Approximately 150 people laced up their sneakers, hit the dance floor, and showed up in a big way in support of local children battling cancer. This past Saturday, UISD hosted its first Dance for a Cure Zumba fundraiser benefiting Smiles from Heaven, a local organization dedicated to helping children and their families impacted by childhood cancer.  

 

That need for that support is essential. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 years of age are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Even more sobering, the organization reports that every 3 minutes, somewhere in the world, a family hears the devastating words that their child has been diagnosed with cancer.

 

Founded in 2019, Smiles From Heaven was born from the Sanchez family’s experience with childhood cancer and the loss of their daughter, Bella. The organization works to ensure families facing childhood cancer do not have to navigate their journey alone by providing emotional and financial support, along with programs designed to meet the needs of children, teens, and their families.

 

Held at the United Middle School Gymnasium, the event brought together UISD employees, students, families, and community members for a morning of music, movement, and purpose. The strong turnout was a reflection of the compassion and commitment of the UISD family and Laredo community, particularly for families who know firsthand the challenges of childhood cancer.

 

The event also brought together several UISD childhood cancer warrior families, whose presence served as a powerful reminder of why the community came together. The family of Amber Charles, an Herrera Middle School student who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year, attended the event. Diago Alvear and Jade Molano, two UISD students who have been impacted by childhood cancer, were also represented by their campus families, from Washington Middle School and San Isidro Elementary, attending to show their full support.  

 

For Associate Superintendent for District Administration and Student Services, Rebecca Morales, seeing the outpouring of support from the UISD family was encouraging and especially meaningful.

 

“Our first annual Dance for a Cure event was a beautiful reminder of what makes our UISD family and community so special. It was inspiring to see our employees, families, students, and community members come together with so much energy and heart in support of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Together, we showed them that they are not alone and that we ARE ALL IN FOR KIDS!"

 

The same spirit of support was felt by Smiles From Heaven Co-founder Ray Sanchez, who thanked the district for standing behind the families the organization serves.

 

 “A huge thank you to United ISD for putting together an incredible event. While most of our team was in Washington, D.C., our UISD family was back home showing up BIG for the children and families we serve.”

 

The event was made possible in part through the generous support of local businesses and organizations that donated door prizes, services, and other contributions, including Zumba Instructors Karina Mendoza and Erika Mendoza, LaredoDJ.com, Clear Choice Emergency Room, Dos Marias, La Vida Fit Meals, Z Aesthetics Skin Experts, Smoothie King, RC Food Service and Produce, Burger King, McDonald’s, Laredo Wellness Aesthetics, My Pop Popcorn, Optima Wellness and Recovery, Gloria’s Coffee Bar, Hamburguesas Rio, Orangetheory Fitness, Gold’s Gym, SJE Properties, A Nails, and Dunkin’ Donuts, and the Webb County Attorney’s Office.

 

The amazing turnout demonstrated the generosity of UISD employees and the Laredo community, who came together to dance, celebrate, and support families impacted by cancer, sending a powerful message of hope.