I will never forget the dreaded call I received one day late September in 1997. I was teaching my second graders mathematics when my principal came to the door and said there was an urgent phone call for me in the office. I knew something awful had happened when he asked me to take the call in his private office. My mother informed me that my five year old nephew, JR, had just been diagnosed with leukemia.
I was crushed! Immediately, my family met at my sister’s house to help with whatever was needed. I remember sitting with my frightened nephew promising him everything was going to be okay. In reality, no one really knew. We all prayed for the best and kissed them goodbye. Sadly, 17 years ago, there was no place in the Rio Grande Valley to treat my nephew for cancer. They had to rush him to Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in San Antonio.
JR was in the hospital for two to three months before he went into remission. He was taking very heavy dosages of chemotherapy with many more medicines including steroids. The doctors and the entire staff at the hospital were incredible. They made each patient feel special.
We all took turns going to San Antonio to help with JR. It was very sad to see so many kids from the valley fighting cancer. Many patients were alone because their parents had to go home to work and provide for the family. My sister and brother in law would go and visit the other sick kids and read to them to make then feel less lonely. These kids were away from their home, family and friends.
Three years after beating his bout with cancer, JR was diagnosed with Leukemia again at the age of 8. The nightmare started again. My family went back to San Antonio to start a very aggressive protocol of chemotherapy and radiation. JR was a fighter! He was always so strong and very rarely cried. Everyone at the hospital kept telling my family how special he was. We prayed, prayed, and prayed!
My hero, Santana R. Garza, Jr, graduated from Texas A&M University last December. My family knows how blessed we are to still have him in our lives. He is our little miracle. He is kind hearted and loyal to all who know him. His smile is contagious and he loved by many.
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Vannie E. Cook Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic is located in McAllen. It is the only comprehensive pediatric cancer treatment facility in South Texas. Their patients are seen by doctors at three local hospitals, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Edinburg Children’s Hospital and Valley Baptist Hospital. Children fighting cancer no longer have to travel outside of the valley to receive excellent treatment. I have seen first hand how lucky we are to have this clinic in the valley. Two years ago, one of my best friend’s son was also diagnosed with leukemia. It felt like a deja vu. The brave child and the frightened family. However, within twenty four hours, he had his diagnosis and medical protocol. Thanks to his incredible team of doctors and nurses, trained by Texas Children’s Hospital, he is in remission and playing soccer.
God willing, a cure will be found for cancer. For now, say an extra prayer for these little warriors fighting for their lives. We want a miracle for them as well.