Editor’s Note: After this issue was printed, we received the sad news of Phyllis Davis’ passing. Phyllis exemplified hope and resilience throughout her long cancer journey and was instrumental, together with her husband, Dr. Pete Davis, in supporting the vision of the Fox Cancer Center. Her spirit will remain a guiding light for all who continue this work.

When Texas Tech Health El Paso announced the establishment of the Fox Cancer Center, many of our community’s cancer warriors stepped forward to share their stories. Some recalled the difficulty of long-distance travel for care, and how a cancer center in our hometown will bring hope to so many patients. Get to know some of these inspirational El Pasoans who are supporting the fight against the disease. 

Leaning on Faith and Family: Margie Salazar

“Three years ago, my world stopped when I was diagnosed with blood cancer. What followed were the hardest years of my life: aggressive chemotherapy, losing all my hair and a stem cell transplant at MD Anderson,” said Margie Salazar, President and CEO of FirstLight Federal Credit Union.

“The journey hasn’t ended; treatments and setbacks continue. But cancer taught me to live with gratitude and face each day with courage. I leaned on my faith and my family, and refused to let cancer define me or block my goals.

“I don’t call it a tragedy. I call it an experience—because it’s ongoing, it changed me and it made me stronger.”

Grace and Grit: Wayne & Millie Martin

“For both of us, cancer became part of our story—but not the whole story. It tested us, strengthened us and deepened our bond,” said Wayne Martin, explaining how he and his wife, Millie, supported each other through their treatment.  

In the mid ‘90s, Wayne was diagnosed with stomach cancer and traveled 750 miles to MD Anderson in Houston for a Whipple procedure. 

“They removed parts of my stomach, pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct. It was a major surgery, but it gave me 30 cancer-free years— and more time with the people I love.  

“Not long after I recovered, my wife, Millie, was diagnosed with leukemia. Her treatment meant frequent trips to Phoenix—reminding us how tough it can be for people in West Texas to get the specialized care they need. But she faced it head-on, with grace and grit. We’ve both walked the hard road, but we’ve never walked it alone.” 

A 30-Year Warrior Turned Patient Advocate: Phyllis Davis

“We see the real-life impact of cancer treatment costs every day,” said Phyllis Davis, a breast cancer warrior who founded the HOPE Chest Fundraiser, a jewelry and art sale that raised $20,000 for the Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund in February.  

She’s earned a reputation as a patient advocate, understanding the emotional and financial challenges cancer patients face. She recalled meeting a cancer patient who paid $1,000 a month out-of-pocket copays for four years during treatment.  

“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,” Davis said. “These are the kinds of financial challenges the fund is designed to help alleviate.”  

Davis was also a member of Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Patient-Centric Committee, and used her experience to help design world-class spaces for patient care at our future cancer center. 

Sisters in the Fight: Kristin Sizemore & Jennifer Rau

“My sister Jennifer and I have always been close, but cancer gave us a bond we never expected,” said Kristin Sizemore. “She had celebrated five years cancer-free when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  

“Watching Jennifer fight and survive gave me strength. But I knew we had to do more than survive—we had to speak up. That’s why I founded Sisters in the Fight, a foundation dedicated to early breast cancer detection and supporting fighters and their families.  

“Together, we are using our story to help others feel less alone and more empowered.”  

For the past three years, the foundation has hosted the annual Swing Fore Hope golf tournament, which, to date, has raised $35,000 for breast cancer screenings for underserved women. The last two tournaments raised a total of $25,000 for Texas Tech Health El Paso’s cancer prevention programs. 

Texas Tech Health El Paso Magazine, Fall 2025