Kathy Lou Drescher was born in December 10, 1957 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster, PA, just a few minutes after her twin brother. She was preceded in death by her parents Luther Jr and Inez Drescher, her beloved dog Bella. She is survived by her sisters Margaret (Peggy), Mary, twin brother Timothy, younger brothers David and Joseph, and nieces Mairin and Megan. She also leaves behind her spoiled and adored King Charles Cavalier named Pippa Drescher, who was her precious baby and source of comfort, and many co-workers and friends who will miss her terribly.
Kathy was bright and gifted as a child, she started her education early and graduated high school at a young age to attend college and graduate at the University of Texas Austin. Nursing became her calling and passion so she went on after college to pursue her nursing degree. During her career, Kathy went on and pursued more nursing certifications and then her Doctorate in Nursing Practice to become Dr. Kathy Drescher.
During her professional career, she worked in the PICU at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH/ Texas heart center at the time). She worked with the prestigious Dr. Cooley and Dr. Denton all the pioneers and greats of heart surgery. Kathy then achieved a CNS degree to switch from PICU to surgery and worked directly with the also prestigious Bud Frazier where she learned so much about heart surgery. She then went back to school for her NP degree and worked in the cath lab there.
In that time span of work in Houston, Kathy did a hospital mission trip to China that changed her life and then became a travel nursing stint on the west coast.
Some twenty years ago Kathy came to Dallas to work in the PICU and helped develop the CHSP. Kathy was the the head of recruitment of the new surgeon and the entire team for the future Congenital Heart Surgery Program at Medical City Children’s Hospital. Kathy continued on to become certified in nursing administration and leadership, and got her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from TCU in 2012. Her project won best project. During her professional career, Kathy also currently taught courses in nursing for Grand Canyon University , University of Texas in Arlington, and Chamberlain University.
Kathy has dozens of recognitions: Great 100 nurse, nurse leadership awards, and nursing education awards. She was voted Best Instructor by her students for the past 3 years. She has mentored countless numbers of nurses to achieve their goals in nursing and awards in nursing. Kathy found the bright spot in her colleagues and staff, and as a leader and good friend, she championed them to pursue further education and higher level jobs. Kathy has a gift as a hard worker, fearless leader and goal setter. So many are thankful for her role in mentoring and encouraging them to be their best in nursing, just as she was the best in the nursing field.
Kathy’s biggest achievement amongst all the academic and professional accolades would be her impact on the world as life saver of children. She was pivotal in the care and repair of thousands and thousands of hearts. Thousands of children live on because of her, but her love for them is something the families feel the most impact. Kathy supported many charities for women, children, political, and cancer support but she was so proud and help founded Amazing Little Hearts family support group in Dallas, where she was present for the meetings, parties and family support work. Kathy was also there for the founding of The Chloe Duyck Foundation, which has funded and supported so much for pediatric heart research and funded special beads to gift to the children in Kathy’s care. Kathy for many years took charge of the beads, presenting the program and necklace beads to each family getting a heart surgery. Kathy held Chloe as a newborn, and she has cradled and compassionately carried thousands of babies for the heart families getting open heart surgery. Her role in giving the mothers so much warmth, love and reassurance will never be forgotten. As her heart kids were receiving Wishes, Kathy also became a partner to the staff and supporter for the North Texas Make-A-Wish chapter to assist in getting children referred and approved for Wishes. Kathy was present at many Wishes and Wish fundraising events, including the gala.
Kathy Drescher leaves behind a legacy of love and success in the field of nursing and heart children. Kathy’s mentoring, leadership, and compassionate care as a nurse will be missed dearly in the city of Dallas and especially at her beloved workplace for twenty years, Medical City Children’s. Kathy passed away peacefully in the evening time at what is a typical shift change time. Perhaps she did her one last shift change but always punctual or early as Kathy does. She was surrounded and cared for by the many that love and admire her, after 5 incredible years of fighting ovarian cancer. During those 5 years Kathy wants to acknowledge the incredible team involved in her care, including Dr. Bruce Fine and his staff, the infusion center where she spent so much time for treatment, and the nurses that were hands on caring for Kathy during her battle and most importantly in her last days. Her co-workers (but also friends) were pivotal in being there for her, encouraging and supporting their friend and leader, but also her direct boss who took the extra time and care to love on Kathy during her last days. The prayers of support meant everything to Kathy.
A memorial service will be held at Medical City Children’s to honor the bright light and legacy that is Kathy Lou Drescher. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Kathy ask that support and donations be sent to assist in granting a Make-A-Wish she had been looking forward to helping with directly. The next Wish will be done in her name and honor. https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishNorthTexas?px=4180216&pg=personal&fr_id=3440#.X2YGpCQ1jDs
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