Eva Longoria plays the role of Gabrielle Solis in the hit primetime ABC series Desperate Housewives, but she is also national spokesperson for Padres Contra El Cancer, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer and their families. Last week, Longoria brought San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker to the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House to share in an activity-filled afternoon for Padres children, which included a story-time with Eva, cutting of a Padres 20th Anniversary Cake and even an impromptu piano lesson from the 2005 NBA Champion.
"Visits like these are important so I can let families know there are people there like Padres to support them while their children deal with this terrible disease," said Longoria. "I know I am so blessed, and I am so happy just to spend time with these children and put a smile on their faces." As Padres celebrates its 20th anniversary, Longoria has high hopes for the organization. "I would love to see a Padres organization in very cancer organization in the world. It's a big goal, but I've seen how beneficial it has been to families just in Los Angeles and it needs to be translated to families not only in California, but throughout the country and even the world."
Longoria has been the Spokesperson for Padres since 2004 and in March, 2005 received the organization's first-ever Ruby Oliva Cedillo Award for her outstanding work as an ambassador for Latino children with cancer and their families.
Founded in 1985, Padres Contra El Cancer brings together children, families, healthcare professionals and community leaders to promote a comprehensive understanding of childhood cancer and other blood disorders, as well as effective methods for their treatment. Padres remains the only Latino organization of its kind operating within the United States. The success of its unique and inclusive program model is premised upon a health and education curriculum designed to be culturally-relevant, family-centered and community-based. All Padres programs, activities and services, while primarily oriented to the Latino community, serve childhood cancer patients from all races, nationalities and ethnic origins. No family is turned away.