Resler Canyon: Celebrating 20 Years of Community-Driven Conservation

El Paso Restaurateur David Lepe Celebrates Groundbreaking of Fox Cancer Center

Update A Community Hero's Second Chance David Lepe, the owner of Lucy's Café West in El Paso, continues to inspire those around him, embodying resilience after successfully battling colon cancer. His journey, which began in 2013 with a diagnosis that coincided with the opening of his restaurant, serves as a testament not just to personal perseverance but also to the critical support networks that exist within his community. From Diagnosis to Hope Lepe's cancer journey was closely tied to the Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, specifically oncologist Dr. Sumit Gaur, who provided the necessary treatment that enabled Lepe to not only survive but thrive. 'Dr. Gaur and the team at Texas Tech gave me a chance to keep doing what I love,' stated Lepe with appreciation. This relationship illustrates the profound connection between patients and healthcare providers—not merely a clinical obligation, but a collaborative bond that fosters both healing and hope. Groundbreaking for a Brighter Future Recently, the groundbreaking of the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center marks a significant milestone in the region's fight against cancer. With approximately 3,275 El Pasoans facing cancer each year, this new facility aims to enhance local access to world-class treatment. As new rates of leukemia and breast cancer rise, the center symbolizes a collective effort to ensure that no family grapples with cancer alone, as Lepe has experienced. Building Community Connections Lepe’s decades-long commitment to his restaurant and his customers exemplifies the importance of community ties. 'Everyone at the café is like family,' he asserts, sharing his love for serving others while highlighting how his own experience with cancer has fostered a deeper connection with his neighbors and patrons. This sense of community empowerment is crucial as residents face ongoing health challenges together. The Importance of Gratitude Gratitude is central to Lepe's narrative. He emphasizes that surviving cancer involves more than just receiving treatment—it's about cherishing relationships that form during challenging times. When Dr. Gaur visits Lucy's Café West, it’s not merely a doctor's appointment; it's a reunion of friends whose journeys have intertwined through shared struggles and triumphs. As David Lepe continues to greet customers and manage his café, his story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. With the establishment of the Fox Cancer Center, it is clear that the El Paso community is stepping forward, ensuring that support extends to every family facing cancer, creating a legacy of care and compassion.