Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
Mega Doctor News
The Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance was filled with emotion, gratitude, and hope on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as DHR Health hosted its 2025 Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients. The annual event celebrated breast cancer survivors and highlighted the importance of breast reconstruction awareness, education, and innovation in women’s health care.
The evening began with a heartfelt welcome from Marissa Castañeda, Senior Executive Vice President, and Zoraly Nuñez-Ramos, Vice President of Business Development. Together, they opened the gala with words of appreciation for the audience and all who have supported DHR Health’s mission to restore health and confidence to women across the Rio Grande Valley. “Tonight, we celebrate life, courage, and the power of hope,” said Castañeda. “Each of these women reminds us why we continue this work — to heal, to restore, and to empower.”
Castañeda and Nuñez-Ramos recognized the dedicated team from Macy’s Department Store — including Store Manager, Makeup Artist Lois Sanchez, Joanna Ava, and Nicole Martinez — for their assistance in preparing the evening’s models and adding glamour to the celebration. The audience responded with applause, setting a tone of appreciation and unity for the event.
The evening also honored the work of DHR Health’s Breast Center of Excellence, the only center of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley. The hosts introduced the leadership team: Dr. Mauricio De La Garza, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Chairman; Dr. Ali Kilic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Hand Surgeon; and Dr. Paul A. Berry, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Each was acknowledged for their dedication to helping women regain not just physical wellness but emotional and psychological strength after breast cancer.
The gala coincided with Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (B.R.A. Day), a global initiative held every October to inform women about reconstruction options following mastectomy. The message of empowerment and education resonated throughout the event.
Dr. Mauricio De La Garza delivered a powerful address on the significance of awareness and innovation in breast reconstruction. “It takes courage to go through breast reconstruction,” Dr. De La Garza said. “Not everyone chooses it — sometimes out of fear or lack of knowledge. That’s why events like this are so important. We want every woman to know she has options.” He emphasized that fewer than 40% of women who undergo mastectomy in the United States receive reconstruction, stressing the importance of outreach and education. Dr. De La Garza also shared news of groundbreaking developments at DHR Health, including advanced nerve regeneration techniques that help restore sensation to the nipple and skin after surgery — a pioneering step in recovery and patient comfort.
Dr. Lisa Chapa, Breast Cancer Surgeon, followed with remarks that highlighted teamwork and compassion in cancer care. “When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she often feels her choices have been taken away,” Dr. Chapa said. “Reconstruction gives her a choice — a way to reclaim her body and her confidence.” She extended gratitude to nurses, mammography technicians, medical assistants, and operating room staff, recognizing their vital roles in patient care.
The program also featured appreciation for community partners and donors. The MC extended special thanks to Lone Star National Bank, a longstanding supporter of DHR Health’s cancer programs. “Anytime we ask, LSNB steps up — and they go above and beyond,” said the MC. “Your generosity helps fund awareness, resources, and patient assistance, truly making a difference in our community.”
The highlight of the evening was the Fashion Show, presented in collaboration with Macy’s, featuring courageous breast cancer survivors who walked the runway as models of hope and resilience. Among them were Susanna Gonzalez, who shared her gratitude to Dr. Berry and her faith in God during recovery; Mayra Nidia Mendoza, who credited Drs. Chapa, Cruz, and De La Garza for her healing journey; and Maria Lopez, who expressed thanks to her doctors and children after undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and reconstruction.
Other survivors, including Norma Suarez, Juanita Garcia, Lydia Garza, Rene Vorbach, and Maribel Tovar, each delivered moving testimonies of perseverance, faith, and gratitude toward their care teams. “Don’t be afraid,” said Vorbach, 79. “You can handle the pain. To replace what’s lost with something new makes you feel better. Go for it.”
The night concluded with closing remarks from Castañeda and Nuñez-Ramos, who commended the survivors, physicians, and sponsors for their roles in creating a community of compassion and support. As the lights dimmed and applause filled the hall, it was clear that the 2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala was not merely an evening of fashion and celebration — it was about the strength of women, the power of healing, and the continued commitment of DHR Health to provide hope and excellence in breast cancer care.
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