Blood Cancer Awareness Month

September 15, 2024 By

Each year, September is named as Blood Cancer Awareness Month. This awareness month was initiated
to educate communities and to bring attention to the fight against blood
cancer. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), blood cancers are the third
leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Furthermore, blood cancers are the most common
cancers among children, adolescents, and young adults. For those impacted by blood cancers, as
with many diseases, early detection is often the most important factor in determining treatment
success.

In 2024, it is estimated that 187,740 people would be diagnosed with a blood cancer.
Furthermore, approximately every 3 minutes one person in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood
cancer. There are many different types of cancers that can affect the bone marrow, the blood
cells, the lymph nodes, and other parts of the lymphatic system, which include leukemia,
lymphoma, myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Under these main types of cancer
types there are more specific forms of cancers.

The most common types of blood cancers are leukemia and lymphoma. According to the
American Cancer Society, Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells but can start in other
blood cell types. There are several types of leukemia, which are divided based on how fast or
slow they may grow, and where it starts. As for lymphoma, it is a cancer that starts in cells that
are part of the body’s immune system. Due to the different types of leukemia and lymphoma,
there are different treatments for each, which make it important to know which type you may have.

Understanding the importance that early detection is key to treatment success, the Texas
Legislature made improving patient access to treatments a priority. The passage of House Bill
21, in the 85th legislative session, known as the “Right to Try Act”, allowed patients with
terminal illnesses to have increased access to potentially life-saving treatments. In addition to
this bill, the legislature also allocated additional resources towards cancer research and
prevention programs, such as the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). In
the 86th legislative session, members passed HB 39, which repealed time limitations on the
award of grants by CPRIT.

To learn more about blood cancer and the significance of this awareness month, please
visit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society https://www.lls.org/. Additional information about
risk factors and prevention information is also available by visiting the American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/leukemia.html.

If you would like to review more about the legislature, please visit the Texas Legislature
Online. If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at
any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District
Office; 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, Charities, cybersecurity, Hurricane Aide, Investment Property, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, realtors, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter Tagged With:

PIBA Candidates Forum Announced

September 5, 2024 By

PIBA is excited to announce that we will be hosting a candidate forum for the 2024 Corpus
Christi City Council candidates.  All candidates running for Mayor, District 4 and At-Large will be
invited to attend.  Because of the quantity of candidates running, we will have 2 separate
forums: one for Mayor and District 4, and the second for At-Large.

Mayor and District 4 Candidate Forum:
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Location: The Island Presbyterian Church (14030 Fortuna Bay, 78418)
Time: 6pm – 8pm

At-Large Candidate Forum:
Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
Location: Seashore Learning Center (15801 SPID, 78418)
Time: 6pm – 8pm

All candidates have received a questionnaire covering a variety of personal, City and Island
related topics. Their responses will be published prior to the Forums.
The structure of the Forums will have each candidate begin with opening remarks, then the
Moderator will ask questions, and then closing remarks. Questions for the candidates can be
submitted ahead of time or during the Forum. For efficiency, though, only the Moderator will
pose questions during the Forum.

This will be an excellent opportunity for you to hear directly from the candidates. We highly
encourage everyone to attend or watch the stream. Alex Karis will oversee the stream and we
will send out instructions on how to watch prior to the Forums.

Please note that PIBA will not be endorsing any candidates.  This will be strictly informational.
A few additional points:  the deadline to apply for City Council ended on August 19.  Early voting
runs from October 21 to November 1.  Election Day is November 5.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact either Stan Hulse
bulletin@padreislandbusiness.org or JJ Hart jjhart9869@gmail.com

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, chamber of commerce, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, padre island events, spring break, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, Whitecap Development Project, windstorm insurance

Padre Island – Corpus Christi Update July 2024

July 26, 2024 By

Padre Island is undertaking an inspiring journey,
harmoniously integrating development with conservation
to preserve the essence of our Island.

I am delighted to share a significant development
regarding our cherished Packery Channel and the Michael
J. Ellis Seawall. This summer, we are set to embark on a
transformative project that will see sand moved southward
to expand and enrich the beach along the Michael J. Ellis
Seawall. There is now a secured permit from the Corps of
Engineers that allows for the sand to be moved laterally
along the beach. This initiative comes after careful
planning and coordination. Previously, we were limited to
pushing sand from the dune line out to the mean high tide
line. This restriction led to the natural buildup of sand on
the north side of Packery Channel, where the beach
widens due to the prevailing currents depositing sand at
the jetty.

To address this, starting in September, the careful process
of transporting the sand by truck from its current location
to Ellis Beach will begin. This strategic move will not only
enhance our beach’s aesthetic appeal but also bolster its
useability and resilience against natural forces.

Additionally, I am pleased to announce that funds have
been approved to improve Commodore Park. There has
been an allocated $400,000 to develop detailed designs
for various parts of the park, including phases 1A, 1B, and
2, as well as the Community Center. Initial concepts for a
new skatepark will also be created. This funding still needs
the approval from Council but marks a promising step
towards enhancing our community spaces.
We are committed to ensuring that our beaches and parks
remain beautiful, welcoming spaces for all to enjoy. Thank
you for your patience and support as we undertake these
important endeavors to improve our coastline and the
Island community.
We are also making great strides in improving our Island’s
infrastructure. The City has recently completed work on
Tesoro, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard streets. Currently,
our city crews are working on Barataria and will soon start
on Coral Vine, Jessamine, Allamanda, Tamarisk,
Seagrape, and Broomsedge. The estimated value of the
streets improvements on the Island performed by in house
city crews is $1.9 million. These upgrades are essential for
ensuring safe and accessible roads for all residents and
visitors.
The City of Corpus Christi is looking for your opinion
through a public survey to help identify potential uses for
existing sales tax money. The survey is set to close on
Sunday, June 23. Your valuable feedback will help shape
our great City. For more information about the Type A

Sales Tax Reauthorization and to participate in the survey,
visit
www.cctexas.com/sales-tax-reauthorization.

As always, I express my appreciation for your steadfast
support and commitment. My door is always open to hear
your voice and concerns. Feel free to reach out at 361-
826-3100 or by email at paulette.guajardo@cctexas.com.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, corpus christi, Golf Cart Rules, Harbor Bridge, Investment Property, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, mustang island, Packery Channel, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, Restaurants, selling a home, spring break, Todd Hunter Tagged With: ,