Latino Artists Escort Young Cancer Patients Down Runway
Actress Eva Longoria-Parker hosted the 9th Annual El Sueño de Esperanza gala on September 10 at the Hollywood Palladium, a gathering that drew many celebrities dedicated to supporting efforts by the Parents Against Cancer organization, which aims to help children with cancer as well as efforts to find a cure for the disease.
Longoria-Parker joined comedian George Lopez in bringing children and their parents some laughs, too, allowing them to forget their health problems for a few moments.
The list of other stars who took part in the event included, among others: Paulina Rubio, Kate del Castillo, Dayanara Torres, María Conchita Alonso, Kuno Becker, Beto Cuevas, and Amaury Nolasco.
Parents Against Cancer — or Padres Contra Cancer, in Spanish — provides financial support for programs that bring children, families, medical personnel and community leaders together to promote greater understanding of childhood cancer and blood diseases, as well as the most effective methods for their treatment.
Maribel de la Torre, the organization’s director of development, said that the efforts include a series of culturally relevant bilingual resources that are centered on the family, addressing the challenges of cancer on an educational, emotional and social basis.
“But all the programs, activities and services, though they are geared to the Latino community, serve patients with childhood cancer of all races and ethnic origins,” said De la Torre. “No family is refused.”
Rubio obviously fell for the charm of some of the children who walked down the red carpet with her before the gala.
“I have had the opportunity of meeting great kids on the red carpet…of very many ages and that has made me understand how nice it is to help and to be a part of your community,” said the Golden Girl.
Longoria-Parker welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support, understanding, and participation.
“For the good of my people, my community and my universe, I am here supporting in any way I can, and asking here, asking there and always counting on friends to offer hope to our beautiful children, to tell them that it can be done, and that research will continue for the cure of this and many diseases,” she said. “Parents against Cancer is in my heart.”
Mexican actress Kate del Castillo said she found happiness in being able to contribute to the effort.
“What brings me here is the desire to work hard, to support this cause like we are doing tonight,” del Castillo said. “So I am very happy” to be here.
Nora Alicia Estrada is a writer for Impulso.
Photos by Impulso
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