Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González / Mega Doctor News
The Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic has launched its 16th annual Radiothon to raise funds and highlight the need for local pediatric cancer care in the Rio Grande Valley.
Organizers thanked Radio United for its ongoing partnership, noting that the broadcaster provides patients with a platform to share their stories. “Without the support of you guys, we wouldn’t have this incredible platform to be able to show everybody that there’s a local option… here at the Vannie Cook Clinic,” a clinic representative said.
The clinic is nearing its 25th anniversary and was created so children “do not have to leave the Rio Grande Valley to receive the best pediatric oncology and hematology services.” Operated by Texas Children’s Hospital, the clinic adheres to its treatment protocols and enrolls patients in clinical trials when appropriate. Leaders described the hospital as “the number one children’s hospital in the state and among the top in the nation.”
Maria Alvarez of Radio United said the organization joined the effort after recognizing the region’s need for pediatric cancer support. “Sixteen years ago, Radio United saw the need in the Valley, and we joined this cause… and we’re still committed to supporting families and children in the Valley,” she said.
The Radiothon is scheduled for February 17, when patients will visit the station and “become DJs for a day.” Over the years, the event has raised more than $1 million, with organizers emphasizing that “not one penny leaves the Rio Grande Valley” and all donations support direct patient care.
Yadira, the clinic’s social worker and a cancer survivor, shared that her own son was diagnosed with leukemia while she worked there. “We had to go through that journey, but fortunately we were extremely blessed because of a place like this right in our backyard,” she said, adding that community support helped make her son “one of the survivors of the clinic.”
Radio personalities also accentuated the fundraiser’s impact. Rubén Vela said encouraging donations to help children with cancer is “one of the greatest satisfactions you carry in your heart,” while broadcaster Cristian Mata noted, “We’re not talking about raising money for land or a house… we’re talking about lives.”
The kickoff included the story of Chloe, a patient diagnosed with leukemia in September. “Our world was completely turned upside down,” said her mother, Liette, who expressed gratitude for receiving care close to home. “We are very, very grateful and very thankful that there is such a service down here.”
Despite the challenges, Chloe has recently returned to singing after experiencing fewer side effects. “It’s a beautiful thing to see her singing again and smiling again,” her mother said.
Clinic leaders said the anniversary theme, “the climb,” reflects the joint effort behind the organization’s growth and its commitment to future patients. “We want to be a short part of their story and of their journey,” a representative said.
Organizers encouraged early donations ahead of the broadcast and thanked supporters for sustaining the clinic’s mission. “We are here to help if you ever need us… and you give us a reason to continue to do the work that we do,” a clinic leader said.
