Inaugural children’s health fair in Midland to honor Robin Bush

An inaugural children’s health fair will be held in honor of Robin Bush at the Bush Family Home State Historic Site in Midland on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Robin Bush was the daughter of George H.W. and Barbara Bush. She died of leukemia in 1953 while the Bushes lived in the home on West Ohio Street.

Robin’s Children’s Health Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature booths under an air-conditioned tent featuring clinics and doctors from around Midland and Odessa. Children can learn about their health by bringing a doll or teddy bear, which will be subject to a doctor’s check-up.

The event will run in conjunction with Children’s Cancer Awareness Month in September. Scooter Dog Food Truck will be available for food purchase, and self-guided tours of the Bush home will also take place.

Robin Bush was born in Compton, Calif., on Dec. 20, 1949. She’d been named after Barbara Bush’s mother, who had recently died in a car accident, and was described as “quiet and gentle.” After returning to Texas and shortly after her brother, Jeb, was born, she was diagnosed with late stages of leukemia, according to the Bush Family Home State Historic Site.

“The Bushes wanted to use Robin as inspiration by naming hospital wings after her,” said Site Manager Troy Gray. “We want to follow suit and use her as inspiration holding a free, fun and informative event the whole family will enjoy.”

The Bush Family Home joined the Texas Historical Commission in 2023 and is one of 38 sites in the state of Texas. Normal operating hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; the last tour begins at 4:15 p.m.