Laredo Medical Center’s 16th ‘Angel of Hope’ Is Unveiled for Cancer Tribute
10/9/2025
Today, as part of a cherished tradition at Laredo Medical Center, local and area residents impacted by cancer were honored during the unveiling of the 2025 ‘Angel of Hope’ painting at the 16th annual ceremony held in the hospital’s Community Center.
This year’s featured artist, Sylvia Rodriguez, a longtime physical therapist at Laredo Medical Center, created the 2025 ‘Angel of Hope’ in acrylic. She has served patients at the hospital for 20 years and discovered her love for painting about a decade ago.
“I see our patients every day – some are just beginning treatment, some are nearing the end, and others are receiving palliative care,” Rodriguez said. “I can only imagine what they’re feeling – the strength, the fear, the faith. I wanted to capture that moment of vulnerability, but also the presence of hope that never leaves.
Her painting depicts a woman in the midst of cancer treatment standing on a mountaintop – a symbol, she explains, of the uphill battle so many patients face.
“It’s not bright or happy, but it’s real,” she said. “Amid the darkness, an angel appears – radiant, powerful and protective – her wings upright as if to say, ‘I’m here.’”
The angel and woman are portrayed with darker skin tones, reflecting Rodriguez’s desire to honor Hispanic and Latino culture and its deep connection to hope and faith.
“I wanted my painting to be a symbol of hope – that even in your hardest moments, the Holy Spirit is there,” she shared. “Hope is always in your soul. You just have to listen to it.”
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Rodriguez brings a remarkable depth of experience and creativity to her work. In addition to her two decades as a physical therapist – first as a clinical coordinator and now as lead PT – she holds two bachelor’s degrees (in biology and health sciences) and a master’s in physical therapy. An 11-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, she has also worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Her creative journey began in 2015 after meeting local art teacher, Paty Orduna – a past Angel of Hope featured artist – and deciding to “try something new.” Since then, she has earned multiple awards, including two first-place honors and a Best in Show in the Laredo Birding Festival’s Birds of the Brush art contest. Her artwork – including paintings for local physicians and the Mexican Consulate in Laredo, as well as digital art pieces for LMC’s new Outpatient Rehabilitation clinic – has become a meaningful extension of her service to others.
“I’m truly honored to be selected as this year’s ‘Angel of Hope’ artist,” Rodriguez said. “This painting is my way of saying to every patient – I’m here for you, I love you, and you’re not alone.”
The ‘Angel of Hope’ ceremony is one Laredo Medical Center’s most heart-felt annual traditions. Each year, an artist is invited to create a unique interpretation of the ‘Angel of Hope’ to pay tribute to those who are battling cancer, are survivors, or have lost their lives to the disease. After the unveiling, patients and survivors are invited to sign the painting, which is then displayed prominently in the hospital’s A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center.
“The ‘Angel of Hope’ tradition reminds us of the courage and resilience that live within every patient and every family touched by cancer,” said Jorge Leal, FACHE, chief executive officer of Laredo Medical Center. We are deeply grateful to Sylvia Rodriguez for sharing her talent, compassion and vision of hope with our community.”
This year’s ‘Angel of Hope’ will hang alongside previous year’s renditions, which have been painted by Krystal Hinojosa, Anna Garcia, Cristina Zorilla Speer, Christina Castillon, Angie Moore, Sandra Esparza, Paty Orduna, Lizy Hinojosa, Dr. Anish G. Potty, Lily Michelle Saenz, Allan Gindic, Sylvia Castañeda, Hortencia Peña, Linda LaMantia and Amira Chapa. The Cancer Center is located on the first floor of Tower A.
For more information about cancer care services, call (956) 796-4725.
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