MCALLEN, RGV – IBC Bank and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have been working together this year for the bank’s 2019 “Give Cancer the Boot” campaign.
One hundred eighty nine IBC Bank locations across Texas and Oklahoma have been hosting special events and fundraisers since May in order raise $1 million in donations from the community, friends, neighbors and those who know the plight of cancer.
The campaign continued through October with every dollar raised being matched by IBC Bank in order to reach $2 million.
“At some point all of us will experience a loved one, a friend, colleague or personal issue with cancer,” said Dennis E. Nixon, IBC Bank Chairman and CEO and a cancer survivor himself.
“Fortunately, there are new discoveries, treatments and cures for a variety of cancers. We are proud to support MD Anderson Cancer Research Center, who is ranked #1 in the world and has been among the trailblazers focused on studies to combat this deadly disease.”
Nixon noted that IBC has been a proud supporter of MD Anderson for many years and encouraged the communities the bank serves to become MD Anderson supporters as well.
“We are extremely grateful for the continued commitment of IBC Bank and the countless south Texans and Oklahomans who have supported our efforts to end cancer,” said Peter W. T. Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson.
“Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future free from cancer. Together, we are truly Making Cancer History.”
MD Anderson is the world’s most impactful cancer center and treats more than 140,000 patients from over 120 countries each year. The center oversees the largest clinical trials program in the nation, with more than 10,100 patients enrolled. Since 1944, more than 1.4 million patients have turned to MD Anderson for cancer care.
Indeed, one of MD Anderson’s leading and eminent researchers, Dr. Jim Allison, was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine for launching an effective new way to attack cancer by treating the immune system rather than the tumor. MD Anderson Cancer Research Center remains steadfast in winning the fight against cancer.
During August, MD Anderson fundraising campaign spokesperson Sabrina Dominguez traveled across Texas on a “Thank You” tour to inspire IBC Bank employees and customers to ‘Do More’ to end cancer.
Dominguez serves as IBC Bank’s campaign ambassador. She was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer, at the age of 16. During the tour, which included visits to Laredo, Brownsville, McAllen, and San Antonio, she spoke about the challenges she has faced and treatment breakthroughs that saved her life.
In October, IBC Bank-McAllen hosted a “Strut for the Cure” Fundraiser Fashion Show as part of IBC Bank’s “Give Cancer the Boot” Campaign last month.
The models who strutted down the runway were not professional models. In fact, they were either cancer survivors or family members honoring their loved ones.
“The courage displayed by the models, combined with the supportive atmosphere created by everyone, was a one-of-a-kind experience,” said IBC Bank -McAllen president & CEO Adrian Villarreal.
“IBC Bank is proud to support and partner with MD Anderson, an organization committed to help save lives and give back to the people and families affected by cancer.”
Trent Bishop and his daughter, Valentina, decided to take to the runway during the Strut for the Cure fashion show to honor the selflessness and courage of their late wife and mother, Veronica.
“I feel that it is my responsibility to bring awareness and help those who have been affected by cancer the way my family has,” said Bishop. “It is a privilege for my daughter and I to participate in this fashion show honoring my wife, Veronica.”
All models showcased clothes by Dillard’s, Leona Boutique and Lionel’s Western Wear & Boutique.
Dora Brown, IBC Bank-McAllen Senior Vice President, served as co-chair for the “Strut for the Cure” fundraiser. Brown, who has been with the bank for more than 30 years, knows first-hand the struggles of cancer.
Brown said: “I am honored to be able to give back to this community. The strength and grace shown by the amazing warrior models definitely reinforced the reason we keep on partnering with MD Anderson.”
IBC President Nixon added: “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those touched by this disease. For all of us, this is about ending Cancer and saving lives, so that is why we are ‘doing more’ by sponsoring this campaign.”
