Jaylen Brown blames Boston media for baldness: “Y’all caused this.”

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Matt Schooley

Click here for updates on this story

    BOSTON (WBZ) — Jaylen Brown’s hairline got plenty of attention on social media in recent days. On Tuesday, the Boston Celtics star addressed the situation head-on during a lighthearted appearance on his Twitch stream.

When the Celtics played the New York Knicks on Friday, eagle-eyed fans noticed that on a play against OG Anunoby, Brown appeared to have left behind some sort of black hair product on his defender’s white jersey.

A similar situation played out in another game over the weekend against the Detroit Pistons.

On Tuesday, Brown posted on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, that he would be having a live stream, and the photo for the event included a pair of scissors and combs.

During the stream, Brown was getting his hair styled while joking about the situation.

“I don’t how we got here, bro,” Brown said. “I just turned 29. I don’t know how we got here. It all is happening fast to me … I used to make bald head jokes. I don’t know, maybe it’s just been catching back up. It’s karma.”

Brown even used the stream to pull up flights to Turkey, which has become a destination for hair transplant procedures. He jokingly asked what time the flights leave and “Can I get back before the game?”

“I blame Boston. Ten years of stress, the media, the championship. Ya’ll caused this,” Brown joked.

With Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the season after tearing his Achilles in the postseason, Brown will be Boston’s go-to scoring option this year.

In four games, the Celtics are 1-3 on the season and Brown has averaged 26 points per game. Boston hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Musician hears his own song again after struggling with hearing loss

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Elizabeth VanMetre

Click here for updates on this story

    CLEVELAND (WEWS) — For local harmonica musician Glen Darling, years of quiet faded away this week, replaced by something far more powerful. The ability to hear his own music again.

“It’s remarkable. You know. It’s good to hear. I feel like a kid at 10 years old. Now I want to go run through the playground and holler,” Darling said after being fitted for his first pair of hearing aids.

For years, Darling relied on his left ear, not realizing how much sound he had lost on his right side.

“I didn’t pay it no attention at first. It’s a weird process,” he said.

Veteran and local owner of Miracle-Ear, Mike Gedeon, said gradual hearing loss like Darling’s is common.

“Fifteen years old to 70… the difference in your hearing between those years is massive, right? But it’s not noticeable because it has taken the entire course of your life,” Gedeon said.

And waiting to get it treated is also common.

“There about roughly 40 million people in the US that need to be using hearing devices. We also know that only about 20 percent of people who actually need hearing devices actually have them,” said Sarah Sydlowski, Audiology Director with the Cleveland Clinic.

Affordable options for older adults, however, are rare. While many insurance companies will cover hearing exams, most don’t cover the cost of hearing aids, though some do, and experts say it’s worth checking first.

“My insurance wasn’t going to pay for it,” Darling said.

For him, the cost could have kept the world quiet. But experts stress that hearing isn’t just about sound.

“There’ve been multiple studies from John Hopkins linking untreated hearing loss to all sorts of cognitive challenges. Including memory loss [and] early onset symptoms of dementia,” Gedeon said.

Darling’s hearing aids were provided free through the Miracle-Ear Foundation’s Gift of Sound program, which he learned about through a commercial.

The foundation has donated more than 54,000 hearing aids.

Other local options, like the Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, also offer sliding-scale programs to help residents regain their connection to the world around them.

Now, the notes ring brighter. The tones are clearer. But what Darling looks forward to most isn’t just the music, it’s the world around him.

“Go to a little spot in the park and listen to the birds. The water. And Lake Erie,” he said.

For Darling, that’s the sound of life itself.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Gift of Sound program, call 440-961-8828.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Backcountry skier using AI to predict avalanches

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Ryan Fish

Click here for updates on this story

    CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colorado (KMGH) — Fresh early-season snow blanketed the top of Loveland Pass on a chilly Tuesday morning, bringing out backcountry skiers like Jack Sudduth.

“I think I spent maybe 90 days not on my skis this year,” said Sudduth, who also works as a ski patroller at Loveland Ski Area.

But the backcountry fun also comes with avalanche risk. Sudduth calls it “bad” in steep areas around the pass.

“The risk is there and it exists, and it’ll just keep going up because all the snow that we have now is going to be our avalanche problem in two months,” he told Denver7 Tuesday.

Denny Schaedig, another backcountry skier and neuroscientist, is working on a solution. He is pairing his love for the outdoors with artificial intelligence to better gauge avalanche risk.

The effort began as part of a capstone project for Schaedig’s AI and machine learning master’s degree at Colorado State University Global. The fully online school allowed him to live and work in the Silverthorne area and be able to do research in the surrounding mountains.

“I was trying to find a project that could have maybe a positive impact on my community,” he told Denver7. “This has true impact. It could help people be more informed as they’re going into the backcountry and, yeah, maybe even save lives.”

Schaedig’s process starts with taking thousands of snow samples, using an apple core to collect them several feet deep in different Front Range locations. As he also explains on his website, he also collects data at those sites, like GPS coordinates, slope angle, snow temperature and avalanche reports from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).

He then uses a specialized lens to take detailed pictures of the samples and input them into a generative adversarial network (GAN) called snowGAN, a generative AI model he built. Over time, the many samples help the AI understand snow’s many features.

Schaedig said he collected about 3,000 snow samples last winter.

“We’re originally starting off with generative AI, where basically it’s learning all these intricate features of the snow and using those features to generate realistic pictures of snow so it understands the snow in general,” he explained. “Then we kind of flip the script a little bit, and we now have it, instead, try and predict how many avalanches occur in a region or on a slope.”

Schaedig is now employing transfer learning, using the AI’s growing knowledge of snow as the base for a new model called AvAI to be able to predict avalanche risk based on input data and new snow photos.

“One of the biggest problems with our data set is we need it to have snow from all different types of environments that it’s going to be predicting in,” he said.

That’s why Schaedig plans to now explore and take samples in new areas, while encouraging people across Colorado to add their own samples.

“I’m making it open source, so anybody can explore it if they want; the code for the model and all the data is available,” he said, before acknowledging how important it is for this predictive AI to be accurate, given how dangerous and deadly avalanches can be. “People’s lives are at risk with this AI. And I want to take that seriousness with me at every stage.”

Admittedly, the slopes are where many like to unplug from technology.

“I touch a computer, maybe, like three times a year,” Sudduth said with a laugh.

But Schaedig hopes one day his technology can give skiers and boarders a reliable warning.

“As we can collect enough data, and we, you know, put in enough effort, I think it’s 100% possible,” he said.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Las Vegas police add Tesla Cybertrucks to patrol fleet with private funding

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By KTNV Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department unveiled 10 new Tesla Cybertrucks on Tuesday that will join their patrol fleet.

We told you about these new trucks back in February, and now, they’re a reality. During a press conference at the Otonomus Hotel, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the new trucks are the “next evolution in keeping our community safer than its ever been.”

Over the next two weeks, Southern Nevadans will be seeing these trucks hit the road for patrols across all of LVMPD’s area commands.

“[Cybertrucks] are going to have special equipment in them and are going to be utilized to keep our cops safe,” McMahill said. “Ladders, shields, additional ammunition, less lethal tools — all of the things that are out there that are going to continue to help us save lives.”

McMahill also added he hopes the new trucks will help with recruitment efforts. In addition to seeing the trucks around town, you may also see their images on airport shuttle buses.

The trucks were funded primarily through tech billionaires Ben and Felicia Horowitz, not through taxpayer dollars, according to McMahill.

“I see a lot of the criticism out there that I spent money. Not one taxpayer dollar went to buying these Cybertrucks. That was completely to the generosity of Ben and Felicia who understand the importance of incorporating technology into policing,” McMahill said.

The trucks were outfitted by Unplugged Performance and Uplift, and they were wrapped by Ink and Architectural Expo.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

School allows 8th grader to play boys’ basketball after banning him from tryouts

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Melissa Blasius

Click here for updates on this story

    MESA, Arizona (KNXV) — An East Valley 8th grader is now playing for the boys’ basketball team two weeks after his school barred him from tryouts due to the gender listed on his original birth certificate.

The Queen Creek Unified School District has changed its stance about the eligibility of 14-year-old Laker Jackson.

In mid-October, Eastmark High School removed Laker from tryouts for the boys’ junior high team because his original birth certificate listed him as a female.

“It’s been like a year straight for me of training basketball almost daily to make this team,” Laker previously told the ABC15 Investigators.

In time for tryouts, the family provided the school with a doctor’s note saying an exam confirmed Laker was biologically male and a corrected birth certificate from the state.

“I am a biological boy; I was born a boy,” Laker said.

However, district officials then said Laker could only play on coed or girls’ teams, and they would reconsider if the family got chromosomal testing that confirmed Laker’s gender.

“They’re trying to drive home a point that is not a point because he’s not transgender and he is a biological male, but they’re putting him in a category because they want to use him as an example,” Laker’s mom, Becky Jackson, told ABC15 earlier this month.

This week, QCUSD sent ABC15 an updated statement on the situation, saying, ”The school has made concerted efforts to work with the family to implement reasonable accommodations that protect individual student privacy, adhere to state and federal regulations, and safeguard the well-being of all students.”

District officials said Laker was able to try out for boys’ basketball, but other accommodations would remain until “appropriate testing” is completed. That gender-verification testing will be provided at no cost to the family.

Becky texted ABC15 on Tuesday to say she is “happy” her son is now playing on the boys’ basketball team. Laker’s first game was Monday, according to his mom.

While she has concerns that “chromosomal testing may be setting an unnecessary precedent for children in the future,” she says Laker will undergo the testing so he can use the locker room with his teammates and participate in a boys’ gym class during school.

QCUSD full statement:

The Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity in all athletic programs. In response to a recent situation involving a student’s athletic eligibility, administration has acted in good faith by working closely with the family since last school year to address questions related to enrollment documentation, participation in athletics, and implementation of accommodations in accordance with established protocols. This school year, as the family expressed their intention for the student to participate in junior high boys basketball, school administration made numerous attempts via email, phone, and a certified letter to schedule a meeting with the family to discuss participation in boys basketball. The parents did not respond to the school’s multiple attempts.

It should be noted that during the past few school years, the family has presented multiple amended records citing clerical errors. While the district respects every family’s right to update official records in accordance with law, the recurrence of documentation revisions prompted the district to take additional steps before making final eligibility determinations. This process ensures that all decisions are made consistently and in compliance with state and federal regulations. Throughout this process, the school has made concerted efforts to work with the family to implement reasonable accommodations that protect individual student privacy, adhere to state and federal regulations, and safeguard the well-being of all students. As part of these ongoing efforts, the district has offered to facilitate appropriate testing at no cost to the family to ensure the matter is resolved in an efficient, timely manner. The student is eligible to participate in the boys basketball program while other accommodations remain in place pending additional documentation.

The district values every student and family it serves, and remains committed to transparent communication and the fair application of state and federal regulations that protect opportunities for all students.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Man searches for father’s lost Navy artwork

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Yasmeen Ludy

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN DIEGO, California (KGTV) — A San Diego County man is on a mission to preserve his late father’s artistic legacy, uncovering a remarkable story of talent that flourished aboard U.S. Navy ships decades ago.

Nestor Vallar’s home serves as a gallery for his father’s artwork, with paintings decorating the walls, tables, and floors. His favorite artist isn’t a famous name — it’s his father, Vitaliano Vallar.

“We spent a long time, me and my brothers, researching his background and we didn’t realize how good he was until he was gone,” Nestor said, becoming emotional while discussing his father.

Vitaliano died in 2005, leaving behind a life his son is still trying to uncover. According to Nestor, his father grew up in the Philippines, painting billboards in Manila before joining the U.S. Navy in the late 1940s as a steward, cooking and cleaning.

“When he joined the Navy, I guess this gentleman Captain Holbrook, his captain on the Anderson, realized that he had a gift of drawing and painting,” Nestor said.

Vitaliano painted admirals who served in World War I and World War II. On the ship, his father had a 4-by-5 studio to paint.

“The admiral would probably ask him, Hey, would you mind painting my wife, my girlfriend? ‘” Nestor said.

Whenever a dignitary visited, Captain Holbrook would have Vitaliano paint a portrait as a gift.

“So that’s why a lot of these are gone,” Nestor said.

Nestor has around 70 pieces of his father’s work, including originals, photocopies, and old newspaper clippings.

“Through my research, I was able to find a lot of newspaper articles about him competing in Hawaii, competing with different artists locally,” Nestor said.

But he believes there are more pieces out there. Every day, Nestor searches the internet, trying to trace his father’s work. He started with Captain Holbrook’s son, who now lives in Texas.

“I plan on going there to take a picture of the actual painting and meet the son, and the son actually told me that he met my dad on the Anderson,” Nestor said.

Nestor will have an exhibit featuring his father’s work at the Bonita Museum next month. He launched a GoFundMe to help with funding.

“If I don’t showcase his work, his talent, then I think it’ll be lost in history,” Nestor said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGTV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

H-E-B Rallies to Keep Meals on Wheels Rolling for Houston’s Homebound Seniors

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 29, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — When Houston’s most vulnerable seniors faced a chilling reality — the possible loss of daily nutrition and care visits — H-E-B once again stepped in with its signature generosity and Texas-sized heart. Just one week after IM Houston (formerly Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston) announced funding cuts that jeopardized services for more than 300 homebound seniors, an incredible outpouring of community compassion raised $372,000, propelling the nonprofit to 75% of its $500,000 goal.

H-E-B: Always There When Texas Needs a Hero At the forefront of this lifesaving response was H-E-B, the beloved grocer that continues to prove its motto, “Here Everything’s Better,” means more than fresh produce and friendly service — it’s about community. H-E-B pledged $100,000 to ensure seniors across Harris and Galveston counties keep receiving the nutrition, wellness checks, and personal connections that Meals on Wheels provides daily. This contribution is part of H-E-B’s $1 million statewide commitment to Meals on Wheels programs across Texas — a testament to the brand’s enduring leadership in strengthening communities when they need it most. The Moody Foundation Joins the Mission The Moody Foundation also made a powerful statement of solidarity, awarding a $125,000 emergency grant to sustain Meals on Wheels services for Galveston County seniors. This act underscores the foundation’s unwavering dedication to the coastal community and provides critical momentum as IM Houston pushes toward closing the final funding gap.

Houston’s Heart on Full Display “We are deeply grateful to H-E-B, the Moody Foundation, and all of our donors for stepping forward so quickly,” said Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO of IM Houston. “This immediate response shows how much our community values its seniors and recognizes the importance of keeping them nourished, connected, and safe.” With approximately $128,000 still needed to close the remaining gap, IM Houston continues to call on Houstonians to lend a helping hand. Every dollar raised helps preserve seniors’ independence, dignity, and peace of mind, ensuring that no senior in our city faces hunger or isolation.

About IM Houston A proud United Way partner, IM Houston brings people of diverse faith traditions together to serve a shared purpose. The organization’s initiatives include: • Meals on Wheels & Animeals, delivering meals to homebound seniors — and food to their pets. • Refugee Services, helping documented refugees achieve self-sufficiency. • Volunteer Houston, connecting volunteers to nonprofits across the region. • Interfaith Relations & Community Engagement, promoting unity and understanding across cultures and beliefs. To learn more or contribute to the Meals on Wheels Emergency Fund, visit imhouston.org.

💛 Houston Style Magazine celebrates H-E-B — a true hometown hero whose compassion keeps Houston’s seniors strong, nourished, and connected. From holiday parades to emergency relief, H-E-B reminds us that community care never goes out of season.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Houston’s 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival Presented by Reliant

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 29, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — — Every year, Houston’s skyline lights up with a different kind of brilliance — one born from remembrance, tradition, and community spirit. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, downtown Houston transforms once again as the 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival presented by Reliant returns to Sam Houston Park, turning the city’s heart into a living canvas of color, culture, and celebration. This free, family-friendly event runs from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with the parade stepping off at 7:00 PM, inviting Houstonians of all ages to honor the lives of loved ones through art, music, and shared cultural pride. “The heart of this year’s celebration is remembrance,” organizers shared. “It’s about honoring those we love while celebrating the vibrancy of Houston’s diverse cultural soul.” A Festival of Art, Remembrance, and Rhythm Expect a dazzling display of creativity — from elaborately crafted community ofrendas (altars of remembrance) and Catrina costumes to captivating live music, dance performances, and cultural showcases that blend ancient tradition with Houston flair. Festivalgoers can savor local cuisine, enjoy art and craft vendors, and witness the stirring La Llorona performance alongside a breathtaking visual memorial wall featuring images submitted by Houston families. The evening will culminate in a high-energy musical finale designed to get everyone in the park dancing beneath the stars. Plan Your Visit All festival activities are free and open to the public, though some areas may reach capacity. Visitors are encouraged to review details about the parade route, street closures, performance schedule, and parking information at ddlmusa.com. Families can also learn how to submit photos of loved ones for inclusion in the community memorial wall, ensuring every story finds its place among the city’s shared memories. Community Partners and Sponsors Houston’s Día de los Muertos celebration thrives thanks to strong community partnerships and dedicated sponsors who keep the city’s cultural traditions alive. This year’s presenting sponsor, Reliant, leads a powerful lineup of supporters, including ARCA Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Ford, El Rancho Super Mercado, Hola Houston, Silver Eagle, Comerica Bank, Telemundo Houston, ABC13, Mega 101, Houston Style Magazine and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among others. “Reliant makes power personal — and that means shining a light on the people and traditions that make our communities strong,” said a Reliant representative. “We’re proud to celebrate Houston’s diverse heritage and the stories that unite us all.” As part of NRG Energy, Inc., Reliant continues to expand its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement — from EV and solar solutions to supporting cultural events that power connection. Learn more at Reliant.com or follow @ReliantEnergy on social media. Preserving a Beloved Tradition Founded by Hispanic community leaders and entrepreneurs, Día de Los Muertos LLC was created to preserve and honor this deeply meaningful celebration with cultural integrity while promoting inclusion, education, and unity. Through this annual event, Houston’s Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival has evolved into more than a tribute — it’s a living legacy that bridges generations and brings the city together in remembrance, reflection, and joy. “In Houston, we don’t just remember our loved ones — we celebrate their light,” one organizer reflected. “And that’s what Día de los Muertos is all about: turning memories into music, and grief into gratitude.” Event Details 📍 Location: Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 📅 Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 ⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Parade begins at 7:00 PM) 💻 Info & Schedule: ddlmusa.com 🎟 Admission: Free and open to the public

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

YES Prep’s Leading Houston Forward Luncheon Shines Spotlight on Alumni, Excellence, and the Power of Education

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 29, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Inspiration is in full bloom this fall as YES Prep Public Schools gears up for its Ninth Annual Leading Houston Forward Luncheon, set for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Wortham Theater Center. Each year, this signature event gathers nearly 400 of Houston’s top business and community leaders to celebrate one of the city’s greatest success stories: the transformative power of a high-quality, public-school education.

This year’s celebration will spotlight two dynamic young leaders—Kelly Truong and Jair Sanchez, both proud members of the YES Prep Class of 2023—who will return to the stage as alumni keynote speakers, embodying the mission and heart of YES Prep.

Inspiring Alumni, Limitless Futures

Kelly Truong, the valedictorian of YES Prep Southeast Secondary, represents the next generation of Houston’s STEM innovators. As founder of her campus’ first STEM club, captain of the varsity volleyball team, and recipient of the Athlete of the Year award, Truong has long exemplified academic and athletic excellence. Now pursuing computer science at Columbia University as a QuestBridge, Gates, and Dell Scholar, she continues to mentor Houston high school students navigating the college admissions process—a full-circle moment of giving back.

Meanwhile, Jair Sanchez, salutatorian of YES Prep North Central Secondary, continues his leadership journey from Houston to the Ivy League. As former Student Council President and leader of the Latinx Club, Sanchez inspired his peers to serve their communities with vision and purpose. Now a full-ride Yale University architecture student, his story underscores the strong foundation YES Prep provides to students from all backgrounds.

Honoring Those Who Lead and Inspire

The luncheon will also recognize influential community and alumni leaders whose work mirrors YES Prep’s mission to uplift, educate, and empower.

Chris Barbic Legacy Award: Drew Masterson and Masterson Advisors YES Prep Alumni Legacy Award: Yuliana Arredondo (’05), Director of College Counseling at YES Prep Southeast Secondary Co-chairs Sarah & Bryant Lee and Tricia & Jim Zucker bring their signature energy, leadership, and dedication to this year’s luncheon, ensuring another impactful and inspiring event for the community.

A Legacy of Leadership

Past speakers have included Dr. John B. King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education, and Sonia Manzano, beloved actress and author best known as Maria from Sesame Street. Previous recipients of the Chris Barbic Legacy Award—including H-E-B, Enbridge, Vitol, and Deb and Mark Gregg—have all shared YES Prep’s commitment to ensuring Houston’s students are prepared to lead in the classroom and beyond.

The Power of YES

“All of our honorees and alumni speakers exemplify what YES Prep stands for—academic excellence, community engagement, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity,” said Mark DiBella, CEO of YES Prep Public Schools. “Kelly and Jair’s stories are powerful reminders of what’s possible when students have access to the education they deserve.”

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit The Power of YES, the organization’s $80 million campaign designed to drive Expansion, Excellence, and Edge—three pillars that ensure Houston’s students have every opportunity to thrive.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more details about the Ninth Annual Leading Houston Forward Luncheon, visit yesprep.org/luncheon.

About YES Prep Public Schools

For over 25 years, YES Prep Public Schools has redefined public education in Houston. As a tuition-free charter school system serving more than 20,000 students across 26 campuses, YES Prep continues to close opportunity gaps and set new standards for academic achievement and college readiness. From elementary through high school, YES Prep empowers every student to lead, learn, and lift others—because when Houston’s youth succeed, we all move forward together.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@gmail.com
7139275444

Couple delivers 100 “Breakthrough Barbies” to Driscoll Children’s Hospital patients

CNN Newsource on October 29, 2025

By Veronica Flores-Herrera

Click here for updates on this story

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (KRIS) — Coastal Bend family and friends, you did it again!

On October 13, KRIS 6 introduced you to John Navar, a Flour Bluff man who launched a campaign to collect the new Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Barbie for young patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

The doll comes complete with an insulin pump and glucose monitor.

Navar’s wife, Cheryl, is a pediatric diabetic educator at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and thought the new Barbie would be perfect to help her patients, especially with World Diabetes Day just around the corner, Nov. 14.

Immediately, John went on social media to ask for donations, and the Coastal Bend and several foundations stepped up, donating more than $15,000.

On Tuesday afternoon, Cheryl and John donated their first 100 T1D Barbies to Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

As they were leaving, a 3-year-old who had just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes received one.

“Seeing the overwhelming look of joy on her face. At three years old, she just sat staring at this doll for like five minutes as we watched. I just got to sit there and watch her just revel at the beauty of this Barbie doll that has the same thing on her as she does,” Navar said.

That’s what we’ve been going for.

“If everything fizzles out at this point and I don’t raise any more Barbies, and the fact that there are 1,300 other little kiddos just like that little girl, who will get to experience that. God has worked a miracle here,” Navar added.

The Navar family plans to deliver Barbies to patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Edinburg, TX. There’s also a major foundation, whose name could not be disclosed, that will donate 100 dollars to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Navar is also in contact with the Cook’s Hospital in Fort Worth to give Barbies to young patients there.

That’s not all. A distributor got a hold of Mattel for Navar, and Mattel is going to let him buy $9,000 worth of Barbie dolls. That order will be placed on Tuesday.

“What I know for a fact is that there is going to be at least 1,300 girls just like we saw that are going to get to have a little bit of joy on that little terrible day of theirs,” Navar said.

Initially, the Navar family planned to raise enough money to supply dolls for the children at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Still, with the help of locals and other foundations, they surpassed their goal.

“The Lord keeps opening a lot of doors for us, the more we keep doing this,” Navar added, “I think that he’s backing us big time on this.”

Navar said it’s all about people helping people.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.