Commissioners declare September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; hospital families highlight pediatric oncology care in El Paso

The El Paso County Commissioners Court on Aug. 25 approved a resolution declaring September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and recognized the Southwest University Pediatric and Blood Cancer Center at El Paso Children’s Hospital.

Commissioner Cindy Stout and hospital officials noted that the center is the only Children’s Oncology Group (COG) center within a 350‑mile radius and emphasized the value of local access to clinical trials and inpatient and infusion services. Hospital representatives said the center treats more than 75 new pediatric cancer diagnoses annually and has treated more than 900 children since inception.

Cindy Stout, president and chief executive officer of El Paso Children’s Hospital (introduced in the meeting as Cindy Stout), and Dr. Benjamin Carcamo and pediatric oncology staff described the care team and the program’s track record; they brought a patient family to the court to share their testimony. A family member told the court that staying in El Paso for treatment allowed the family to remain together while the child was treated and celebrated the child’s recent ringing of the hospital bell marking completion of active therapy.

The court’s resolution recognizes the hospital’s oncology team and encourages continued community support for pediatric cancer care and related services.