Laredo Medical Center to Unveil the 17th ‘Angel of Hope’ Painting

10/2/2026

Laredo Medical Center will unveil its 2026 “Angel of Hope” painting during the 17th annual ceremony on Tuesday, October 6, at 10 a.m. in the hospital’s Community Center, located at Tower B, first floor.

The ceremony will begin with a keynote address by Rebecca Reyes, who was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer on November 10, 2025, at age 25. Reyes will share her journey from diagnosis through treatment, reflecting on how she has managed her mindset and found strength to keep moving forward. This year, she completed radiation treatment at Laredo Medical Center on August 14, and continues to receive follow-up care. Through social media, Reyes also shares her experiences to raise awareness about breast cancer and its impact on younger adults. Her keynote will be followed by the painting’s unveiling.

Jesus Diaz has been selected as this year’s featured artist. Diaz is a registered nurse at Laredo Medical Center whose compassion for caring extends beyond the bedside. An artist since the age of five, Diaz has nurtured his passion for art throughout his life. His artistry at the hospital began when coworkers encouraged him to create a black-and-white drawing on a whiteboard with dry erase markers. What started as a simple drawing soon became a special tradition, inspiring Diaz to create original works of art throughout the year celebrating the seasons, holidays and cultural traditions. His colorful and meaningful creations have become a special part of the hospital’s Prep and Hold unit, bringing joy to patients, families, and colleagues while showcasing the creativity and heart he brings to his work each day.

Diaz is especially honored to have been picked as this year’s featured artist for Laredo Medical Center’s “Angel of Hope,” a longtime hospital tradition that invites a local artist to create their own rendition of the angel. The painting serves as a heartfelt tribute to the women and men in the community who are currently battling cancer, those who have survived it, and those whose lives have been lost to the disease. Following the painting’s unveiling, cancer patients and survivors, along with families and friends honoring loved ones lost to cancer, are invited to sign their names along the edges of the artwork. Each signature becomes part of the tribute before the painting takes its place alongside previous “Angel of Hope” creations displayed at the hospital’s A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center.

For Diaz, the opportunity brings together two important parts of his life—his commitment to caring for others and his lifelong passion for art—while contributing to a tradition centered on hope, strength and remembrance.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Laredo Medical Center at (956) 796-3223.

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