loader image
Saturday, February 21, 2026
74.6 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

Celebrating Birth Of Special Independence Day Baby At STHS Edinburg

The new bundle of joy arrived at 3:15 p.m. at STHS Edinburg on America’s 249th birthday

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Weighing in at 8 lbs., 5 oz. and measuring 22 inches long, Little Ricardo Mateo arrived at The Maternity Center at STHS Edinburg at 3:15 p.m. on Friday, July 4, making him the first baby delivered at an STHS facility on Independence Day. Image courtesy of STHS
Weighing in at 8 lbs., 5 oz. and measuring 22 inches long, Little Ricardo Mateo arrived at The Maternity Center at STHS Edinburg at 3:15 p.m. on Friday, July 4, making him the first baby delivered at an STHS facility on Independence Day. Image courtesy of STHS
- Advertisement -

Throughout the nation, families are observing America’s 249th birthday by taking part in holiday favorite activities like attending parades, having barbecues and enjoying the day at the beach or pool.

But that’s not the case for the Avalos Family.

They’re celebrating Independence Day with a new dependent; an All-American boy delivered at South Texas Health System Edinburg.

- Advertisement -

Weighing in at 8 lbs., 5 oz. and measuring 22 inches long, Little Ricardo Mateo arrived at The Maternity Center at STHS Edinburg at 3:15 p.m. on Friday, July 4, making him the first baby delivered at an STHS facility on Independence Day. 

Image courtesy of STHS

Baby Ricardo Mateo was originally due on July 11, but the adorable little firecracker didn’t want to miss the 4th of July festivities.

“He arrived earlier than expected, but we’re so happy to meet him,” says Leslie Avalos of her first child. “We’ll now have double the reason to celebrate the Fourth of July every year.”

Despite July being the second most popular birth month overall in the United States, the Fourth of July ranks as the 4th least common birthday nationally, per The Bump, making Little Ricardo Mateo’s arrival all the more special. 

- Advertisement -

Staff members at The Maternity Center at both facilities are proud to be part of each family’s journey of welcoming a new member into the world, working diligently to make the process as smooth as possible.

“It’s an exciting and anxious time for moms-to-be and their families, and we’re honored to be selected as their healthcare system of choice,” says NormaLinda Aguirre-Partida, BSN. RNC-OB, Director of Women’s Services and Nursey & Neonatal Program Manager, STHS Edinburg. “We’re committed to providing personal attention to every patient and their family while helping deliver their newborns into a safe and happy environment. To do that on America’s birthday is extra special!”

In addition to providing the highest level of individualized care, staff have gone the extra mile to make the day extra special for them with holiday-themed gifts, including a Baby’s First Fourth of July onesie.

A reflection of its dedication to providing expectant families and their newborns quality, compassionate care, South Texas Health System was named a recent Five-Star Recipient for C-Section Delivery, Hysterectomy and Gynecology Procedures. The awards are a testament of the healthcare system’s commitment to consistently deliver high-quality women’s healthcare and placing the organization in the upper echelon of hospitals for OB/GYN care nationwide. 

For more information on the women’s services at STHS, including the system’s labor and delivery programs, visit STHSMcAllen.com or STHSEdinburg.com

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

STC’s Valerio Named Key Contributor to Texas Health Care Workforce Reforms

Mega Doctor News By Selene Rodriguez South Texas College Regional Health Care Liaison...

The Hidden Sugar Crisis Threatening Our Kids’ Health

A growing body of research reveals that excessive sugar consumption in childhood is linked to a frightening list of long-term health problems, including an increased risk for heart disease, as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Consistent, high sugar intake can lead to serious health consequences such as these conditions.

Community Invited to DHR Health’s 16th Annual Free Health Fair, Feb. 21st 

In an effort to increase access to health services and resources, DHR Health will host its 16th annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, located at 118 Paseo del Prado in Edinburg. This free community event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to noon and is open to the public.

Can AI Help Predict Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer?

 An international team of researchers has received $2 million in support to understand how artificial intelligence can improve prediction of ovarian cancer survival and treatment response
- Advertisement -