Hidalgo County Commissioners Proclaim September 2025 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Hidalgo County Commissioners Court has officially proclaimed September 2025 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a significant step aimed at raising awareness and support for children battling cancer. The resolution, presented by Dr. Jennifer Mendoza Culbertson on behalf of Commissioner Elie Torres, highlights the alarming statistics surrounding childhood cancer, which remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S. Approximately 1,800 children die from cancer each year, and one in 285 will be diagnosed by their 20th birthday.

The proclamation emphasizes the need for increased funding and research to address the unique challenges of childhood cancer, noting that only seven new drugs have been approved by the FDA for treatment in the past 30 years. The court's decision aims to unite the community in support of affected families and to honor the resilience of young cancer patients.

During the meeting, representatives from the medical community, including Driscoll and DHR, expressed their commitment to supporting children with cancer. Miss Casas from Neves Kids Conquering Cancer shared heartfelt remarks, thanking the court for shining a light on the strength and hope of these young warriors.

In addition to the childhood cancer proclamation, the court also declared September 2025 as National Alopecia Awareness Month. This initiative aims to educate the community about alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss and affects approximately 2% of the population. The proclamation seeks to enhance understanding and support for those living with alopecia while encouraging research for better treatments and potential cures.

Jamie Arellano, speaking on behalf of her daughter Reese, who has alopecia, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it sends a powerful message of support to families impacted by the condition. The court's actions reflect a commitment to fostering awareness and compassion for both childhood cancer and alopecia, ultimately aiming to create a more inclusive community for all.