DHR Health Hosts Annual Breast Cancer Survivors Fashion Show, Shining a Spotlight on Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

Edinburg, Texas:  As part of their ongoing effort to raise awareness about B.R.A. (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day, a worldwide health initiative, DHR Health held their Annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day Fashion Show and Gala. The event took place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, located at 118 Paseo del Prado in Edinburg. Eleven women walked the runway, each a breast cancer survivor who chose to reclaim her confidence and continue her healing journey through breast reconstruction. DHR Health is proud to honor their courage, strength and success as special patients through this special event.

Each model selected their own outfit, which was purchased courtesy of DHR Health at Macy’s Department Store. Each outfit reflected their own unique style and spirit.

“Our models in our fashion show remind us that every survivor’s story is one of beauty, resilience and hope,” said Marissa Castaneda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health who explained that DHR Health offers breast reconstruction options to women who have bravely undergone breast cancer surgery and reconstruction could be covered with medical insurance if it is related to breast cancer.

In addition to the fashion show, the event featured insightful presentations from DHR Health’s plastic and reconstructive physicians: Dr. Mauricio De La Garza, Dr. Paul A. Berry, and Dr. Ali Kilic.  As well as general surgeons Dr. Lisa Chapa and Dr. Cera Kroenke. The physicians discussed to the audience, the multi-step reconstructive surgeries that typically follow the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

The physicians also highlighted DHR Health’s NAPBC-accredited Breast Center of Excellence which is the only one south of San Antonio, available to patients in the Rio Grande Valley. At a Breast Center of Excellence, a complete spectrum of services are provided, from the initial breast screening to breast cancer treatment. DHR Health physicians understand that each patient is unique—that is why personalized treatment plans are developed for each individual, through collaboration with all oncologists and medical specialists. This collaborative, multifaceted team approach ensures the best possible outcomes.

This year’s 2025 Breast Reconstruction Awareness models were: Susana Gonzalez, Mayra Nidia Mendoza, Maria F. Lopez, Sonia Branca, Norma Suarez, Yesenia Cortez, Juanita H. Garcia, Norma Meza, Lidia Garza, Rene Vorbach, and Maribel Tovar.

Proceeds from the event will also benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization of DHR Health that is dedicated to helping local underserved cancer patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The Foundation assists patients with financial and transportation assistance, as well as providing free wigs.

“We want women to have knowledge about our breast reconstruction options in the RGV to make informed decisions,” said Marissa Castaneda, DHR Health senior executive vice president. “At DHR Health, we are proud to have an integrated approach that brings oncologists, breast surgeons, and plastic surgeons together to ensure that women are aware of their options and, ultimately, that every aspect of patient care is seamlessly coordinated. There is no need for patients to travel out of town for world-class breast cancer care. The care they need is available right here in the RGV.”