RGV Doctors and Mission Regional Team Shave Their Heads to Show Love and Support for Women with Breast Cancer

Community invited to join the 16th Annual Mission Pink Walk/Run to celebrate hope, healing, and unity

MISSION, TX – In a powerful act of solidarity, several doctors and surgery techs at Mission Regional Medical Center have shaved their heads to stand beside women in the Rio Grande Valley who are battling breast cancer. Their message is one of love, hope, and encouragement: no woman fights this disease alone.

The physicians – including two surgeons and an anesthesiologist – are inviting the community to walk hand-in-hand with them at the 16th Annual Mission Pink Walk/Run for Breast Cancer Awareness & Treatment on Saturday, October 11, at 7 a.m. at Mission Regional Medical Center, 900 S. Bryan Road in Mission.

Proceeds from the event will provide free digital screening mammograms for uninsured women over 40 living in the Valley, helping promote early detection and life-saving treatment.

Those who bravely shaved their heads include Dr. Jesus Villarreal and Dr. Guillermo Marquez, General Surgeons; Dr. Saan Simon, Anesthesiologist; as well as hospital staff members Breno Teixeira, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; Telesforo Torrez, Joe Carrillo, and Julian Moya, surgical techs; Frank Moreno, X-ray tech; and Javier Rodriguez, sterile processing tech.

The physicians and hospital staff members said they shaved their heads because breast cancer continues to affect countless lives – including many patients they treat in surgery — with statistics showing that one out of every eight women born today will face this disease.

“Every day we see the courage of women facing breast cancer,” the team shared. “By shaving our heads, we want them to know they are not alone — together, we are stronger, and together, we will save lives.”

Annual mammograms remain one of the most effective tools in detecting breast cancer early, giving women the best chance for recovery and survival.

Kane Dawson, CEO of Mission Regional Medical Center, said Mission Pink is more than just an event: it’s a celebration of strength.

“This is a time to honor survivors, support those still fighting, and remember loved ones,” Dawson said. “Walking side by side, we remind every woman that her fight is our fight.”

Kathleen Avila, Regional Business Development Director for Prime Healthcare, added that Mission Pink will be filled with joy and connection.

“From inspiring testimonials to live music, kids’ activities, and even pink tacos, the day will radiate love and support,” Avila said. “It’s a family celebration of hope.”

Priscilla Duran, Business Development & Marketing Manager for Mission Regional Medical Center, said this year’s theme, “Sweet 16 – Stronger Together in Pink,” perfectly reflects the spirit of unity.

“We are celebrating 16 years of awareness, strength, hope, and community at this Sweet Sixteen edition of the Mission Pink 5K,” Duran said. “Whether you run, walk, dance, or cheer, your presence helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention in the Rio Grande Valley.”

As the first and largest 5K of its kind in Hidalgo County, Mission Pink has become a symbol of resilience, drawing up to 2,000 participants. The event begins with moving presentations at 7 a.m., followed by the walk/run at 7:50 a.m.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, please call 956-400-4140 or e-mail MRTXsocial@PrimeHealthCare.com. Registration is also available online at: https://endurancesplits.redpodium.com/16th-annual-mission-pink-sweet-sixteen-5k-run-?fbclid=IwY2xjawNLv7VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyRnVtcXhoZ2xOS0hhaDVCAR6s3oIJqZZemTLIsZeaB5-rM4t3B9D6wIACFdovpXAyDsXuQrOqHk6xZOLYLw_aem_3r7ISbwUVhYAqY3DjgrTCQ