Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
Mega Doctor News
During the 2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients, held on October 15 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, Dr. Mauricio De La Garza, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Chairman of the Plastic and Reconstructive Institute at DHR Health, delivered an impactful address highlighting the significance of breast reconstruction awareness and the ongoing innovations that are transforming patient outcomes.
Dr. De La Garza, who has dedicated his career to reconstructive surgery and breast cancer recovery, began by expressing gratitude to the many patients, families, and medical professionals who attended the event. “Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. I see a lot of familiar faces — our patients, their families, the referring physicians, and our staff,” he said. “Thank you all for celebrating today. Breast cancer has always been a passion of mine because we can actually help patients and make a big difference in their lives.”
The annual gala coincided with Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (B.R.A. Day), a global initiative observed every October to educate and empower women about their options following mastectomy. Dr. De La Garza explained that these events play an essential role in reaching women who may not know that breast reconstruction is available or covered by insurance. “It takes courage to go through breast reconstruction. Not everyone chooses it — sometimes out of fear or lack of knowledge. That’s why these types of events are so important,” he said. “We want everyone to know that they have the option to undergo breast reconstruction.”
He noted that reconstruction can be performed using a patient’s own tissue or implants, depending on personal preference and medical needs. “We meet our patients and we empower them,” he continued. “They get to choose what type of reconstruction they want — it can be natural with their own tissues or with implants, and it can be done in one session or multiple sessions.” Dr. De La Garza added that fewer than 40 percent of women in the United States who undergo mastectomy receive reconstruction, highlighting the need for awareness and advocacy.
Beyond awareness, Dr. De La Garza discussed the progress being made at DHR Health in reconstructive innovation. “We are now in McAllen, one of the first centers in the country to be working on reinnervating the skin flaps,” he said. “Patients who undergo mastectomy traditionally lose sensation to the nipple and skin, but we’ve been working on a project that is allowing us to bring that sensation back. It’s working very well, and it’s one of the many projects we’re developing to make reconstruction better for everyone.”
Throughout his remarks, Dr. De La Garza emphasized the importance of teamwork, describing reconstruction as a journey supported by a dedicated team of professionals. “It’s not only your medical team,” he said. “There are also survivor groups and support networks. We want every patient to feel that we are here for them from the moment we meet them through every stage of their recovery.”
The Master of Ceremonies praised Dr. De La Garza for his leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing reconstructive care in the Rio Grande Valley. “Dr. De La Garza really wants to continue to have this event on this commemorative day and bring more and more individuals,” the MC said. “Thank you, Dr. De La Garza, for the overview and for shining a light on the importance of breast reconstruction options.” The MC described DHR Health’s plastic and reconstructive surgeons as “compassionate and skilled physicians who provide hope and healing to patients,” acknowledging the doctor’s vision for expanding awareness and access to care.
Several patients who participated in the fashion show also expressed their gratitude to Dr. De La Garza for his expertise and compassion. Mayra Nidia Mendoza, who underwent breast reconstruction following chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, credited him with helping her regain confidence and faith after her diagnosis. “As a woman of faith, I thank God for answering prayers and for giving me the strength and courage to fight my battles,” she said. “My gratitude and admiration to Dr. Chapa, Dr. Cruz, and Dr. De La Garza for their professional care.”
Maria Lopez, another participant, was referred to Dr. De La Garza for her breast reconstruction after completing chemotherapy and radiation. She thanked him and the DHR Health team for their support throughout her recovery. Lydia Garza also expressed appreciation, describing him as “amazing” and crediting his care for helping her heal after a bilateral mastectomy.
Dr. De La Garza’s work continues to influence reconstructive medicine not only through his surgical skill but also through his focus on patient empowerment and education. His message at the gala reflected DHR Health’s broader mission to provide accessible, high-quality care close to home in the Rio Grande Valley.
As the evening celebrated survivors walking the runway in collaboration with Macy’s, the audience witnessed the living results of his team’s dedication. Through innovation, compassion, and advocacy, Dr. Mauricio De La Garza exemplifies DHR Health’s commitment to restoring more than physical form — he and his team help restore strength, confidence, and hope for women rebuilding their lives after breast cancer.
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