El Paso's Star on the Mountain, a beacon of the city skyline, will be illuminated in gold as a gesture of support and awareness for those affected by childhood cancer. According to KFOX-TV, the El Paso Chamber announced the collaborative effort with the El Paso Children's Hospital designed to honor the resilience and strength of pediatric cancer patients and their families during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
"Since our opening in 2012, we have reduced the number of children needing to travel outside of El Paso by over 85%," Aley Valdespino, El Paso Children’s Hospital Nursing Director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology said, as per KVIA. The event symbolizes not just awareness but also signifies the advances in pediatric oncology treatments available locally. Aiding the cause, Chaparral Wireless has been named the official internet provider for the Star on the Mountain, ensuring the light shines without technical interruption.
Further galvanizing community support, a special event named Dance Off for Cancer brought together local law enforcement and pop culture icons. As CBS4 Local reports, participants included the El Paso Sheriff's Office, Horizon Police Department, and representatives from the Star Wars and Ghostbusters franchises. Unlike previous years where support was shown from afar, this time, supporters danced alongside the children within hospital walls.
"These people are here to support our kids, to support the hospital, and once again, to spread awareness of childhood cancer," Gonzalez said, as noted by CBS4 Local, during the celebration. The gathered law enforcement groups, donning their uniforms and occasionally matched with costumed characters, filled the hospital floors with energy meant to uplift spirits and foster community unity in the face of adversity.
