Car clubs in El Paso raise over $6,000 for teens battling leukemia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Around 200 cars from 15 car clubs around El Paso filled the parking lot for a good cause.

The fundraiser was held in honor of Sofia Ramirez-Padilla and in memory of Gael Aranda. Both teenagers were diagnosed with leukemia. Aranda died in September and part of the money raised will go towards funeral costs.

At age 14, Sofia Ramirez-Padilla spent 258 days in the hospital. Organizers say extended hospital stays can be hard on the family.

“This also has a financial impact on the family because they still have to make their household payments. They still have additional costs to make these payments, but then they have to be in the hospital with their child.”
said Lourdes Alvarez.

All car show attendees paid $10, and there was also a raffle and auction. In the end, they were able to raise $6,100. Organizers said they were pleased with the turnout.

“For those of you who don’t know, that’s what the car clubs do, the car community. You constantly get benefits for different things. This is our fourth family we have helped with leukemia this year,” said Lourdes Alvarez.