Maverick County Hospital District Think Pink Runway Show Celebrates Breast Cancer Survivors

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Maverick County Hospital District’s 11th annual Think Pink Runway Show was a great success Wednesday, October 14, 2026 bringing together cancer survivors, healthcare professionals and community supporters at the International Center for Trade in Eagle Pass, Texas.

The 11th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event honored 15 local survivors who modeled clothing from participating local boutiques, celebrating their courage while drawing attention to the importance of screenings and access to healthcare.

Among those attending were MCHD Chief Executive Officer Nestor Bonilla, board members Rebeca “Becky” Robinson and Stephany Valdez, and numerous other local dignitaries and community representatives.

Valdez, vice-chair of the hospital district’s Board of Directors, was presented a proclamation from the City of Eagle Pass City Council.

The program also included a proclamation presentation by City of Eagle Pass Public Affairs Director Aide Castaño.

The survivors honored during the runway show were Araceli De La Garza, Carmen Ravenna, Celia Oliva Isordia, Claudia Ortega, Dalia Martinez, Irene Arizpe, Dora Garcia, Jacqueline De La Torre, Leticia Garcia, Maria Dovalina, Maria Del Carmen Reyes, Rosa Villasenor, Rosy Moncada, Imelda Olivo and Dolores Hernandez Flores.

The women took to the runway before family members, friends and community supporters, receiving recognition for their strength and perseverance in facing breast cancer.

Keynote speakers were Dr. Justine Betzu, a general surgeon with the district, and Dr. Claudia Wright, a breast cancer survivor.
Betzu provided medical information and discussed the importance of regular checkups and breast cancer screenings.

Wright shared her experience as a survivor, offering a personal perspective on facing the disease.

Yanet Palacios, director of the district’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program, presented information about the program.

Participating exhibitors also gave residents an opportunity to learn about available services and local healthcare resources.

Breast cancer remains a concern in Maverick County, where state data shows an average of approximately 30 new cases each year.

According to State Cancer Profiles, the county’s reported age-adjusted incidence rate was 106.5 cases per 100,000 women. The report classified the incidence trend as rising, with an estimated average annual increase of 2.2 percent.

The hospital district’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program offers eligible patients free clinical breast examinations, screening mammograms, cervical cancer screenings and follow-up appointments.

When additional testing is necessary, available services may include diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and biopsies.

MCHD recognized the City of Eagle Pass for its assistance with the venue and thanked the businesses, sponsors, boutiques and community partners that supported the annual program.

The event honored local survivors and encouraged residents to keep up with screenings and learn more about the assistance available through the hospital district.