Patients, survivors kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a ‘twist’

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Tuesday, the El Paso Children's Hospital kicked off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a twist.

Every September, the hospital partners with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and former patient families to bring positive spirit and energy to current patients.

This year, the hospital organized a gold-themed dance party to recognize children currently in their cancer treatment journey.

A new child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, according to the hospital.

The hospital said it danced to "The Twist" for three minutes on the Southwest University Blood and Cancer Center unit floor to recognize this.

"I'm a two-time cancer survivor. It's not an easy battle," Hailee said. "So I'm always here now, giving my time so I could meet new kids, talk to kids and raise awareness."

Throughout her treatment journey, Hailee's faith and hospital staff supported her. She said even though she's out of treatment, she knows there are still kids in that position.

"I know what it's like to be in their position," she told ABC-7. "I try everything I can to comfort them and bring happiness."

Ayana Jaramillo said she was 5 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. She hopes that events like Tuesday's dance party encourage younger patients they'll push through treatment.

"A lot of the memories that I get here come from a lot of the nurses," Jaramillo said. "It's just a really good, tight-knit family here, and that's what I like about El Paso Children's."