston Methodist treats each individual with dignity and respect. As a recruiter, she feels especially aligned with the organization’s culture of excellence and commitment to people.
After participating in a research study in 2025, Briscoe became inspired by the role scientific discovery plays in promoting health care. The experience strengthened her desire to help accelerate research that could positively impact future generations.
When Briscoe contacted the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation last May, she had a clear goal: to support groundbreaking research and innovation. Thoughtful and forward-looking in her planning, she structured a bequest that reflects the gratitude she feels for the care she has received and the significant relationships she has built.
Her gift to Houston Methodist will be directed toward research initiatives aimed at addressing some of today’s most challenging diseases. While she understands that medical breakthroughs take time, Briscoe remains motivated by a sense of purpose.
As she says, “I want to know I am leaving the world a better place.”