It’s not very often that you can put the words “Las Vegas” and “good cause” together in one sentence. But last week AVA MD showed its support for those affected by cancer by sponsoring the annual “El Sueno De Esperanza” gala at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino.
The gala, which means ‘Dreams of Hope,’ helps fund PADRES Contra El Cancer (Parents Against Cancer), an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Latina children with cancer and their families. Since its inception in 1985, PADRES has served more than 3,200 families and 16,000 extended family members. Although oriented to the Latina community (making it the only organization of its kind in the country), no family is turned away.
Hosted by Eva Longoria (who is even more gorgeous in person, if that’s possible), the Las Vegas event featured a very funny George Lopez as Master of Ceremonies and honored my friend Giselle Fernandez, an Emmy-winning journalist, and the Anschutz Entertainment Group and its president/CEO, Timothy J. Leiweke. Both have been very active in efforts to raise awareness and funds for young people struggling with cancer.
Cancer treatment can greatly impact a patient’s appearance and confidence, and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the self-esteem issues that may occur. That is why AVA MD also donated Skin Recovery Packages to five PADRES’ adolescents. (The packages are offered through AVA MD’s new Skin Recovery Clinic, designed to help cancer patients look and feel better about themselves.) We will also be participating with PADRES Contra El Cancer on an ongoing basis to support the healing of their young participants.
For more information about the PADRES program, or to make a donation, please click here.
http://iamhope.org/index.php