XOLOITZCUINTLES BRING SMILES TO BOYS AND GIRLS OF GENERAL HOSPITAL

TIJUANA - With the sole purpose of bringing smiles to kids who are battling cancer, Gregory Garza and Javier Gŭmez visited the General Hospital of Tijuana on Tuesday afternoon.

The faces of the more than 50 children who received treatment on this day plus another 10 who are hospitalized in the Pediatric Oncology lit up with the visit from their idols and the Xolo Mayor.

The visit which was headed up by Valeria Prieto the General Coordinator of the Patronato Pro of the Hospital General of Tijuana began in the zone where the kids receive chemotherapy. Players and club directors also walked through the ‘Escuelita’ (little school) where patients of the Pediatrics Oncology are hospitalized.

“The most common problem is leukemia” said Prieto  “there is no average age, we have kids as young as six months old all the way to 18-year olds. The support given to these kids by the Patronato are completely complementary.”

Prieto also pointed out that the Patronato provides all of its patients with housing, food, transportation, medical treatment, and aerial transportation when needed.  

The visit lifted the spirits and motivated the boys and girls who usually go days or even weeks isolated. For the little ones it is important to them that others understand what they are going through, that they are fighting alongside them, and that they have our respect pointed out Prieto. 

“We see it in the faces of the kids, the excitement; they can’t believe that they are being visited by Xolo Mayor and the players who for most are heros” said Prieto. “On many occasions they get to watch the games on TV and they are excited with the visit, they can’t believe they are here with them. 

“All of this motivates (the kids) they are fighting a physical fight and also a mental one. We are very proud that Club Tijuana has decided to help out.” 

The possibility to help out  is also very motivating for the Xoloitzcuintles players, like Javier Gŭmez mentioned: “It is a strong energy that hits you. To start with you see the kids who are fighting for their lives, makes you reflect a lot.

“One never knows when it can happen to you or a loved one, we must always keep that in mind. These kids need a lot of help.” 

For Garza, it is a point of pride to be able to visit the boys and girls and to be an ambassador of the Club Tijuana initiative and to help generate smiles. 

“Smiling is the most important thing in life” said Garza. “Take into consideration this cause, this campaign and lets help these kids fight and battle. It is an on going battle and we need all of the help we can get, we can all be a big family helping out these kids.” 

Leslie Garcia is one of the girls who receives her treatment at Hospital General. She is currently in an observation stage having monthly checkups. However she is needed of a lot of rest and to avoid cold air. 

“It is a difficult sickness, one did not expect it” said Leslie’s mother Luz Aguilar. “When she was told about the visit she got really excited. It is a very good thing because it raises their self-esteem. It takes them out of that shock, a distraction like this is very good for them. It is a very good idea for them to be doing this.” 

The visit to Hospital General is another Club Tijuana activity in its Fight against Child Cancer campaign running this February. Next Friday February 21st there will be a massive city wide collection and on Friday February 27th there will be a collection center at the Estadio Caliente. 

We can all help out, everyone unedited against  Child Cancer.