Fundraiser Raises $20,000
HOPE Chest Fundraiser Raises More than $20,000 for Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund
Jewelry lovers and philanthropists alike gathered for a dazzling afternoon at the HOPE Chest Fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 6, where fine and costume jewelry, along with original artwork, were sold and auctioned to benefit local cancer patients.
Hosted on the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus, the event featured donated treasures auctioned by the El Paso Community Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of donors and buyers, the HOPE Chest Fundraiser raised more than $20,000 raised through sales and gifts for the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund. All proceeds benefited the fund, which will help alleviate financial burdens for cancer warriors undergoing treatment.
Phyllis Davis’s personal battle with breast cancer is the driving force behind her dedication as the volunteer director for the HOPE Chest Fundraiser. Her healing journey began more than 30 years ago during a routine checkup that led to her first mammogram — and a life-changing diagnosis just two days later.
Davis is a member of Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Patient Centric Committee working tirelessly to bring world-class patient care to our future Fox Cancer Center.
"We see the real-life impact of these costs every day,” Davis said. “Earlier this week, I was with a cancer patient who has been paying $1,000 a month in copays for the past four years — expenses not covered by insurance. Then you might have a single mother who has to endure a six-hour infusion at the center, struggling to find and afford childcare for her young children. Or you have to consider patients who’ll be traveling from out of town, needing hotel accommodations. These are the kinds of financial challenges that the Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund is designed to help alleviate."
The auction showcased artwork by local and regional artists, including a standout piece created by the late El Paso icon Tom Lea, a world-renowned muralist and illustrator. Stunning 14-karat and 18-karat gold pieces and sterling silver items also were part of the auction.
In addition to making purchases, community members contributed by donating jewelry and artwork for the sale and auction. A generous donor further amplified the event’s impact by matching monetary gifts dollar for dollar.
If you were unable to attend the HOPE Chest Fundraiser, you can still support the cause with an online donation to the Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund. Thanks to a matching gift from a generous donor, your gift will have twice the impact.
The Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund helps cover costs associated with cancer care, such as
treatment, co-pays, transportation, food, and ancillary services like mental health care. This ensures patients have the support they need to win the fight against cancer right here in El Paso.
"We are incredibly thankful to the Hope Chest committee spearheaded by Phyllis and Bobette Lange for supporting the Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund. Every cancer warrior deserves to be surrounded by their loved ones during treatment, and this support helps make that possible,” said Andrea Tawney, Ph.D., vice president of Institutional Advancement at Texas Tech Health El Paso.
Fox Cancer Center: Transforming Cancer Care in El Paso
Set to break ground this year at Texas Tech Health El Paso, the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center will bring comprehensive cancer care to the region, eliminating the need for patients to travel far for treatment.
This state-of-the-art facility is made possible through significant investments and community support. In 2023, the Texas legislature approved $65 million for its planning and construction. Soon after, community leaders Steve and Nancy Fox, along with their daughters Paige and Ashley, announced a historic $25 million investment to help bring the area’s first comprehensive cancer center to life. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation further contributed in September 2024 with a $5 million grant to support the recruitment of top-tier cancer specialists.
Once complete, the Fox Cancer Center will provide compassionate, high-quality cancer care close to home, allowing patients to focus on healing with the support of their loved ones.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso is the only health sciences center on the U.S.-Mexico border and serves 108 counties in West Texas that have been historically underserved. It’s a designated Title V Hispanic-Serving Institution, preparing the next generation of health care heroes, 48% of whom identify as Hispanic and are often first-generation students.
Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a proudly diverse and uniquely innovative destination for education and research.
With a mission of eliminating health care barriers and creating life-changing educational opportunities for Borderplex residents, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,400 doctors, nurses and researchers over the past decade, and will add dentists to its alumni beginning in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.