Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining us for the 19th Annual VNA Meals on Wheels MLK Day of Service!

On Monday, January 19, spend your morning delivering food and fellowship to our senior neighbors. Your time and care will make a meaningful impact in our community.

Sign up today to be part of this day of service! Click here to sign up.

Questions? Contact Yakia McKinnie at yakia.mckinnie@vnatexas.org or 214-689-2464.

Let’s honor Dr. King’s vision—together.

2026 is about to be delicious! We’re thrilled to welcome Rick Martinez as our Celebrity Chef—a James Beard Award winner, celebrated cookbook author, and beloved culinary storyteller. Traveling from his home in Mazatlán, Rick will bring the vibrant colors, rich culture, and soulful flavors of Mexican cuisine to life, all seasoned with the warmth of his Texas roots.

Rick is passionate about VNA and this event, saying, “My mother, Gloria Martinez, was a nurse. She set an example of courage, dignity, grace, compassion, and love that I still measure myself against. That is why nurses, and especially the Visiting Nurse Association, are so important to me. 

This meal is for my mom and for all the nurses like her, who do this work quietly, selflessly, and with extraordinary strength, love and humanity. They deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our deepest thanks.”

This is more than a meal—it’s an experience.

Join us at the VNA Haggerty Kitchen on April 9, 2026 for an unforgettable culinary celebration:

• Comida at the Kitchen (Lunch): Festive food stations, specialty cocktails, and options for tables or individual tickets starting at $500.
• Fiesta at the Kitchen (Dinner): Everything you love from lunch PLUS a VIP Mezcal & Mole tasting reception for table sponsors—right inside the kitchen! Tickets starting at $750.
• Attendees will also receive a signed copy of Rick’s book, Salsa Daddy!
• Stay tuned for special raffle items!

Purchase your tables and tickets today!  

Join us for an insightful Lunch and Learn featuring Matteo Ligorio, M.D., Ph.D. and Kelley Newcomer, M.D. as they explore findings from a groundbreaking UT Southwestern study published in Nature Medicine:

Date: Thursday, February 5
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM CST
Location: Virtual Event on Zoom

What really causes death in cancer patients?
Contrary to long-held beliefs, the study suggests that the ultimate cause may not be widespread metastasis, but rather tumors infiltrating major blood vessels—triggering blood clots and multiorgan failure. These discoveries could transform how advanced cancers are diagnosed and treated, opening doors to new interventions that extend life.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about research that’s reshaping our understanding of cancer progression.

Click here for the Zoom link.

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, plan, and take meaningful steps toward living well and caring for those we love. At VNA, we believe that aging well isn’t just about health—it’s about preparation, connection, and conversations that matter.

Here are a few ways you can start 2026 with confidence and compassion:

1. Get Your Documents in Order

An organized estate protects your loved ones and the causes you care about most. Explore our Planning Toolkit for practical resources to help you create a plan that reflects your values.

2. Have the Conversations That Matter

Talking about wishes for care through the end of life can be hard—but it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. The Conversation Project offers tools to help you start these important discussions.

3. Support Caregivers and Families

Caregiving can be overwhelming. Our Caregiver Resources provide guidance and support for those walking this journey.

4. Learn and Grow with VNA

Tune in to our Podcasts for expert insights and inspiring stories about living well at every stage of life.

5. Volunteer and Make a Difference

Your time and talents can bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. Consider volunteering with VNA and help us continue our mission of care and compassion. Get started at volunteer.vnatexas.org

Together, we can make 2026 a year of purpose, planning, and peace of mind. Thank you for your continued support—it makes all the difference.

Warm regards,

Chris Culak
President & CEO
Visiting Nurse Association of Texas

© VNATexas.org
1420 W. Mockingbird Ln., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75247

Established in 1934, the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing care to our community, enhancing health and well-being with compassion, dignity and integrity. VNA is North Texas’ most trusted provider of quality health care services in the home and is the first, most experienced Hospice Care provider in Texas.  VNA offers Meals on Wheels in Dallas County, Supportive Palliative Care, and adult and pediatric Hospice Care in Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Rockwall, Tarrant, Van Zandt, and Wise counties. Visit www.vnatexas.org or call 214-689-0000 for more information. 

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