September is National Blood Cancer Awareness Month

UT Health RGV cancer experts speak at community educational event – ‘Living Well with Blood Cancer’

By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

The UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV cancer care experts are joining the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at “Living Well with Blood Cancer,” an event designed to share information on how blood cancer treatment and care advancements are benefitting the Rio Grande Valley.

The Valley historically has had limited access to specialized cancer care. Now, through the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center, slated to open in 2025, specialized cancer care will offer the treatments Valley patients need, so they don’t have to travel to get it.

The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Casa de Palmas, 101 N. Main Street, in McAllen.

Nationwide, blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma account for about 10% of all cancer diagnoses, with more than 190,000 new cases expected in 2024 alone, according to the American Cancer Society.

The event aims to share resources and educate local patients, caregivers and healthcare providers on valuable knowledge tailored to the Valley’s unique needs.

Dr. Everardo Cobos – medical oncologist and hematologist at UT Health RGV; chair of the Department of Medicine and Oncology at the UTRGV School of Medicine; and director of the Cancer Service Line at the Cancer and Surgery Center – and Daniel Hernandez, manager of Oncology Pharmacy Services at the Cancer and Surgery Center, will share their expertise on the latest developments in cancer care.

BENEFITTING THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Cobos, who has an extensive career as a blood cancer care expert, said events like this offer an essential opportunity for patients and families to engage with healthcare professionals and feel empowered in their cancer care journey.

“It’s more than just educational; it’s about empowering our community with knowledge and resources that can directly and positively impact their lives,” Cobos said. “Our goal is to make advanced cancer care accessible and understandable for everyone in our communities, especially here at home in the Valley.”

Hernandez, also with long experience in cancer care, will discuss the critical role of oncology pharmacists in delivering tailored care to patients in the region.

“Our commitment at UT Health RGV and the UTRGV School of Medicine is to ensure that every patient in the Valley has access to the most advanced treatments and personalized care,” Hernandez said. “This event is important in making those resources known and available to our community. Most notably, we hope to inform those in the Valley that our cancer center will provide the specialized cancer care they need, right here at home.”

For more information on the event, click here or contact Chelsea Fellows, LLS’s Patient and Community Outreach manager, at (210) 998-5127 or Chelsea.Fellows@lls.org.

ABOUT THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the global leader in the fight against blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.