As a community-based cancer practice, Texas Oncology embraces the cultural uniqueness of its many“hometowns.” San Antonio’s iconic, enduring Fiesta is no exception. This annual celebration of the diverse heritage and spirit of San Antonio includes many traditions, but perhaps the most cherished is sharing and collecting Fiesta Medals.
Since 1946, when the reigning King Antonio distributed coins to local children which became collector’s items, the Fiesta Medals collecting tradition has grown in popularity, Now, residents can be found buying, selling, and exchanging Fiesta Medals throughout the two-week celebration
This year, Texas Oncology joined the celebration by creating its own Fiesta Medal. Employees throughout the area got involved in the fun with a contest to design the 2019 Texas Oncology Fiesta Medal. A dozen entries made the cut, but Carmen Benavides, senior medical assistant at Texas Oncology–San Antonio Southeast, was crowned this year’s winning medal designer. See how employees and patients embraced the Fiesta spirit below.
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Kristen Anania, senior oncology liaison in San Antonio, presents a Fiesta Medal to Carmen Benavides, a senior medical assistant at Texas Oncology–San Antonio Southeast and winning designer of this year’s Texas Oncology Fiesta Medal.
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Dr. Sridhar Beeram, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–San Antonio Medical Center and avid Fiesta Medal collector, displays his collection in his exam rooms.
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Dr. Emmalind Aponte, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–San Antonio Medical Center, hands out Fiesta Medals to clinics in San Antonio who refer patients to Texas Oncology.
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Teresa Schmid, RN, OCN, oncology nurse at Texas Oncology–San Antonio Medical Center shows off Texas Oncology’s 2018 and 2019 Fiesta Medals proudly displayed on a sash.