Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González,
Mega Doctor News
At the 2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients, held on October 15 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, Dr. Lisa Chapa, Breast Cancer Surgeon at DHR Health, delivered a moving and insightful message about the importance of patient empowerment, education, and collaboration in breast cancer care. Her remarks reflected the event’s theme — “A Celebration of Strength, Courage, and Empowerment” — and underscored the compassion that drives her work.
Dr. Chapa began by thanking everyone who came to support the brave women sharing their stories on stage. “I want to say thank you to everyone who showed up to support these brave women who are going to share their story with us,” she said. “Their story of breast cancer diagnosis is powerful and inspiring.” She extended her gratitude to her colleagues, including medical assistants, nurse practitioners, mammography technologists, and surgical staff, emphasizing that effective cancer care is a team effort. “A lot of times the spotlight is placed on the surgeons and physicians,” she said, “but really we are an entire team. Together we take care of patients.”
Dr. Chapa reminded the audience that breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States — a statistic she called “a risk that’s too high.” She noted that nearly everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer, whether a friend, mother, sister, or daughter. Her message focused on restoring choice and confidence to patients who often feel powerless after diagnosis. “When I’m speaking with my patients who have breast cancer, they feel so out of control,” she explained. “They feel like this has happened to them, that their choice has been taken away because no one would ever choose to have breast cancer. They feel helpless and alone.”
She highlighted that breast reconstruction is one way women can regain control after mastectomy. “It’s really important that we as surgeons, when we are consulting with our patients, let them know that they have the option to reconstruct their breasts,” she said. “This is a choice they can make — a choice to reclaim their own body.” Dr. Chapa described the process as a critical step in emotional healing, helping patients make decisions about their bodies and treatment that align with their values and goals.
Dr. Chapa also praised her reconstructive colleagues — Dr. Mauricio De La Garza, Dr. Ali Kilic, and Dr. Paul A. Berry — for their expertise and partnership in comprehensive cancer care. “I really want to shine the spotlight on my fellow colleagues, the reconstructive and plastic surgeons here at DHR Health,” she said. “I am a breast cancer surgeon, and a lot of times the task I have is to remove a woman’s breast, which can be devastating. They are the ones who can help restore that loss.”
The Master of Ceremonies recognized Dr. Chapa’s dedication, describing her as “a compassionate physician who understands not only the medical but also the emotional impact of breast cancer.” The MC noted that her leadership and empathy have been instrumental in supporting patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Several patients shared their gratitude for Dr. Chapa’s care during the event. Mayra Nidia Mendoza, who underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the surgeon’s guidance. “After I completed chemotherapy, I was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Lisa Chapa,” she said. “I opted to have a double mastectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence. My gratitude and admiration to Dr. Chapa, Dr. Cruz, and Dr. De La Garza for their professional care.”
Dr. Chapa closed her remarks by reaffirming her commitment to patient education and empowerment. “To be given a choice in how your treatment will look and how you want it to go is a very powerful thing,” she said. “Together, we can make sure that every woman facing breast cancer knows her options, feels supported, and never faces this journey alone.”
Through her compassion, collaboration, and leadership, Dr. Lisa Chapa continues to make a profound impact on the lives of women in the Rio Grande Valley, helping them move from fear to strength and from uncertainty to empowerment.
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