Texas Tech University El Paso’s second annual Writing for Hope Campus will transform campus into a breathtaking winter wonderland on Friday, Dec. 6, featuring festive cheer, heartfelt stories of resilience, and even some surprises! “Snow” added a magical touch to the venue and enchanted attendees. evening.
More than just a holiday gathering, this free, family-friendly event was the culmination of a year-long appeal that raised $255,000 to provide 1,350 lifesaving cancer screenings in the Borderplex community. Every dollar raised from event sponsorships directly supports cancer screening and diagnosis, highlighting the transformative impact of early detection and treatment.
Family, friends and cancer warriors from across the Borderplex gathered for this moving celebration of hope and unity in the fight against cancer.
Attendees cheered as they enjoyed a variety of activities including a visit with Santa and his friends, a dazzling fireworks show and a lively mascot dance-off. The kitchen truck served an assortment of delicious snacks and treats, and the fun atmosphere brought smiles to the faces of everyone who gathered to celebrate hope and community.
The evening was a beacon of hope, celebrating the strength and resilience of those affected by cancer, while highlighting the community’s collective efforts towards a cancer-free future. It also shone with the promise of innovative work that will take place at the future Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center.
Cancer warriors took center stage, sharing personal stories of their cancer experiences and offering inspiring messages of perseverance and hope. Their stories emphasized the importance of community, solidarity, and resources to empower individuals in the fight against this disease.
Crystal Lerma spoke about her and her 10-year-old son Stevie’s cancer journey. Five years ago, Lerma was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Shortly after, Stevie was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“I was planning his final radiation treatment at Texas Tech University Internal Medicine in El Paso, and that day I had to walk Stevie across the street to El Paso Children’s Hospital,” said Lerma. remembered. “That night we received the devastating news that he had cancer.”
Despite the challenges, Lerma, her family, and El Paso doctors worked together to coordinate a treatment plan for her and Stevie.
“Five years later, we are still fighting and living life to the fullest,” Lerma said. On Friday night, they celebrated this milestone with their families, thanks to the care and support of Texas Tech University doctors in El Paso and Children’s Hospital of El Paso.
A record of generosity and influence
Participants were invited to directly contribute to the fight against cancer through a convenient scan-and-deliver option. Funds raised from this event will help provide more than 1,350 lifesaving breast, cervical and colon cancer tests (at a cost of approximately $185 each). Proceeds also help fund follow-up diagnostics, which are often more expensive.
These efforts, supported by the Texas Tech Health El Paso Cancer Screening Fund, will directly benefit the Borderplex community and ensure early detection and timely access to care through important programs such as:
Breast Cancer Education, Screening, and Navigation (BEST) Program Medical Student-Run Clinic Breast Cancer Screening Program Southwest Coalition for Colorectal Cancer Screening (SuCCeSS) Program De Casa en Casa Cervical Cancer Screening Program
The importance of early detection
Regular cancer screenings can save lives by detecting abnormalities before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier and more effective treatment. For decades, screening has significantly reduced mortality rates from cancers in the United States, including cervical and colorectal cancers, by 55% and 45%, respectively.
Thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors, more people in our region will have access to life-saving testing, strengthening our united front in the fight against cancer.
Writing Campus for Hope Sponsors:
Presenting Hope – Woody and Gail Hunt Family Foundation, Lucky Duck Building Hope – Suunto Foundation Spark of Hope – Garrick Group, Chiu Family Foundation Spreading Hope – Peter Piper Pizza, L&F Distributors, Wells Fargo, El Paso Electric, GECU Foundation, Sunflower Bank, Patti and Alan Russell, Casa Auto Group, Nusenda Credit Union Cancer Warriors – Ray’s Federal Credit Union, National Restaurant Supply, Torney, Acosta & Chaparro PC – Truck Collision Injury Lawyers, El Paso Locomotive, Martha & Cliff Eisenberg, First Light Federal Credit Union, Rocky Mountain Mortgage Company, Bohannon Development・Corporation, Lone Star Title
As we reflect on the success of this event, Texas Tech Health El Paso remains steadfast in its mission to bring hope, healing, and health to every corner of our community. Together, let us light the way to a cancer-free future.
For more information about supporting Texas Tech Health El Paso’s cancer efforts, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.
The future of cancer care in El Paso is here
Lighting Campus for Hope also builds excitement for the future of the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center, scheduled to break ground on the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus in 2025, ensuring hope for cancer patients is rooted for generations to come. It will happen. In 2023, the Texas Legislature approved a $65 million budget for cancer center planning and construction.
In August 2023, community leaders Steve and Nancy Fox and their daughters Paige and Ashley announced a historic $25 million investment to help bring the region’s first comprehensive cancer center to fruition.
In September 2024, the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation announced a $5 million grant to support the Cancer Center. This grant will help improve comprehensive cancer care by funding the recruitment of top cancer specialists.
Once completed, this facility will provide cancer survivors with access to world-class cancer treatment in the region, easing the emotional and financial burden on families of traveling far from home for treatment. .
