It’s been two years since we last shared the story of a special toddler who beat the odds. This week, that same little boy, Ricardo Treviño, celebrated his birthday surrounded by supporters at United ISD’s Smiles From Heaven Check Presentation and Press Conference.

Ricardo is just one of dozens of local children Smiles From Heaven steps in to help as they and their families battle cancer and blood disorders. His presence was a powerful reminder of why United ISD continues its partnership with the local nonprofit and why this cause means so much to the district.

Ricardo pictured with his mom and Smiles From Heaven Co-Founder, Betsy Sanchez.

On Monday, Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz revealed that UISD raised more than $37,500 during this school year’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month campaign.

The funds came from student-led efforts across elementary, middle, and high schools, along with contributions from faculty, staff, district departments, online donors, and school booster clubs.

“I want to congratulate every single campus at United ISD who did their very best to fundraise as much money as we can,” said Dr. Cruz. “This is one of those causes where we get the word out that childhood cancer is something we should be at the forefront of. If there’s something we can do to help reduce the financial burden on families, then that’s something we need to continue doing.”

United High School led all campuses this year, raising $7,763.00. Salinas Elementary topped elementary schools with $2,738.00, and Ramirez Middle School led middle schools with $1,241.00.

United High School Principal Jessica Salazar said the partnership is personal for her campus. “This holds a really special place in our hearts,” Salazar shared. “We have two of our students at United High School who have been serviced by Smiles From Heaven. We don’t just say we’re a Longhorn family- we actually put it into action.”

Additional campuses recognized for their generosity included: Alexander High School, Muller Elementary, Ruiz Elementary, San Isidro, Freedom and Killam Elementary, Trautmann Middle School and UHS 9th Grade Campus.

Each contribution, large or small, represents students and staff stepping up for children in their own community.

Board Member Gilbert Aguilar, Jr. spoke about the ripple effect childhood cancer has on families.

“It not only affects one person. It affects the entire family, the school, and the community,” Aguilar said. “Children should be worried about learning, playing, and dreaming big, not hospitals and treatments.”

Smiles From Heaven, founded in 2019 continues to expand and grow each year. Co-Founder Ray Sanchez, shares how the support from UISD means a lot more than just funding.

“It means the community, our children, and our faculty are coming together to support this cause,” Sanchez said. “It shows how we are giving these children a fighting chance.”

He explained that many families in South Texas must travel hundreds of miles for treatment, often for months or even years.

“With these funds, we help them get to their treatments and support them throughout their journey.”

Sanchez also noted recent advocacy efforts at the state and federal level, including the passage of the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, aimed at accelerating the development of cancer treatments for children. “This is something that we’re not leading, but we are doing our part here in South Texas when it comes to using our voice, using our platform. So we’re very proud of planting that seed, at the federal level and just fighting for our children in south Texas," he added.

His wife and Co-Founder, Betsy Sanchez, shared the emotional weight behind their mission as they continue honoring their beloved daughter, Bella, who lost her battle with cancer at a young age.

“We do get attached to the families,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’ve lost one to two children every year, and that’s very hard. You grow close to the families and the children, and it also brings back what we went through. It’s not easy work, but by God’s strength and grace, we will continue.”

For UISD, the check presentation is a reflection of our United community. From friendly campus competitions in September to Monday’s heartfelt gathering, the message was clear: when a child in this community is fighting, United ISD stands with them.