La Joya, TX – In commemoration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, La Joya ISD Athletics went gold during its annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Night – a special program honoring students and families in the La Joya ISD community who have faced or are currently battling cancer.
Held at La Joya ISD Pack Stadium, the event underscored the importance of awareness, advocacy and community involvement.
Just before kick-off at the Palmview Lobos home game, three students and their families took the field as they were honored by La Joya ISD leadership and community members in attendance.
Among the students recognized were Zabella Gonzalez, Laura Mariana Vasquez Barron, and Jose Guadalupe Juarez. Also in attendance was the family of Kaitlyn Sifuentes - a beloved student at E.B. Reyna Elementary who sadly passed away from her illness.
“We stand with Kaitlyn’s family and all of the families impacted by childhood cancer,” said Joe Peña, Executive Director of Athletics for La Joya ISD. “No one should fight this battle alone and this evening is a testament to that. We stand with our students, their families and our community in hope, strength and unwavering support.”
Zabella, Laura and Jose walked hand in hand with their families as they were recognized by district leadership with heartfelt gifts, including a teddy bear with a gold ribbon – the official color of childhood cancer awareness.
“These children show incredible strength every day,” said Peña. “Childhood Cancer Awareness Night is not just about recognizing the fight but celebrating the resilience, the strength and hope these children bring to all of us.”
La Joya ISD remains committed to standing alongside these courageous students and their families. With compassion, solidarity and unwavering support, the district affirms that no child or family will face this journey alone.