Mega Doctor News January 2017

• June 2014 • Stop smoking #ActivateChange in your community

Mega Story $344,000 raised during Annual Gala for cancer patients

by Renaissance Cancer Foundation January 2017

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Publisher’s Word: Dr. Michael Sander Sets Up New Office The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer & Hematology Clinic Gets a Native Landscaping Project Mega Doctor: Experienced Orthopedic Surgeon Opens Office in Weslaco Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Expands Pediatric Neurosurgery Services Throughout the Rio Grande Valley Stop smoking #ActivateChange in your community Record 501 Lives Saved Thanks to Central and South Texas Organ Donors Sander Family of Weslaco, Part of Our History Fred Farias, O.D., Named American Optometric Association 2016 National Optometrist of the Year In Mexico, Diabetes is Considered a National Emergency Dr. Nolan E. Perez, Named Board Director for New Org, HEB Chairman Pledges $100M Investment in Public Education $344,000 Raised during Annual Gala for Cancer Patients by Renaissance Cancer Foundation First 60 Graduates from The College of Health Care Professions in McAllen New CEO Named at Texas Organ Sharing Alliance Valley Baptist Health System’s Women’s Health Programs Make National Becker’s List MDN

Mega Doctor News welcomes comments and suggestions, or complaints about errors that warrant correction. Comments on editorial content may be e-mailed to robertog@ tbbmega.com or call at 956-451-4585. Readers dissatisfied with a response or concerned about the paper’s journalistic integrity may reach the publisher at robertohgonzalez@sbcglobal.net.

Experienced Orthopedic Surgeon Opens Office in Weslaco

Mega Story $344,000 Raised during Annual Gala for Cancer Patients by Renaissance Cancer Foundation

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The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer & Hematology Clinic Gets a Native Landscaping Project

Valley Baptist Health System’s Women’s Health Programs Make National Becker’s List

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• DISCLAIMER• The information provided herein should not be construed as a healthcare diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed healthcare advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other healthcare profession and does not enter into a health-care practitioner/ patient relationship with its readers. The publisher does not advise or recommend to its readers treatment or action with regard to matters relating to their health or wellbeing other than to suggest that readers consult appropriate health-care professionals in such matters. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication. The information and opinions provided herein are believed to be accurate and sound at the time of publication, based on the best judgment available to the authors. However, readers who rely on information in this publication to replace the advice of healthcare professionals, assume all risks of such conduct. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Publisher’s Word

Roberto Hugo Gonzalez Publisher

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or many in the Rio Grande Valley, the name Sander is recognizable. The Sander family has been in the Valley since the late 40s. All of them have made great contributions to Valley communities, beginning with Wesley R. Sander, the first Sander to set foot in the Magic Valley. He opened his business, Sander Pharmacy and became the mayor of Edcouch, Texas. He planted the seed.

Today, Mega Doctor News talks to Dr. Michael Sander, Wesley’s grandson. He is an orthopedic surgeon in Weslaco. We bring you two articles about him and his family. Also, learn about his grandfather Desi Rios, an entrepreneur educator who made a big difference for students in multiple fields. Get to know Dr. Sander and why he is our Mega Doctor of this issue.

Good News: Certified as a

Dr. Michael Sander Sets Up New Office therapeutic optometrist and an optometric glaucoma specialist, Dr. Fred Farias, CEO of 20/20 Vision Care in McAllen, Texas, was presented with the American Optometric Association (AOA) national Optometrist of the Year Award. The award was presented to Dr. Farias during the Opening General Session at Optometry’s Meeting® in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 29 by AOA president Steven A. Loomis, O.D. More good News: Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the organ procurement organization that provides organ donation and recovery services for families in Central and South Texas, announced a record-breaking 501 organs were transplanted in 2016 thanks to the actions of heroic registered organ donors and families who supported the cause of organ donation.

Dr. Michael Sander

Super Great News! The Renaissance Cancer Foundation hosted its annual holiday Gala in December, 2016. The non-profit raised $344,000 for the Renaissance Cancer Foundation—funds which will stay here in the Rio Grande Valley to provide services for patients directly.

On another matter, The South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalists proudly launched a unique and native landscaping project at the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer & Hematology Clinic. The PSJA School District also volunteered staff to guide the Master Naturalists in creating a healing butterfly garden in the chemotherapy area atrium, the first phase of the project. More in this issue.

Mayor Jim Darling will be on hand to kick off the third annual SayWhat! Action Summit at the McAllen Convention Center on Saturday, February 18th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This event aims to promote tobacco prevention by partnering with the Tobacco Prevention & Control Coalition and engaging youth in the community. What an

honor: Becker’s Hospital Review recently included the Women’s Health programs of Valley Baptist Health System among 100 of the “great Women’s Health programs” in the United States for providing “awardwinning” care to women in the Rio Grande Valley.

Mega Doctor News is welcoming Joseph Nespral, M.D. Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), an organization providing organ donation services for families in Central and South Texas, has announced that Joseph Nespral, M.D., CPTC, has been named the agency’s new Chief Executive Officer.I know that you’ll enjoy this issue! MDN

We Do Social Media Mega Doctor News 4872 friends + 873 likes @MegaDoctor 385 followers /robertohgonzalez 6106 followers

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• January 2017 •

The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer & Hematology Clinic Gets a Native Landscaping Project The PSJA School District lends their Staff to guide the Master Naturalists to create a healing butterfly garden at the Clinic

Mega Doctor News

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cAllen, Texas – The South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalists proudly launched a unique and native landscaping project at the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer & Hematology Clinic. The PSJA School District also volunteered staff to guide the Master Naturalists in creating a healing butterfly garden in the chemotherapy area atrium, the first phase of the project.

Prior to the opening of the Vannie Cook Clinic in 2001, children with cancer in this region lacked access to treatment locally. Instead, they had to travel to San Antonio, Houston or Corpus Christi for their treatment, a hardship physically, emotionally and financially for them and their families.

The Clinic was created through a joint effort of the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation Inc., Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Its goal is to ensure that local children who suffer from cancer and blood diseases receive the most upto-date care and treatment without the need to leave the region.

“For many years, we have

For a Healthier New Year Dr. Maria Coimbra Recommends Mega Doctor News

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eeping healthy is a combination of many factors involving developing habits that can help to give you a better and longer quality of life.

Increase physical activity by adding exercise to your routine to improve your health and feeling of well-being.

Enjoy a diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains, and lean meats for a healthy and longer life.

Stop smoking if you already do, and if you drink alcohol, remember that Maria Coimbra moderation is key.

MD Allow yourself at least 6-8 hours a day for sleeping; it is a must.

Include activities that help to minimize any stress in your daily life.

Dr. Maria Coimbra is a family medicine physician certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

She owns and operates Coimbra Family Medical Center; it is now open at 2108 South ‘M’ Street, Suite 3 in McAllen, Texas. You can contact her at (956) 9920660 to make an appointment.MDN

had a desire to update and beautify the landscaping and grounds at Vannie Cook, but all of our funding has been directed to providing care and treatment to the thousands of children who have been seen here. But thanks to the great vision, and generosity, of the members of the local chapter of Master Naturalists, our patients, their families, and our staff, will be able to enjoy the beauty of native plants, butterflies and hummingbirds,” said Laura Martinez Ilgun, Executive Director of the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation.

The new landscaping project will also serve to provide educational and outreach services aimed at the better management of natural resources and natural areas within our community.

The most visible feature in the atrium will be a fountain made from a 6000-pound limestone boulder, which was strategically placed in full view for the children to enjoy while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

The most visible feature in the atrium will be a fountain made from a 6000-pound limestone boulder, which was strategically placed in full view for the children to enjoy while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

“It’s impressive, but would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of Mobile Crane Service in Pharr. It was a major undertaking for the company and they donated many hours of time, labor and even purchased the boulder. “All for the kids!,” said Jim Shawn, co-owner of Mobile Crane.

The PSJA School Districts Grounds Construction Department was also very instrumental in guiding the project. We would like to thank them for their time spent here and also for recognizing the multitude of values of creating native habitat educational gardens on school campuses,” continued Ms. Ilgun.

The South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalists mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. MDN

GASTROENTEROLOGY SERVICES AVAILABLE AT KNAPP MEDICAL CENTER

Nicole Grigg-Gutierrez, M.D. Gastroenterology 1330 East Sixth Street, Ste. 201 Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 854-4342

Dr. Nicole Grigg-Gutierrez received her medical degree from the Universidad Central Del Caribe-Escuela de Medicina in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She went on to complete a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Department of Veterans Affairs-Caribbean Healthcare System, also in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. GriggGutierrez also completed a fellowship in Advanced Endoscopy at the Carolinas Healthcare System – Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Grigg-Gutierrez is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

For a complete listing of doctors* at Knapp, visit www.knappmed.org. *independent professional practitioners

1401 E. Eighth Street, Weslaco • (956) 968-8567 • www.KnappMed.org

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• January 2017 •

MEGA DOCTOR

Experienced Orthopedic Surgeon Opens Office in Weslaco Dr. Michael Sander well-known in the Mid-Valley for knee and hip replacement surgeries, and sports medicine for athletes Mega Doctor News

basketball, track-and-field and other sports.

“We take care of athletes of all ages,” Dr. Sander added. “This includes youth leagues, high school, college, and professional athletes, as well as ‘weekend warriors’ and those who exercise for health or recreation.”

Other orthopedic treatments that Dr. Sander specializes in include: • Fracture Treatment • Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction • Rotator Cuff Tear Repair – Arthroscopic • Shoulder Dislocation Instability Repair – Arthroscopic

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eslaco Dr. Michael Sander, an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacement surgery and sports medicine, and a Partner-In-Care to Knapp Medical Center, has opened a new office on E. 6th Street, in Weslaco, across the street from the award-winning and nationallyrecognized hospital.

“It’s a new office for a new year,” Dr. Sander said. “We would like to welcome all of our patients, both new and existing, and our friends in the community. This new office, in the Knapp Medical Arts Building (at 1315 East 6th Street, Suite 10), will allow us to better serve our patients with compassionate and patient-centered care close to home, right here in Weslaco.”

Dr. Sander is well-known to local residents and Winter Texans for performing knee and hip replacements, which can help allow patients with arthritis and other conditions to walk again without pain. Many of these patients say they simply want to be ridden of pain, so they can return to a ‘normal life’ with their grandchildren and to activities they enjoy.

"These are patients whose ability to walk and move is restricted by severe pain,” Dr. Sander said.

“In many cases, we can replace the damaged parts of knee and hip joints with specially-crafted prostheses made from plastic or metal. Patients are then on the road to recovery, with the help of physical therapy. It’s not easy -- but the end result in many cases is to gain a new freedom – the freedom to walk, move, and even dance without pain.”

Following their surgery, these patients are helped by physical therapists and other licensed professionals with the Knapp Medical Center Rehabilitation Services Department, which is accredited by the national accrediting organization for healthcare organizations, the Joint Commission. These therapists work closely with physicians to provide a complete range of therapies and treatment, including for patients recovering from surgery, as well as for those with arthritis; osteoporosis; joint, neck and back pain; and sports and work injuries.

In addition to seeing older patients with arthritis, Dr. Sander is also known to many younger patients in the Mid-Valley who have needed treatment for sports injuries related to high school football, baseball,

Dr. Michael Sander – who has treated orthopedic surgery and sports medicine patients in Weslaco for more than 10 years, and is a Partner-In-Care to Knapp Medical Center -- has opened a new office on E. 6th Street, which specializes in knee and hip replacement, sports medicine, and a wide range of other treatments for orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Sander received his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine, graduating with honors. He went on to complete a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Iowa Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.

A Weslaco native, Dr. Sander is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

“We have been serving the orthopedic needs of the Mid-Valley since 2006,” Dr. Sander said. “I am a Rio Grande Valley native who returned to the area after 15 years of education to practice medicine and raise my family. I am proud of my family’s history here, which includes a tradition of healthcare and community leadership going back two generations in the MidValley and Brownsville areas.”

Both of Dr. Sander’s parents are pharmacists in Weslaco; his father Mike Sander has long operated Sander Pharmacy, while his mother Claudia Sander is the Director of Pharmacy at Knapp Medical Center.

Dr. Sander and his wife, Jennifer, live in Weslaco with their four children.

Dr. Sander’s office is accepting new patients and accepts most insurance plans. For more information, please contact his office at (956) 447-9797. Dr. Sander’s new office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Knapp Medical Arts Building located at 1315 East 6th Street, Suite 10, in Weslaco. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Expands Pediatric Neurosurgery Services Throughout the Rio Grande Valley Surgery and the American Board of Pediatric Neurosurgery.

In October dinburg, 2016, Dr. Burke TX— expanded his clinic to Doctors Brownsville, to increase Hospital at Renaissance is access for members proud to announce that Dr. of our community in Michael Burke, Pediatric need of neurosurgical and Adult Neurosurgeon, services.

At the will now see patients in the Neurosurgery Institute lower Rio Grande Valley at at Renaissance, Dr. the Renaissance Specialty Burke and his team Clinic in Brownsville, TX. treat disorders such As part of the Neurosurgery as aneurysms, brain Institute at Renaissance, tumors, congenital Dr. Burke and his team brain and spine Dr. Michael Burke, Pediatric and Adult Neurosurgeon utilize the most advanced malformations, technology and surgical hydrocephalus, neural techniques to provide tube defects, spina University of Colorado and the Denver comprehensive care to both bifida, spinal cord Children’s Hospital. Dr. Burke is dual tumors and more. adult and pediatric patients.

Dr. Burke received his Board Certified by the American Board of The Renaissance Specialty Doctorate of Veterinary and Master of Neurological Surgery and the American Clinic is located at 4770 North Expressway Science degrees from Colorado State Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery. 77/83, Suite 305 A, Brownsville, Texas.

University and continued to complete He is a Fellow of the American College of To learn more about the services offered at his Medical Degree at the University Surgeons and is a Neurosurgery Specialty the Neurosurgery Institute at Renaissance of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Fellow of the American Academy of visit dhrneurosurgery.com or call 956Denver, Colorado. He completed his Pediatrics. Dr. Burke is also a Diplomate 362-8215 to schedule an appointment.

Neurosurgery residency training at the of the American Board of Neurological MDN

Mega Doctor News

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No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent from Mega Doctor News Proudly Made and Printed in the USA. We are committed to protecting the environment; our newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based inks. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Stop smoking #ActivateChange in your community Mega Doctor News

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cAllen, Texas.

– Mayor Jim Darling will be on hand to kick off the third annual SayWhat! Action Summit at the McAllen Convention Center on Saturday, February 18th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This event aims to promote tobacco prevention by partnering with the Tobacco Prevention & Control Coalition and engaging youth in the community.

The hashtag #ActivateChange is about youth learning how to make positive changes in the world around them. Local families and youth groups are invited to attend this FREE event, which will include a t-shirt, training materials.

Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will also be provided. The deadline to register is February 1st. Visit http:// txsaywhat.com/summits to register, and be sure to select the McAllen location.

Say What! is a state-wide youth tobacco prevention initiative involving Students, Adults and Youth Working Hard Against Tobacco.

This Action Summit is one of six regional events that the organization has planned across the state of Texas.

The event will host a morning training for over 100 local students to experience interactive activities and discussions that include leadership development, team building, and commitment to a larger cause.

After the morning training, a Community Action Event will be held

prevention in their school and community.

This event is youth-led and promotes youth and adult partnership. “My first experience with tobacco awareness was when I was in elementary school in Mexico, and teachers used to smoke on the playground Pictured above, McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, center, during recess,” said flanked left La Plaza Mall Roberto Luciano manager Bernardo Morales, 14, and on his right, Macy’s store manager Jose Gamioa a Teen Ambassador for the Say What! program across the street at Westside Park that from McAllen, Texas. will provide youth participants a service “My friends and I would get sick from learning opportunity implementing what the smell, and they would always say no they learn in the morning. The goal of this when we asked them to stop. My mom event is to give local youth and their adult helped us talk to the principal to ban partners the resources and training that smoking on school grounds.” they need to actively promote tobacco The TPCC’s goals are to

For all of you, the Best of...

prevent tobacco use among young people, promote compliance and support adequate enforcement of federal, state and local tobacco laws, increase cessation among young people and adults, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, reduce tobacco use among populations with the highest burden of tobacco-related health disparities, develop and maintain statewide capacity for comprehensive tobacco prevention and control.

If you would like to register for this event please contact Yolanda Guzman at 956-787-0004, ext. 19 or email yguzman@bhsst.org. Follow/Like the TPCC on Facebook (facebook.com/ unidadtpcc) and Twitter/Instagram (@ unidad_tpcc) for the most current news on Coalition events and activities, as well as local, state, national, and worldwide trends on tobacco enforcement and surveillance. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Record 501 Lives Saved Thanks to Central and South Texas Organ Donors U.S. Transplants from Deceased Donors Breaks All-Time High Fourth Year in a Row Mega doctor News

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cAllen, TX— Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the organ procurement organization that provides organ donation and recovery services for families in Central and South Texas, announced a recordbreaking 501 organs were transplanted in 2016 thanks to the actions of heroic registered organ donors and families who supported the cause of organ donation.

A new record of 139 individuals provided 501 organs to patients, giving hope to the nearly 11,000 people who continue to wait for a lifesaving organ transplant in Texas.

“None of this is possible without the donors and their families,” said TOSA CEO Joseph Nespral. “We are encouraged daily by their strength, generosity and support of our mission to save lives through organ donation.”

TOSA’s data shows that 32 percent of these donors made the decision to save lives by signing up with Donate Life Texas, the state’s

Organ donation is when a person allows healthy transplantable organs and tissues to be removed, either after death or while the donor is alive, and transplanted into another person. Common transplantations include: kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs, bones, bone marrow, skin, and corneas. official registry for organ, eye and tissue donors.

Additionally, nearly 78 percent of families approached by TOSA

consented to organ donation.

Across the nation, organs transplanted also set a record-high; more than 33,600 organs were transplanted in the U.S. in 2016, up nearly 20 percent since 2012.

“The increase in organ transplants is partly a realization of an ongoing commitment to improvement at organ procurement organizations, transplant hospitals and UNOS,” said Brian Shephard, Chief Executive Officer at the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Headquartered in San Antonio, TOSA has satellite offices in Austin and McAllen. The organization and its staff have consistently been recognized as a Top Workplace by San Antonio Express-News.

Texans are encouraged to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors online at DonateLifeTexas.org or at Texas Department of Public Safety or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For information on organ donation and community initiatives, contact TOSA at 866-685-0277 or visit txorgansharing.org. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Sander Family of Weslaco, Part of Our History

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

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ack in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, an influx of new residents came from the north of the United States to the Valley. Many of them came with an idea to start a new life by purchasing tracks of the plentiful land available in those days.

Even though more than one hundred years had passed since the establishment of Hidalgo County, the area was still lush with vegetation, citrus fruit, and yes, hot weather. Let’s not to forget the many areas full of cactus, mesquite, and miles of flat bushland.

Just recently, Mega Doctor News had the opportunity to talk to Michael J. Sander, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in the Valley.

When you hear the name Sander, it is immediately recognizable; his family came to this area in the late 40s to buy land and to start a new life. For them, Edcouch, Texas was to be the new beginning.

Dr. Sander’s grandparents, Wesley R. and Rosemary Sander moved here from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma after Wesley finished his service with the US Army Air Corps in 1947.

“They purchased land north of Weslaco, and opened a pharmacy first in Edcouch, then in Elsa,” Dr. Michael Sander told Mega Doctor News. He continued, “My grandmother, Rosy, her Dad, and two of her sisters bought land. They all came from Oklahoma.”

He pointed out that his Grandfather Wesley served as mayor of Edcouch for a time in the 1950’s. (Publisher is finding dates of his tenure) Wesley and his wife Rosy were the first members of the Sander family to arrive.

Rescuing History- The caption of this newspaper clipping, possibly from 1955 says: City officials make calls — Among the first area service telephone calls to be made on the new dial system was that of Mercedes mayor (Eugene K.) Gene O’Shea on left to Edcouch Mayor Wesley R. Sander. Heretofore, calls to any town outside Mercedes required a toll fee. After midnight Saturday, calls may be dialed direct by the patrons between Mercedes and Edcouch and Elsa toll free.

While service does not officially start until midnight Saturday, the two officials made a test call earlier. (According the Texas State Historical Association at www.tshaonline.org., in 1955, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company began to set up direct distance dialing in Texas.)

Wesley and Rosy immediately started a Pharmacy in Edcouch, and then the second store in Elsa. “The Elsa store had a popular fountain that served ice cream, cherry coke, grilled cheese, etc.… I used to go there and visit when I was a small boy.

The store closed in the early 1980’s,” Dr. Sander stated. Wesley Sander died in 1975.

Dr. Sander’s parents live here. He said, “My dad is from Edcouch, and my mom is from Brownsville.

Mike H. and Claudia Sander. They met at pharmacy school at UT Austin.”

Believe it or not, his parents are both pharmacists. “My dad has a store, Sander Pharmacy of Weslaco, which has been in The original Sander Pharmacy building in Edcouch business for just over Texas. The building still standing in a city that continues forty years. My mom Claudia is the longtime to grow in the right direction.

Commission of Brownsville and running for Cameron County Judge. He and Nena raised six kids, and they all graduated college.” Dr. Sander said that they scraped by financially, but managed to graduate a medical doctor, a doctor of Optometry, three pharmacists, and an architect.

“I remember riding with my Grandpa Desi and being worried because he never filled up his gas tank. We would drive around looking for the best gas price and then put in a few dollars. He and my grandma sacrificed a lot to help their kids in school. Financial aid back then was: get a job, pay your way, or quit.”

Is Desi still active? “Desi is not alive, both my grandfathers died of prostate cancer too young,” he stated.

Dr. Sander was born in Harlingen, during the time his mother, Claudia, worked as a pharmacist at Valley Baptist Medical Center for a year after moving back from college in Austin. He said, “I graduated from Weslaco High School in 1992.” He is

Director of the Pharmacy Dept. at Knapp Medical Center, and has been a pharmacist there over forty years,” Dr. Sander stated.

The Sander family is well rooted in this community. They have grown to be professionals and pillars of South Texas. As a matter of fact, Dr. Sander’s maternal grandfather was Desiderio “Desi” Falcon Rios. Family and friends called him “Desi,” he was also a ‘mover Wesley R. Sander, attending his pharmacy and shaker’ of these communities. Desi in the late 40s or early 50s in Edcouch, moved to the Valley with his wife Ofelia Texas located north of Weslaco.

“Nena” from Corpus Christi, Texas.

According to Dr. Sanders, Nena was an elementary school teacher in married to Jennifer from Houston; they met Brownsville, and Desi was an educator at the dorms at the University of Texas in at Texas Southmost College (TSC) in Austin.

Also, he said, “My wife, Jennifer Brownsville. Desi was one of a kind; he oversaw many Vocational programs for and I have four children ages 13-7. My the college, and served as the Dean of two oldest, Henry and George, are in Vocational Education. “My grandfather Weslaco ISD Central Middle school.” He started programs in welding, auto continues, “My daughter, Charlotte, and mechanics, aquaculture, X-ray tech, and youngest son, William, are at St. Philip Neri nursing.” He proudly stated, “The Licensed Oratory Academy in Pharr.”

Doctor Sander has three siblings, Vocational Nurses (LVN) program at Knapp all physicians.

He said, “Patrick is an was one of the affiliated programs that he created.” He added that it was unfortunate orthopedic surgeon working in McAllen. that when TSC became UT- Brownsville, James is a pediatric urologist working in McAllen. My sister Jennifer is in training the focus on these programs ended.

“My Grandpa Desi was involved as an orthopedic surgeon at Louisiana State in politics, including serving on the City University in Shreveport, Louisiana.”MDN

Specializing in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation of Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Injuries Today, the Sander Pharmacy building in Weslaco, owned and operated by Mike Sander, father of Dr. Michael Sander, orthopedic surgeon.

Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez.

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• January 2017 •

Fred Farias, O.D., Named American Optometric Association 2016 National Optometrist of the Year Dr. Farias recognized for his accomplishments during annual meeting Mega Doctor News

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t. Louis, Missouri — Certified as a therapeutic optometrist and an optometric glaucoma specialist, Dr. Fred Farias, CEO of 20/20 Vision Care in McAllen, Texas, was presented with the American Optometric Association (AOA) national Optometrist of the Year Award. The award was presented to Dr. Farias during the Opening General Session at Optometry’s Meeting® in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 29, 2016

by AOA president Steven A. Loomis, O.D. The national Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes Dr. Farias for his outstanding service on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public.

Since graduating in 1987 from the Southern College of Optometry, he has made numerous contributions to the profession. He is the immediate past president of the Texas

Optometric Association, which named him its 2015 Optometrist of the Year. Additionally, he has served as president of the Rio Grande Valley Optometric Society, which he joined in 1988.

Among his contributions to the state and national organizations, he has served as state coordinator for Vision USA organizational meetings and promoted the Vision USA initiative through public service announcements and newspaper articles.

He also volunteers as an InfantSee® provider.

A frequent attendee at AOA advocacy conferences, he has been an AOA Keyperson for more than 20 years.

His commitment to advancing the optometry Pictured above, Dr. Steven A. Loomis, O.D. president of the profession continues in American Optometric Association (AOA) and Dr. Fred Farias his work as a member receiving the award. of the AOA Federal

Legislative Action and Keyperson Committee.

His service extends to the public in a range of activities. Last February, Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Dr. Farias to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Gov. Rick Perry also called on his expertise, appointing him to the Texas Optometry Board from 2001-2007.

Always focused on the visual welfare of the public, Dr. Farias is a charter member of the Optometry Cares Society, the giving society of Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation.

Additionally, he organizes and sponsors vision screenings for underserved communities in south Texas. As part of his outreach, he has supported the McAllen Lions Club. Dr. Farias shares his passion for eye care by talking to teachers and nurses on the importance of vision and regular eye exams. He also lectures at optometric seminars and meetings both in the United States and internationally.

American Optometric Association (AOA) national Optometrist of the Year Award. The award was presented to Dr. Farias during the Opening General Session at Optometry’s Meeting® in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 29, 2016 by AOA president Steven A. Loomis, O.D. MDN

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When you walk into our Emergency Room you will be seen within minutes. Our ER physicians and nurses are ready to assist you immediately, assess your condition, and provide you with accurate treatment.

At Harlingen Medical Center, we encounter each visit with the urgency it deserves.

5501 S. Expressway 77 Harlingen, TX

www.harlingenmedicalcenter.com

(956) 365-1000

12

• January 2017 •

Dr. Nolan E. Perez, Named Board Director for New Org, HEB Chairman Pledges $100M Investment in Public Education Mega Doctor News

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arlingen, TX-H-E-B Chairman and CEO Charles Butt has announced the creation of The Holdsworth Center, a premier leadership institute based in Austin, Texas with the goal of supporting and developing public school leaders to improve, over time, the quality of education offered to every child in every classroom in Texas.

Dr. Nolan E. Perez has been named to be part of the distinguished board of directors for The Holdsworth Center that will work with districts over a 5-year period to empower individual leaders -- including superintendents, principals and key administrators -- to reach their fullest potential. The Center staff and faculty will also assist districts in establishing a common vision and roadmap for identifying, cultivating and supporting future leaders.

Dr. Nolan Perez is the CEO of Gastroenterology Consultants of South Texas, located at 512 Victoria Lane, Suites 2 and 3, in Harlingen. He is married to Sandy Perez and they have 2 children- Nolan age 16 and Natalie age 14.

Dr. Perez grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and graduated from Port Isabel High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Medical Doctorate from

the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA).

After medical school, he served in the US Navy as a Medical Corps Officer and received the Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medals. He completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) in Harlingen, and fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. He is board certified in Gastroenterology, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine.

Dr. Perez has a passion for mentoring, education and community service. He created RGV Mentors to inspire high school students and help them transition into post-secondary education.

Since 2010 he has been serving as a Trustee for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, and is PastPresident of the board. He is also a Regent for Texas Woman’s University, appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015.

The Holdsworth Center will operate as a non-profit organization and Mr. Butt has pledged to invest more than $100 million in its creation. The Center will be governed by a 17-member board

Dr. Nolan E. Perez chaired by Dr. Ruth Simmons, who served as president of Smith College from 1995 to 2001 and as president of Brown University from 2001 to 2012.

"The establishment of the Holdsworth Center is uniquely timely in an era of continued erosion of confidence in our public schools,” said Dr. Ruth Simmons, Chair of The Holdsworth Center’s Board of Directors. “As a proud alumna of Texas public schools, I owe my career to the excellence and strong leadership of public school educators, for which I and so many others remain grateful. Mr. Butt's generous gift to the

children of Texas demonstrates the level of commitment necessary to ensure a more hopeful future for our schools. I am grateful to work with him in developing and supporting leaders for our public schools."

The Holdsworth Center’s first program will begin in June with six school districts that will be invited to apply by Feb. 1 and notified of selection by the end of March. The first cohort is by invitation only, but in subsequent years the application process will be open to all districts. Strong applicants will have an existing commitment to human capital and talent development and strong alignment of vision among the superintendent, key cabinet members and the Board of Trustees. Both Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD will be among those invited to apply.

Dr. Perez also serves on many other local and statewide boards including Communities Foundation of TexasEducate Texas Committee, The Texas Lyceum, UT System Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee, The University of Texas at Austin Development Board, UTRGV Development Board Executive Committee, UTRGV Football Feasibility Committee, RGV Angel Network, FIRST in Texas Foundation, Lone Star National Bank, Medical Director for Platinum Surgery Center, and Expert Panelist and Chart Monitor for the Texas Medical Board. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Mega Doctor News - January 2017

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• January 2017 •

Mega Doctor News - January 2017

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• January 2017 •

MEGA STORY Mega Doctor News

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dinburg, TX— The Renaissance Cancer Foundation hosted its annual holiday Gala on December 4, 2016.

The evening consisted of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a silent auction and performance by “The Bronx Wanderers,” a dynamic family rock group that recreated the magic of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, effortlessly creating the perfect level of synergy between generations and the music.

United by their passion for great music—regardless of the decade—former gold record producer Yo’ Vinny and his sons Vinny “The Kid” and Nicky “Stix” form the heart and soul of the Bronx Wanderers. From Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to Queen and Coldplay, the Bronx Wanderers recaptured the original sound of hits virtually note for note true to the studio versions.

At the gala, generous community members raised $344,000 for the Renaissance Cancer Foundation—funds which will stay here in the Rio Grande Valley to provide services for patients directly.

Such is the case for seventeenyear-old McAllen resident Andrea Sierra Salazar. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Nodular Sclerosis in February 2016. Despite her diagnosis she is optimistic and cheerful, even while undergoing medical treatment.

Andrea says, "While cancer is a serious situation for those who receive this type of diagnosis, it can bring with it the opportunity to grow. It depends a lot on your attitude and how you view things.

We always have two options in life– to bravely face what we are given and know God will always help us, or we can let it frighten us and only see the bad. Thanks to my experience, I now see cancer in a very different way and I want to help all those who are involved in cancer research, treatment and care.”

The high school senior has a very positive attitude and still gets to enjoy her favorite hobby: modeling. Currently in recovery, Andrea has been scouted by several modeling agencies and fashion organizations from around the world.

As someone recently diagnosed with cancer, Andrea understands the struggle that young children and teens with cancer have in regards to self-esteem and confidence. Following her treatment, she wanted to send a message to everyone— posing hairless and without a wig—to convey the importance and value of each one of us, a value that is based on more

$344,000 Raised during An Cancer Patients by Renaissance

Pictured above is Andrea Sierra Salazar, a Seventeen-year-old McAllen resident. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin optimistic and cheerful, even while undergoing medical treatment. The high school senior has a very positive attitude and s been scouted by several modeling agencies and fashion organizations from around the world. Also from L-R: Marissa Cast David Deanda, President and CEO, Lone Star National Bank; Robert and Janet Vackar, Bert Ogden Auto Group; Edna D Foundation Director; and Andrea Sierra Salazar. Photo Roberto Hugo Gonzalez than appearance. Her message to others is that beauty does not come from our appearance or how we view ourselves, but instead, it comes from within.

Andrea stated, “Now I appreciate the small things in life, like being able to enjoy a new day, having food at my table, having my family, having friends and many simple things like that. I have also learned to take better

care of myself and to appreciate the care that others give me.”

Her message, strong and meaningful to many still resonates, “beauty does not come from our appearance or how we view ourselves, but instead, it comes from within”. Words never to be forgotten.

She also pointed out, "This experience has taught me to love and

accept myself, regardless of the way I see myself.” "The hair on someone's head does not define who we are as people, but our actions and the way we treat others.

All girls are princesses and today I feel beautiful inside and out."

It was these words that accompanied the inspiring photos Andrea shared online that went around the world as a sign of strength, perseverance and

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• January 2017 •

nnual Gala for Cancer Foundation

n’s Lymphoma Nodular Sclerosis in February 2016. Despite her diagnosis, she is still gets to enjoy her favorite hobby: modeling. Currently in recovery, Andrea has tañeda, COO DHR; Larry Safir, Chairman, The Renaissance Cancer Foundation: Desaro, Vice-President Marketing & Business Development; Adriana Rios, Cancer the willingness to deal with a disease.

A message that was meant to help those who are in similar circumstances.

The photos that are seen throughout this year’s Renaissance Cancer Foundation Annual Gala program book, which were taken by local photographer Gerardo Garmendia, went viral after Andrea posted them on social

media. The photos were seen by more than 8 million people worldwide!

Speaking of the Renaissance Cancer Foundation Annual Gala, Andrea says, “Even though it is on a smaller scale, I love to support the different activities in my community that raise awareness about cancer and raise funds for this cause. It is events like this that spread the encouraging message of

strength, hope, dreams, and the will to fight.”

In addition, she said, “I thank God and my family for all their love and support, and all the wonderful people who have supported me during this stage of my life. I am very happy to have known so many beautiful people who have helped me to become who I am today.

Thank you.”

Since 2008, the foundation has dedicated its efforts to building community awareness while providing cancer education, emotional support, financial assistance and guidance for underserved patients.

The Renaissance Cancer Foundation’s goal is to provide patients with services to help them during their cancer journey. The foundation is also dedicated to continually expanding programs and services to ensure it meets the health care and social needs of the communities served—today and in the future. In 2015, the Renaissance Cancer Foundation provided over $400,000 in support services and patient advocacy in the areas of patient navigation, financial counseling, monthly support groups, nutritional care packages, a beauty salon for patients who experience hair loss, and household and transportation expenses.

The Renaissance Cancer Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide support for cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

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• January 2017 •

First 60 Graduates from The College of Health Care Professions in McAllen

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Therapy Technician Certificate Programs. t’s been only a little over The College’s inaugural a year that The College of graduations awarded students Health Care Professions during an elegant ceremony that (TCHCP) celebrated its grand opening. took place in the Ballroom of the McAllen Mayor Jim Darling was the McAllen Convention Center. keynote speaker at this important event.

Joe Cortez, Campus

Mega Doctor News President, told Mega Doctor News took the opportunity to speak with that Valedictorians from each Eric Bing, CEO of the College of program were recognized and Health Care Professions, during one motivational speaker, Chis’mere Joe Cortez, of the most significant times for the Mallard, provided inspiring words Campus President to the graduates and attendees.

Also, he said, “TCHCP is looking forward to recognizing graduates from the Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist and Dental Assisting Certificate Programs later this year, while the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will award its first AAS Degrees in 2018.”

It is important to note that the college has been in existence since 1988, in McAllen since December 2015. “TCHCP has been helping students get started in allied healthcare careers,” Cortez stated.

Cortez pointed out that TCHCP has been well received in the community. “With over 200 sites signing affiliation agreements to allow Nereyda Rios, Lizbeth Garcia, Rosemary Guzman, Elizabeth Gomez, Hilario Compean, Erica Rios, students to complete clinical hours at Robert Gutierrez, Erika Garcia, Yuvicella Ibarra, Marla Torres, and Amanda Lozano. their facilities.” He said, “Our success Continued on page 19

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organization.

McAllen is indeed a great market; surrounding cities also have significant growth that merits the opening of the college.

At the end of 2016, TCHCP graduated its first 60 graduates in multiple fields like; Medical Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing Health Information Eric Bing, TCHCP CEO Technology, and Physical

In Mexico, Diabetes is Considered a National Emergency

There were 98,000 diabetes-related deaths in Mexico last year

Mega Doctor News

year. The epidemiological alert is the first ever issued for a non-communicable he federal government disease and comes because of the has declared an increased prevalence of diabetes in the epidemiological Mexican population. emergency for diabetes, which caused According to a federal report, nearly 100,000 deaths in Mexico last 9.2% of Mexicans suffer from diabetes while 71.2% are obese or overweight, two principal causes of the disease.

Diabetes and related conditions caused 98,000 deaths in 2015, the Health Secretary said in an interview with Milenio TV. José Narro, the Mexican researcher and academic, said the government issued Overweight, lack of exercise and bad eating habits are creating the biggest crisis in Mexico.

Continued on page 20

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First 60 graduated from...

will ultimately be measured by that of our graduates. You see, our purpose is to prepare and graduate the most talented and skilled professionals for today’s healthcare workplace. I must say I’m proud of the job we’ve done so far, but look forward to seeing our graduates employed in the field.”

On the other hand, Mr. Bing told Mega Doctor News that they have colleges in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin, Texas online campus.

He said that before opening the school in McAllen, they have known about the Valley for a long time.

They searched the area for about seven years, looking for the appropriate site for a new school. “We're so excited about being in the Valley cause it's the last piece of our college network across Texas. So, it's just finally all come together for us.”

At the time when this conversation took place, Mr. Bing said that their intention was to have from 400-500 students over the next few years. “Our goal is not to have campuses with thousands of students; our goal is really to educate students to be successful and to have the career of their life.”

Cortez shared with Mega Doctor News that he is on the ground with a commitment to the students and the area. He stated, “If you have suggestions, ideas, or feedback you will

Doug O’Connell, Armando Loya, Deedra Gracia, Carol Sanchez, Brianna Garza, Alicia Strickland, Janette Rosales, Liliana Ochoa, and Nicole Cazares always have an audience with me.”

He continues, “I may not be a native McAllenite, but I am a valley native ...

I have been for the past 30 years.”

He also said that in the future, the next generation of medical assistants, medical coders, medical radiology techs, physical therapy techs, and sonographers would be treating “our parents our children, Los Primos, y Las Primas."

The careers offered to Valley students are; Diagnostic

Medical Sonography; AAS Degree Program; Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist with Medical Assisting Skills, Certificate Program; Medical Assistant, Certificate Program; Medical Coding and Billing; Health Information Technology, Certificate Program; Physical Therapy Technician, Certificate Program.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography and AAS Degree Program began March 16, 2016.

Cortez said that classes begin

every four weeks, and there is Financial Aid available for those who qualify. “If you haven’t had a chance to visit, we would like to extend an invitation to the community to stop in and learn about the opportunities in the health care field right here in McAllen.” He said, “The first step is always the hardest, but by stopping in or calling us at 956-800-1500, you can be on your way to finding the career of your life! ” he finalized. MDN

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Dr. Coimbra received training in several major medical areas: • Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, anxiety/depression, endocrine (thyroid) disorders, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

• Urgent care medicine • Mental and behavioral health • Immunizations • Immigration physicals

• Minor surgical procedures • Bone and joint • Eye, ear, nose and throat • Labs In-House • Urinary system • Well-woman care/GYN • Reproductive counseling • Family planning • Cosmetic/Juvederm/Botox • All kinds of physicals

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• January 2017 •

New CEO Named at Texas Organ Sharing Alliance

Joseph Nespral is Longest-Serving OPO Clinical Director in Texas

Mega Doctors News AN ANTONIO, TX — in medicine from Central East University Texas Organ Sharing in the Dominican Republic and is a Alliance (TOSA), an Board Certified Procurement Transplant organization providing organ donation Coordinator. services for families in Central and South “I’ve had the privilege of Texas, has announced working with our that Joseph Nespral, MD, exceptional staff at TOSA, CPTC, has been named our generous donor the agency’s new Chief families who provide a Executive Officer. second chance to others TOSA’s Board of and our transplant centers Directors announced the that work diligently to selection recently to the save their patients” said organization’s staff. He Nespral. “Now I look replaces Patrick Giordano forward to leading our who served as CEO for TOSA family as we nearly 20 years. continue to persevere in Nespral, who our mission to save more most recently served as lives.”

TOSA’s interim CEO, is Headquartered Joseph Nespral, MD, one of TOSA’s longestin San Antonio, TOSA CPTC tenured employees, hired facilitates organ donation in 1997. He is the longestservices for families and serving Clinical Director/Chief Operating thoughtful individuals who sought to Officer for an Organ Procurement become registered organ donors with Organization (OPO) in the State of Texas. the state’s official registry, Donate Life Before coming to TOSA, Texas. TOSA has been in San Antonio Nespral worked at OPOs across the since 1975, servicing 56 counties with country, including New York Organ regional offices in Austin and the Rio Donor Network, LifeLink of Georgia and Grande Valley. TBB LifeLink of Puerto Rico. He has a degree

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higher when other conditions caused by it are taken into consideration, such In Mexico, Diabetes... as renal insufficiency, which required the alert to raise awareness and highlight an additional 8.1 billion pesos. If the the problem, and bring about better current trend continues, the institute coordination of government actions will have to allocate 350 billion pesos to combat the disease. “We’re also by the year 2050. creating a great communication and One great challenge for the health education campaign . . . through health system is the creation of efficient which we will identify prevention campaigns. A patients in the early stages large number of patients of the disease and offer are diagnosed after their them treatment,” he said. condition has deteriorated The largest health enough to land them in the service in Mexico, the social emergency room. security institute (IMSS), Arriola said agreed that the incidence Mexico went from of diabetes should be having a low rate of considered an emergency. diabetes in the 1970s to IMSS chief Mikel Arriola the current epidemiological Peñalosa stated that red flags emergency thanks to Mikel Arriola could be raised throughout Peñalosa, IMSS chief three harmful factors: the the country with regard to introduction of refined diabetes, a disease that he described as sugars, saturated fat, and sodium having no respect for social status or in the diets of a large part of the gender. population. Since then, obesity and Of the 98,000 deaths registered being overweight have been on the rise nationally last year, over 21,000 were and in 90% of diabetes cases, those two IMSS patients. The institute performed conditions can be said to have caused it.

4,500 amputations and declared 2,000 Mexicans are also genetically people permanently incapacitated for predisposed to suffer diabetes, and bad complications related to the disease. The eating habits only worsen the situation, institute spent 42.8 billion pesos treating Arriola said. Source: Milenio (sp), El cases of diabetes, but the figure is even Universal (sp) MDN

For Advertising Sales: (956) 451-4585 robertog@tbbmega.com

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• January 2017 •

Valley Baptist Health System’s Women’s Health Programs Make National Becker’s List Women’s Health Programs from Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville Make List Of “100 Great Women’s Health Programs” Mega Doctor News

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arlingen & Brownsville – Becker’s Hospital Review recently included the Women’s Health programs of Valley Baptist Health System among 100 of the “great Women’s Health programs” in the United States for providing “awardwinning” care to women in the Rio Grande Valley.

To create the list, which does not rank the programs in any order, the editorial team at Becker’s selected programs based on several factors, including national rankings and awards received from a wide array of institutions, such as U.S. News & World Report national and regional rankings for gynecology, CareChex rankings for women’s healthcare, women’s health HealthGrades awards, Women’s Choice Award’s Best Breast Centers list, and others.

VBHS Women’s Health programs are the only programs in the Rio Grande Valley to make the Becker’s list, and as a system are just one of 12 selections from throughout the entire state of Texas.

“The inclusion of Valley Baptist Health System in the Becker’s 100 great women’s health programs list is a

Valley Baptist Health System testament to our commitment to providing our patients as if they were family.”

VBHS Women’s Health programs high-quality healthcare to the women of our community,” said Manny Vela, are committed to providing care that is CEO of Valley Baptist Health System. comprehensive, compassionate and patient “Recognition of this sort does not happen and family-centered, from maternity care by chance. It is possible only through the to annual checkups. Services include dedication and tireless work of our nurses, digital mammography (Valley Baptistphysicians, and ancillary staff, who treat Harlingen is the only hospital in the Valley

to offer 3-D breast mammography), general obstetrics and gynecology, robotic surgery, reproductive medicine, infertility and family planning, bladder control and uterine fibroids, menopause issues, and gynecological cancers and other issues affecting women of all ages.

Specifically related to maternity care, VBHS Women’s Health programs include both routine and high-risk obstetrical services in addition to an obstetrician available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case of emergency. At VBMC-Brownsville, facilities include three dedicated operating room suites, a 10-bed labor, delivery and recovery unit, a 36-bed postpartum unit (28 private and 4 semiprivate rooms) and a 32-bed newborn nursery. VBMC-Harlingen facilities include 10 labor and delivery rooms, 32 renovated postpartum rooms, and a 30-bed newborn nursery.

For our tiniest patients requiring more specialized, 24-hour care, both facilities are equipped with Level II Newborn Intensive Care Units – with patients having access to a 34-bed NICU at VBMC-Brownsville and a 40-bed NICU at VBMC-Harlingen. MDN

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Mega Historia

Renaissance Cancer Foundation Recauda $344,000 Dls. Para Ayudar a Pacientes con Cáncer Enero 2017

Vol 11.

No. 1

12,000 Periódicos a Todo Color

Ejemplar de Complemento

“Acercamos Médicos a la Gente”

Especialista en Cirugía Ortopédica Abre Oficina en Weslaco sh i l g En

Side ther eO h t On

CIRCULACION AUDITADA

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CONTENIDO - ESPAÑOL 29 Del Director: 28 In Mexico, Diabetes is considered a national emergency 27 Especialista en Cirugía Ortopédica Abre Oficina en Weslaco 26 Salvan Vida a 501 Personas Gracias a Donantes del Centro y Sur de Texas 25 Renaissance Cancer Foundation Recauda $344,000 Dls. Para Ayudar a Pacientes con Cáncer 23 La Familia Sander de Weslaco, Parte de Nuestra Historia

Dra. Maria Coimbra

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Mega

Doctor

Especialista en Cirugía Ortopédica Abre Oficina en Weslaco

Mega Historia

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Renaissance Cancer Foundation Recauda $344,000 Dls. Para Ayudar a Pacientes con Cáncer Dr. John Manllo en su segundo año de una beca de nefrología y con planes de iniciar otro becado en trasplantes, de visita exploratoria en el Valle

• ACLARACION IMPORTANTE• La información aquí publicada no debe considerarse como un diagnóstico, tratamiento o cualquier otro consejo o instrucción de cuidado de salud. La información es provista con el entendimiento de que el publicador no es un practicante de la medicina ni de ninguna otra profesión de salud médica y no entra en la relación practicante/ paciente con sus lectores. Esta casa Editorial no da ni recomienda tratamientos o acciones a sus lectores respecto a su salud o bienestar, aparte de sugerirles a sus lectores que consulten apropiadamente a profesionales de la salud médica. Ninguna acción debe tomarse basada solamente en el contenido de esta publicación. La información y opiniones publicadas aquí se creen ser precisas y sanas al tiempo de la publicación, basadas en el mejor juicio disponible de los autores. Los lectores que confíen en la información dada en esta publicación para remplazar el consejo de profesionales de salud médica, o quienes fallen en consultar a un profesional de la salud, asumen todos los riesgos por esta conducta. Esta casa Editorial no es responsable por errores u omisiones. MDN

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Del Director

Roberto Hugo González Director

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ara la comunidad del Valle del Río Grande, el apellido Sander es muy reconocido. La familia Sander ha estado en el Valle desde la década de 1940. Todos ellos han hecho grandes contribuciones a las comunidades del Valle, empezando con Wesley R. Sander, el primer Sander que llegó al Valle Mágico. El abrió su primer negocio: la Farmacia Sander; fue alcalde de Edcouch, Texas, donde plantó la semilla Sander.

Ahora Mega Doctor News habló con el Dr. Michael Sander, el nieto de Wesley. Él es un cirujano ortopedista en Weslaco. Les traemos interesantes artículos acerca de él y su familia.

También sepa acerca de su abuelo Desi Ríos, un empresario educador quien hizo una gran diferencia para los estudiantes en diferentes carreras.

Conozca al Dr. Sander y porque él es

Dr. Michael Sander Establece Nueva Oficina nuestro Mega Doctor de este mes.

Buenas noticias: Certificado como optometrista terapeuta y especialista en optometría de glaucoma, el Dr. Fred Farías, CEO de la Clínica 20/20 Vision Care en McAllen, Texas. El Dr. Farías fue reconocido con el premio anual Optometrista del Año, por parte de la Asociación Nacional American Optometric Association (AOA)®.

Este reconocimiento fue presentado al Dr. Farías durante la apertura de la conferencia en Optometría en Boston, Massachusetts, el 29 de junio del 2016 por el presidente de AOA, Steven A. Loomis, O.D. Más importantes noticias: La Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), organización procuradora de órganos que provee donaciones de órganos y servicios de recuperación para las Dr. Michael Sander

familias en el centro y sur de Texas, anunció una cifra record de 501 trasplantes de órganos en 2016, gracias a las acciones altruistas de donantes de órganos registrados y las familias que apoyaron la causa de la donación de órganos.

S ú p e r buena noticia: La Renaissance Cancer Foundation contra el cáncer organizó su Cena-Gala anual en diciembre de 2016.

Esta fundación no lucrativa recaudó 344,000 dólares para la Fundación contra el Cáncer –estos fondos permanecerán aquí en el Valle de Río Grande para proporcionar servicios a los pacientes de esta región.

Otro asunto interesante, el capítulo de naturalistas South Texas Border Chapter Master Naturalists orgullosamente inició un proyecto de jardinería único para promover el uso de plantas nativas en la región en el Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s

Cancer & Hematology Clinic. El Distrito Escolar de Pharr-San JuanAlamo también tiene voluntarios que sirven como guías del jardín Master Naturalists en la creación de un jardín mariposario curativo, en el atrio del área de quimioterapia, en la primera fase de este proyecto. Más en esta edición.

El Alcalde Jim Darling, de McAllen, Texas, estará presente para iniciar la tercera conferencia anual “Say What! Acción Cumbre en el McAllen Convention Center el sábado 18 de febrero de las ocho de la mañana a las cinco de la tarde. Este evento tiene como objetivo promover la prevención del tabaquismo al asociarse con la Coalición Tobacco Prevention & Control Coalition y comprometerse con la juventud de la comunidad. ¡Qué Honor! Becker’s Hospital Review recientemente incluyó el programa Women’s Health del Sistema de Salud del Valley Baptist entre los 100 Grandes Programas para la Salud de la Mujer en los Estados Unidos por proveer atención ‘galardonada’ a la mujer en el Valle del Río Grande.

Mega Doctor News le da la bienvenida al Dr. Joseph Nespral, M.D., de Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), una organización que provee servicios de donación de órganos a las familias del centro y sur de Texas, que anunció que el Dr. Joseph Nespral, M.D., CPTC, fue nombrado su nuevo director ejecutivo.

Disfrute este ejemplar. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Emergencia Nacional en México por la Diabetes

Alerta Médica: en 2016 Hubo 100,000 Muertos a Causa de la Diabetes Mega Doctor News De las 98,000 muertes l gobierno federal registradas en mexicano ha México en el 2015, declarado una más de 21,000 eran emergencia epidemiológica por pacientes del IMSS. la diabetes, la cual ocasionó cerca El IMSS realizó de 100,000 muertes el pasado 4,500 amputaciones año. Esta alerta epidemiológica y declaró a es la primera lanzada contra una 2,000 personas enfermedad no contagiosa y por el permanentemente aumento de la prevalente diabetes incapacitadas por en la población mexicana. c o m p l i c a c i o n es Según el reporte federal, relacionadas con 9.2 por ciento de los mexicanos esta enfermedad. sufren de diabetes, mientras 71.2 Este Instituto gastó por ciento son obesos o tienen 48.2 billones de sobrepeso; las dos principales pesos tratando casos Sobrepeso, falta de ejercicio físico y malos hábitos alimentarios causas de esta enfermedad. de diabetes, pero están agudizando esta crisis en México.

La diabetes y enfermedades este número es aún relacionadas causaron 98,000 más alto cuando cual vamos a identificar a los pacientes muertes en el 2015 y en el 2016 otras condiciones son causadas por la fueron casi 100,000 muertes, informó en las primeras etapas de la enfermedad diabetes.

Se toman en consideración el Secretario de Salud de México en y ofrecerles tratamientos tempranos”, como la insuficiencia renal que requirió dijo.

El servicio de salud más grande en entrevista con la televisora Milenio-TV. 8.1 billones de pesos adicionales.

José Narro, investigador y México, el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Si la presente situación continúa, académico mexicano, dijo que el gobierno Social (IMSS), acordó que la incidencia el IMSS tendrá que asignar 350 lanzó esta alerta para incrementar la de la diabetes debe considerarse una billones de pesos para el año 2050. emergencia.

El director del IMSS, Mikel concientización, poner de relieve el Este es un gran reto para el problema y tener mejor coordinación de Arriola Peñalosa, indicó que podrían sistema de la salud el crear una campaña las acciones del gobierno para combatir levantarse banderas rojas en todo el de prevención eficiente. Un gran esta enfermedad. “Estamos también país con respecto a la diabetes, una número de pacientes son diagnosticados enfermedad que describió no tiene ningún creando una gran comunicación y después de que sus condiciones han campaña de educación sanitaria… por la respeto por género o condición social. deteriorado suficientemente para

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Mikel Arriola Peñalosa, Director General del IMSS. llevarlos

al cuarto de emergencia Arriola dijo que México pasó de tener una tasa baja de diabetes en la década de los 1970s a la actual emergencia epidemiológica gracias a tres factores nocivos: la introducción de azucares refinadas, grasas saturadas y un sodio en la dieta de gran parte de la población. Desde entonces, la obesidad y el sobrepeso han ido incrementando en 90 por ciento los casos de diabetes, estas dos condiciones podemos decir que son la causa del incremento de la diabetes.

“Los mexicanos son también genéticamente predispuestos a sufrir de diabetes y malos hábitos alimentarios, que empeoran la situación”, dijo Arriola.

(Fuentes: Milenio y Universal, periódicos) MDN

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• January 2017 •

MEGA DOCTOR

Especialista en Cirugía Ortopédica Abre Oficina en Weslaco El Dr. Michael Sander es Reconocido en el Valle por sus Cirugías de Remplazo de Rodilla y Cadera y Medicina Deportiva

W

eslaco – El Dr. Michael Sander es especialista en cirugía Ortopédica de remplazo de rodillas y caderas y medicina deportiva. Él es socio en Cuidado Médico del Knapp Medical Center y ha abierto su nueva oficina en la Calle Sexta Este, en Weslaco, al cruzar la calle del premiado y reconocido Knapp Medical Center.

“Es una oficina nueva para un año nuevo. Les damos la bienvenida a todos nuestros pacientes, actuales y nuevos, y a nuestros amigos en la comunidad. Esta nueva oficina está localizada en el Knapp Medical Arts Building (en el 1315 East 6th, Suite 10). Este local nos permite dar mejor servicio a nuestros pacientes con el cuidado compasivo y centrado, cerca de su casa, aquí en Weslaco”.

El Dr. Sander es muy conocido entre los residentes locales y los ‘winter texans’ por su trabajo en el remplazo de rodillas y caderas, el cual ayuda a quienes padecen artritis y otras condiciones médicas a poder caminar una vez más sin dolor. Muchos de estos pacientes dicen que ellos simplemente querían quitarse el dolor, para poder regresar a una ‘vida normal’ con sus nietos y a las actividades que ellos disfrutan.

“Estos son pacientes cuya habilidad para caminar y moverse estaba restringida por dolores severos. En muchos casos podemos remplazar partes dañadas de la rodilla o articulaciones de la cadera con prótesis especialmente hechas de plástico o metal. Los pacientes entonces van rumbo a una completa recuperación, con la ayuda de terapia física. No es fácil – pero el resultado final en muchos casos es obtener una nueva libertad – la libertad de caminar, moverse y hasta bailar sin dolor”.

Después de la cirugía, estos pacientes son ayudados en el Departamento de Rehabilitación del Knapp Medical Center por terapeutas físicos y otros profesionales licenciados.

Centro Knapp es acreditado por la organización nacional acreditadora para organizaciones del cuidado de la salud: The Joint Commission. Estos terapeutas trabajan junto los médicos para proveer o dar una completa variedad de terapias y tratamientos, que va desde su cirugía hasta su recuperación, así como aquellos con artritis; osteoporosis, articulaciones, cuello, dolor de espalda y lesiones en el deporte y trabajo.

Además de ver pacientes mayores con artritis, el Dr. Sander también ve a muchos pacientes jóvenes en el Valle que han necesitado tratamiento por lesiones deportivas relacionadas con la high school en soccer y futbol, béisbol, baloncesto, pista y campo y otros deportes.

“Nos encargamos de ver

Photo by: Robert H. Gonzalez

Mega Doctor News

Dr. Michael Sander, cirujano especialista en medicina ortopédica y deportiva, trata pacientes en Weslaco por más de 10 años y es socio de Cuidado de la Salud en el Knapp Medical Center. Su nueva oficina está en el 1315 E. 6th. Street, en Weslaco. Él se especializa en remplazo de rodillas y caderas, medicina deportiva y una amplia variedad de tratamientos para condiciones ortopédicas. atletas de todas las edades. Esto incluye ligas juveniles, high school, universidad y atletas profesionales, así como ‘guerreros de fin de semana’, y aquellos que hacen ejercicios por la salud o recreación”, añadió el Dr. Sander.

El Dr. Sander también se especializa en otros tratamientos ortopédicos como: Tratamiento de fracturas.

Artroscopia de Rodilla y Hombro

Reconstrucción de ligamento anterior cruzado (LCA) Artroscopia – Reparación de ruptura del tejido fibroso rotador.

Artroscopia – Reparación de hombros inestables dislocados.

El Dr. Sander recibió su grado médico del Baylor College of Medicine, graduándose con honores. Completó su residencia en la Universidad de Iowa, Departamento de Ortopedia y

Rehabilitación; fue becado en Medicina Deportiva Ortopédica en la Universidad de Texas en el Centro de Ciencias de la Salud, en San Antonio.

El nació y se crio en Weslaco, Texas, y está certificado en cirugía ortopédica y deportiva por la American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

“Hemos estado satisfaciendo las necesidades ortopédicas del Valle desde el 2006. Yo soy originario del Valle del Río Grande y regresé después de 15 años de educación y práctica médica a formar mi familia. Estoy orgulloso de mi historia familiar, que incluye una tradición de liderazgo en el campo de la salud y la comunidad, que se remonta a dos generaciones en las zonas del Valle y Brownsville.

Los padres del Dr. Sander son farmacólogos en Weslaco; su padre Mike Sander es dueño de la farmacia Sander Pharmacy, y su madre Claudia Sander es la Directora de la Farmacia en el Knapp Medical Center. El Dr. Sander y su esposa viven en Weslaco con sus cuatro hijos.

El Dr. Sander acepta nuevos pacientes con la mayoría de los planes de seguros. Para más información, por favor contacte a su oficina en el (956) 447-9797. Su oficina está abierta de lunes a viernes, de las ocho de la mañana a las cinco de la tarde en el edificio del Knapp Medical Arts, localizado en el 1315 East 6th. Street.

Suite 10, en Weslaco. MDN

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• January 2017 •

Salvan Vida a 501 Personas Gracias a Donantes del Centro y Sur de Texas Trasplantes de Órganos de Donantes Fallecidos en EU Rompe Record por Cuarto Año Consecutivo Mega Doctor News

donación de órganos. En toda la nación el trasplante de órganos también cAllen, TX – Texas establece un record de órganos de más Organ Sharing de 33,600 que fueron trasplantados Alliance, TOSA, la en los Estados Unidos en el 2016, un Organizacion Alianza para Compartir aumento de casi 20 por ciento, desde Órganos en Texas, procura órganos el 2012. para quienes los necesiten en el Centro “El aumento de los trasplantes y Sur de Texas. Esta organización de órganos es en parte la realización de anunció una marca record de 501 un compromiso continuo de mejorar órganos trasplantados en el 2016, la adquisición de órganos, trasplante gracias a las acciones valientes de los en hospitales y UNOS”, dijo Brian donantes de órganos registrados y las Shephard, Director Ejecutivo de la Red familias que apoyan la causa de la Unida para Compartir Órganos.

Donar órganos es cuando una persona donación de órganos.

Con sede en San Antonio, En Texas un nuevo record: permite le sean removidos órganos y TOSA tiene oficinas satélites en Austin 139 personas proporcionaron 501 tejidos saludables que sean trasplantables. y McAllen. La organización y su órganos para pacientes que esperaban Usted puede donar después de la muerte o personal siempre han sido reconocidos un remplazo, dando esperanza a mientras esté vivo. Los trasplantes comunes por su trabajo organizado y caritativo las cerca de 11,000 personas que comprenden: riñones, corazón, hígado, por el San Antonio Express-News. continúan en espera del trasplante de páncreas, intestinos, pulmones, huesos, Se anima a los texanos médula, piel y córneas. un órgano que les salve la vida. a registrarse para ser donantes de “Nada de esto sería posible órganos, ojos y tejidos por internet sin los donantes y sus familias. Nos muestran que 32 por ciento de estos en el sitio DonateLifeTexas.org o en el sentimos felices diariamente por la donantes tomaron la decisión de salvar Texas Department of Public Safety o el gran generosidad y apoyo a nuestra vidas firmando con Donate Life Texas, el Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. misión de salvar vidas mediante la registro oficial del estado de donantes de Para más información sobre donaciones donación de órganos”, dijo Joseph órganos, ojos y tejidos. Además, casi 78 de órganos e iniciativas comunitarias, por ciento de las familias se acercaron a contacte a TOSA al (866) 685-0277 o Nespral, CEO de TOSA. Los datos de TOSA TOSA dando su consentimiento para la visite txorgansharing.org MDN

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25

• January 2017 •

Mega Historia

Renaissance Cancer Foundation Recauda $344,000 Dls. Para Ayudar a Pacientes con Cáncer

En la foto arriba: Andrea Sierra Salazar, un residente de McAllen de diecisiete años de edad. Ella fue diagnosticada con Linfoma de Hodgkins con Esclerosis Nodular de etapa 2 de febrero de 2016. A pesar de su diagnóstico, ella es optimista y alegre, aunque se ha sometido a tratamiento médico. La estudiante de escuela secundaria tiene una actitud muy positiva y aún llega a disfrutar de su hobby favorito: modelando. Actualmente en recuperación, Andrea ha sido explorada por varias agencias de modelos y organizaciones de modas de todo el mundo. De izq: Marissa Castañeda, DHR COO; Larry Safir, Presidente del Renaissance Cancer Foundation; David Deanda, Presidente y CEO de Lone Star National Bank; Robert y Janet Vackar, Bert Ogden Auto Group; Edna Desaro, Vice Presidente de Marketing y Desarrollo de Negocios; Adriana Ríos, Directora del Renaissance Cancer Foundation; y Andrea Sierra Salazar. Foto Roberto Hugo González Mega Doctor News

dinburg, TX—La Fundación contra el cáncer Renaissance Cancer Foundation auspició su cena gala anual el pasado 4 de diciembre, 2016. Este evento consistió de antojitos, bebidas, una subasta silenciosa y la actuación de “The Bronx Wanderers”, un grupo dinámico familiar de rock que recreó la magia de los años 50, 60’s y 70’, creando el perfecto ambiente nivel de sinergia entre las diferentes generaciones y la música.

Unidos por su pasión por la gran música –sin importar la década– el productor del disco de oro Yo’ Vinny y sus hijos Vinny “The Kid” y Nicky “Stix” forman el corazón y el alma de los Wanderers del Bronx. Desde Frankie Vally y los Four Seasons a Queen y Coldplay, los Bronxs Wanderers recapturaron el sonido original de sus éxitos prácticamente nota por nota fiel a las versiones del estudio.

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En la Cena Gala miembros de la comunidad recaudaron una generosa cantidad de 344,000 Dls. para la fundación del Cáncer del Renaissance –fondos que permanecerán aquí en el Valle del Río Grande para proporcionar servicios a los pacientes.

Tal es el caso de Andrea Sierra Salazar, adolescente de 17 años residente de McAllen, quien fue diagnosticada con Esclerosis Nodular de Linfoma Hodgkin etapa 2, en febrero del 2016. Ella a pesar de su diagnóstico sigue optimista y alegre, mientras está bajo tratamiento médico.

Andrea dice: “mientras el cáncer es una situación grave, para quienes recibimos esta clase de diagnóstico, esto puede traer una oportunidad de crecimiento. Ello depende mucho de la actitud y cómo ve uno las cosas. Nosotros siempre tenemos dos opciones en la vida –podemos enfrentar con valentía lo que nos es dado y saber que Dios siempre nos ayudará o podemos dejar que nos asuste y ver solo el lado malo. Gracias a mi experiencia

ahora veo el cáncer de una manera muy diferente y quiero ayudar a todos los que están involucrados en la investigación del cáncer, tratamiento y cuidado”.

Andrea cursa el último grado de la preparatoria con una actitud muy positiva y aun todavía disfruta de su pasatiempo favorito: el modelaje. Actualmente en recuperación, ella ha sido entrevistada por varias agencias de modelos y organizaciones de moda de todo el mundo.

Como una joven recientemente diagnosticada con cáncer, Andrea entiende la lucha que libran los niños y adolescentes con cáncer en lo que respecta a su autoestima y confianza. Después de su tratamiento, ella envió un mensaje a todo el mundo, posando sin pelo y sin peluca, para mejor trasmitir la importancia y el valor de cada uno de nosotros, un valor que se basa en algo más que la apariencia.

Su mensaje a los demás es que “la belleza no viene de nuestra apariencia o como nos vemos nosotros mismos, sino que proviene de nuestro interior”. Su mensaje es fuerte, resonante y significativo para

24

• January 2017 •

muchos todavía: “la belleza no viene de nuestra apariencia o como nos vemos nosotros mismos sino proviene de nuestro interior”. Palabras que nunca se deben olvidar.

Andrea dijo, “Ahora aprecio las cosas pequeñas en la vida, como el poder disfrutar un nuevo día, el tener comida en mi mesa, tener mi familia y amigos y muchas otras cosas pequeñas como eso. También he aprendido a tener mejor cuidado de mi misma y apreciar el cuidado que otros me dan”.

Ella también señaló, “Esta experiencia me ha enseñado a amarme y aceptarme a mí misma sin importar como me vea. El pelo en la cabeza de alguien no define quienes somos como gente, pero nuestras acciones y la manera como tratamos a otros si los define. Todas las muchachas son princesas y hoy me siento hermosa por dentro y por fuera”.

Estas fueron las palabras que acompañaron las fotos inspiradoras que Andrea compartió por internet que se esparcieron por todo el mundo como un signo de fortaleza, perseverancia y voluntad para hacerse fuerte y enfrentar una enfermedad. Un mensaje que fue significativo para ayudar a quienes están en circunstancias similares.

Las fotos que se ven en el programa de la Cena Gala Anual de la Renaissance Cancer Foundation, fueron tomadas por el fotógrafo local Gerardo Garmendia, y viralmente distribuidas después que Andrea las había publicado en los medios sociales. ¡Las fotos fueron vistas por más de 8 millones de personas en todo el mundo!

Acerca de la Cena Gala Anual de la Renaissance Cancer Foundation, Andrea dijo que aun cuando sea en menor escala, me encanta apoyar las diferentes

actividades en mi comunidad que concientizan sobre el cáncer y recaudan fondos para esta causa. Son eventos como estos los que difunden el mensaje alentador de fortaleza, esperanza, sueños y la voluntad para luchar”.

Agregó que “le doy gracias a Dios y a mi familia por todo su cariño y apoyo y a toda la gente magnifica que me ha apoyado durante esta etapa de mi vida.

Estoy muy feliz de haber conocido tanta hermosa gente que me ha ayudado a mí para convertirme en quien soy yo ahora.

Gracias a todos”.

Desde el 2008, esta fundación ha dedicado sus esfuerzos a construir una comunidad consciente mientras provee educación contra el cáncer, apoyo emocional, asistencia financiera y guías para pacientes de pocos recursos económicos. La meta de la Renaissance Cancer Foundation es proveer sus servicios a los pacientes con cáncer y

ayudarlos durante su jornada con el cáncer. La Fundación también está dedicada a continuamente expandir sus programas y servicios para asegurar que unen las necesidades del cuidado de la salud y sociales de la comunidad a quien sirven –hoy y en el futuro.

En 2015, la Rennaisance Cancer Foundation proveyó más de $400,000 dólares para servicios de ayuda y abogó por los pacientes en las áreas de intervención del paciente, asesoría financiera, grupos de apoyo mensual, paquetes de atención nutricional, un salón de belleza para los pacientes que tienen gastos de transporte y hogar y pérdida de pelo.

La Fundación es una organización no lucrativa exenta de impuestos 501(c)(3) cuya finalidad es brindar apoyo a pacientes con cáncer en el Valle del Río Grande. MDN

23

• January 2017 •

Por Roberto Hugo González

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egresando a los años 1930s, 40s y 50s un flujo de nuevos residentes llegaron del norte de los Estados Unidos al Valle del Río Grande. Muchos de ellos vinieron con la idea de empezar una nueva vida mediante la compra de tierras abundantes que estaban disponibles en esos días.

Aun cuando han pasado más de cien años desde el establecimiento del condado Hidalgo, la región aún estaba frondosa, con vegetación, frutas cítricas y, por supuesto, el clima cálido. No vamos a olvidar muchas áreas llenas de cactus, mezquite y millas de planicies de praderas.

Recientemente, Mega Doctor News tuvo la oportunidad de hablar con Michael J. Sander, M.D., un cirujano ortopédico del Valle. Cuando escuché el apellido Sander, de inmediato me fue reconocido. Su familia vino a esta área en los 1940s a comprar terrenos y a empezar una vida nueva. Para ellos Edcouch, Texas, era un nuevo comienzo.

Los abuelos del Dr. Sander, Wesley R. y Rosemary Sander se mudaron aquí de Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, después de que Wesley terminó su servicio con el US Army Air Corps en 1947. “Ellos compraron un terreno al norte de Weslaco y abrieron la primera farmacia en Edcouch y luego en Elsa. Mi abuela Rosy, su padre y sus dos hermanas compraron un terreno. Todos ellos vinieron aquí de Oklahoma”, le dijo a Mega Doctor News.

El señaló que su abuelo Wesley fue alcalde de Edcouch por un tiempo en los años 50s. Rosy y su esposo Wesley fueron los primeros miembros de la familia Sander en llegar aquí. Wesley y Rosy de inmediato abrieron una farmacia en Edcouch y luego una segunda tienda en Elsa. “La tienda de Elsa era muy popular porque tenía una fuente y servían nieves, Cherry Coke, sándwiches de queso, etcétera. Yo iba allí y la visitaba cuando era un niño. Esta tienda se cerró al principio de los 80s”, dijo el Dr. Sander. Wesley Sander murió en 1975.

Los padres del Dr. Sander viven aquí. “Mi papá es de Edcouch y mi mamá es de Brownsville. Mike H. y Claudia Sander. Ellos se conocieron en la escuela de farmacología en UT Austin”, agregó el Dr. Sander.

Aunque usted no lo crea, sus padres eran farmacéuticos. “Mi padre tenía una

La Familia Sander de Weslaco, Parte de Nuestra Historia mi abuelo Desi y estaba preocupado porque él nunca llenaba el tanque de gasolina de su coche. Conducía en busca del mejor precio del gas y entonces llenaba su tanque. El y mi abuelo se sacrificaron mucho para ayudar a que sus hijos tuvieran una educación. La ayuda financiera en ese tiempo era: obtén un trabajo, paga tu colegiatura o salte”. ¿Está activo todavía Desi? “Desi ya no vive, mis dos abuelos murieron de cáncer de próstata demasiado jóvenes”, respondió.

El Dr. Sander nació en Harlingen durante el tiempo que su madre Claudia era farmacéutica en el Valley Baptist Medical Center un año después de terminar su carrera de UT en Austin.

Me gradué de Weslaco High School en Rescatando la Historia Foto El título de este artículo de periódico, posiblemente de 1955 dice: Los oficiales de la ciudad hicieron llamadas –Unas de las primeras llamadas en esta área fueron usando el Sistema de discado fue hecha por el alcalde de Mercedes, (Eugene K.) Gene O’Shea, a la izquierda del alcalde de Edcouch, Alcalde Wesley R. Sander. Después de esto todas las llamadas a cualquier ciudad fuera de Mercedes requerían un pago. Después de la medianoche del sábado las llamadas podían marcarse directas por los residentes de Mercedes, Edcouch y Elsa gratis. Mientras que el servicio no se iniciaba oficialmente hasta la media noche del sábado, dos funcionarios hicieron una prueba de hacer la primer llamada, (según la Asociación Histórica del estado de Texas, www.tshaonline. org, en 1955 la compañía de teléfonos Southwestern Bell Telephone Company estableció el servicio de marcar la larga distancia directa en Texas.) farmacia, Sander Pharmacy en Weslaco, la cual tiene más de 40 años de estar al servicio de la comunidad. Mi madre, Claudia, es la directora del Departamento de la Farmacia en el Knapp Medical Center y ha sido farmacéutica por más de 40 años”, dijo el Dr. Sander.

La familia Sander está muy arraigada y conocida en esta comunidad.

Se han convertido en profesionales y pilares del sur de Texas. El abuelo maternal del Dr. Sander era Desiderio, “Desi” Falcón Ríos. Sus amigos o familia le llamaban Desi. Él fue también un promotor de estas comunidades. Desi se mudó al Valle con su esposa Ofelia “Nena”, de Corpus Christi, Texas.

Según el Dr. Sander, Nena era una maestra de primaria en Brownsville y

Desi era un profesor en Texas Southmost College (TSC) en Brownsville. Desi era único en su clase. El dirigió programas vocacionales y fue decano del programa de educación vocacional para el Colegio. “Mi abuelo empezó programas en soldadura, mecánica automotriz, técnicos en rayos “X”, enfermería y acuacultura. El programa de enfermeras vocacionales licenciadas (LVN) en Knapp estaba asociado con programas que él había creado”. El añadió que desgraciadamente cuando TSC se unió a UT Brownsville los enfoques de estos programas se terminaron.

“Mi abuelo Desi se involucró en la política y fue comisionado de la ciudad de Brownsville y candidato para juez del condado Cameron. El y Nena tuvieron 6 hijos y todos son graduados de la Universidad. El Dr. Sander dice que había problemas financieros, sin embargo se logró graduar como doctor en medicina, otro, doctor en optometría, tres farmacéuticos y un arquitecto.

Recuerdo montar a caballo con

Wesley R. Sander, atiende su farmacia en el final de los 40s o a principio de los 50s en Edcouch, Texas, ubicado al norte de Weslaco.

1992. Me casé con Jennifer, de Houston, después de conocerla en los dormitorios de la Universidad de Texas en Austin. Mi esposa Jennifer y yo tenemos cuatro hijos, de 7 a 13 años; los dos mayores, Henry y George, están en Weslaco ISD Central Middle School. Mi hija Charlotte y mi hijo menor William, asisten a la Academia St. Philip Neri Oratory, en Pharr”.

El Dr. Sander tiene tres hermanos, todos médicos. “Patrick es cirujano ortopédico, trabaja en McAllen; James es urólogo pediatra en McAllen, y mi hermana Jennifer está especializándose como cirujana ortopédica en la Universidad Estatal de Louisiana, en Shreveport, en Louisiana. MDN

Hoy en día, la Farmacia Sander en Weslaco, propiedad y operada por Mike La original Farmacia Sander en Edcouch, Texas, el edificio sigue en pie en la Sander, padre del Dr. Michael Sander, cirujano ortopédico.

Foto de Roberto Hugo González ciudad que sigue creciendo.