Most of us go through our daily routines blissfully unaware of the quiet struggles happening just across the border. In dozens of homes in Tijuana, families are fighting battles far beyond their strength — battles against childhood cancer.
At the heart of this fight stands the Patronato del Hospital General de Tijuana, a community-based organization that offers essential aid to patients and families receiving cancer treatment at the city’s General Hospital. Here, children as young as four years old — and young adults in their twenties — face one of life’s toughest challenges.
For these families, cancer is more than a diagnosis; it’s a complete upheaval of life. Many parents leave their jobs to accompany their children through months of treatment. Some arrive from rural communities without the means to afford even the basics: food, transportation, or a safe place to stay.
That’s where the Patronato steps in — filling the gaps between what the public health system can provide and what human dignity demands.
A Legacy of Compassion and Action
What began in the 1990s as a small group of neighbors collecting resources for hospital patients became, by 2000, a formally established nonprofit built on one simple truth: every act of kindness matters.
The Patronato operates independently of government funding. Every peso comes from donations, volunteers, and community efforts. These contributions make the difference between a child continuing treatment — or having to give it up.
Their mission is clear: to support patients and their families through medical crises, especially children and adolescents with cancer, meeting not only their medical needs but also their emotional and practical ones.
Beyond Medicine: A Place of Care, Dignity, and Joy
The Patronato’s support goes far beyond medical bills. Through their housing program “Mi Estancia,” families traveling from San Quintín, Mexicali, and other regions have a safe place to stay during long treatments.
They provide meals, medicine, transportation, and essentials like blankets, clothing, and special foods for children too weak for regular meals. But they also bring light to the darkest moments — organizing birthdays, art workshops, and small celebrations to remind children that life continues, even in the hardest times.
Their reach extends across borders, with support from institutions like Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and Casa de la Amistad in Mexico City, along with local businesses that help through donations, sponsorships, or community events.
Sometimes, something as simple as a shared pizza day or a small raffle helps keep the programs alive. But for the families they serve, these gestures mean everything — they are lifelines.
Ways You Can Help
For readers in San Diego and beyond, this cause is closer than it seems. Our communities are connected, and hope knows no borders. There are many ways to get involved and help children continue their fight against cancer with dignity and care:
Become a “Protector Estrella”
Join their monthly donor program — even small recurring contributions (starting around 200 pesos, roughly $12 USD) help provide stable support for treatments, housing, and nutrition.
Support the “Hora Dorada” Program
Your donation helps ensure that children with severe infections, like febrile neutropenia, receive critical treatment within one hour — a life-saving difference that has eliminated deaths from this condition since the program began.
Contribute to “QuimioKID”
Help provide chemotherapy materials and medications for children currently undergoing treatment.
Give Through “Esfera de Esperanza”
Each donation symbolically represents a child receiving help, connecting your contribution directly to a young life filled with hope
Donate In-Kind
The Patronato also accepts donations in kind — such as Pediasure, electrolyte solutions, medical supplies, or other essential items that support treatment and recovery.
Corporate or Business Partnerships
Local businesses can also participate as sponsors or partners, supporting events, providing supplies, or helping fund housing and food programs.
Direct Bank Donations
Donations for U.S residents can also be made through bank deposits or transfers to the following account:
- Patronato Pro Hospital Civil de Tijuana A.C.
- Bank of California
- 1000168870
- ABA 122238200
- Swift FNSDU56D
Every contribution makes a difference and helps continue providing vital support to patients in need. All current donation information and links are available on their official website: www.phgt.org
Each dollar, each gesture, and each volunteer hour makes an enormous impact. Together, they sustain “integral care” — medical, emotional, and practical support for both the patient and their family.
Be Part of the Healing
You can make a difference today:
- Donate: Whether it’s monthly or one-time, every contribution sustains treatment, housing, and hope.
- Volunteer: If you live near Tijuana, offer your time or skills — small actions create big change.
- Participate: Attend or sponsor local fundraisers. Every event counts.
- Share: Follow the Patronato on social media, tell a friend, and spread their mission. Awareness itself is a beautiful form of support.
As one of the Patronato’s members said:
“Solos no podríamos… pero juntos, sí.”
Alone we couldn’t do this — but together, we can.
Every sunrise brings a choice. While most of us wake up to our routines, families in Tijuana wake up to another day of courage, uncertainty, and hope.
With the Patronato del Hospital General de Tijuana by their side — and with your help — no child has to face illness alone. Every act of kindness ensures treatment continues, dignity is preserved, and hope endures.
Join us. Share the story. Be part of the healing.
Learn more or get involved at www.phgt.org
