Mega Doctor News
Edinburg, Texas: DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center hosted a special luncheon to honor trauma survivors and their families as well as to recognize the first responders and healthcare professionals who have played a pivotal role in saving lives and providing care in the face of life-threatening injuries.
The event took place on December 4, 2025 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, with trauma survivors, family members and caregivers, first responders, including firefighters, and police officers, and the dedicated Level I Trauma Center team members of DHR Health were in attendance. The annual event serves to bring survivors, families, and trauma professionals together to share stories of resilience, hope and resources for healing.
“While we have monthly Trauma Survivors Network meetings where patients can receive support, this annual event is something we hold very near and dear to our hearts,” said Dr. Jeffrey Skubic, Medical Director of DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center. “To be able to see these patients return to a normal life after being severely injured, and knowing that we played a role in their healing process, is truly rewarding. I am so grateful that these patients trust us with their lives in critical situations and give us the chance to perform at our best.”
A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of six trauma survivors who were treated at DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center after surviving life-threatening injuries. They were honored for their bravery, recovery, and resilience.
The honorees present at the event were:
• Arturo Sosa- a trauma survivor who was burned about 25% of this body due to a generator blow up from Brownsville.
• Jose Juarez- a trauma survivor who was involved in a motor vehicle rollover.
• Marco Lopez- a trauma survivor who was involved in an ATV accident.
• Troy Rubalcaba- a trauma survivor who was involved in a motor vehicle collision.
As a gesture of appreciation, each honoree received a small token of gratitude and photos were taken to commemorate the occasion with first responders and DHR Health Level I Trauma Care team members.
“Each survivor that walk through our doors carries resilience, courage and hope. It is always with great pride that we host this annual event to honor these individuals, as we want to offer a space to connect, share their stories, and witness the strength that comes from knowing they are not alone,” said Jennifer Volcy, Registered Nurse and DHR Health Trauma Program Director.
At the end of the event, Marissa Castaneda, DHR Health senior executive vice president, reinforced the importance of the community coming together to help these individuals as well as DHR Health’s continuous commitment to providing a world-class health system that maximizes care for all residents of the Rio Grande Valley.
In 2021, DHR Health first earned its Level I Trauma designation. Prior to this achievement, many patients with life-threatening injuries had to be transferred nearly 250 miles to San Antonio—an expensive and risky journey for critically ill patients.
Today, DHR Health remains one of only 22 Level I Trauma Centers in Texas, serving patients across 14 counties in South Texas. Its readiness to respond at any hour, 365 days a year, has saved countless lives, ensuring patients receive top-tier treatment close to home.
