Fulfillment of a Dream

El Paso Cancer Warrior Phyllis Davis and Husband Dr. Pete Davis Donate $100,000 to Fox Cancer Center’s Building Hope Campaign

Inspired by her personal 35-year journey through breast cancer, retired nurse Phyllis Davis and her husband, retired physician Pete Davis, M.D., made a generous $100,000 gift to the Fox Cancer Center on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.

Surrounded by family, friends and health care colleagues, Phyllis gave heartfelt remarks in the front yard of her West El Paso home. For five powerful minutes, she reflected on her journey with breast cancer, the compassion of her care team and her hope that the Fox Cancer Center would bring healing to others who need it most.

The gift will go toward an enclosed infusion bay at the Fox Cancer Center— a space designed to offer comfort, privacy and serenity to patients receiving cancer treatment. In honor of the generous gift, Texas Tech Health El Paso announced the Phyllis and Harry E. (Pete) Davis II Infusion Bay, named after the El Paso couple. 

For Phyllis the gift is not only a contribution to cancer care in our Borderplex, but the fulfillment of a dream more than three decades in the making.

“There are times when you’re in the infusion center and you want to have some space and privacy to make treatment decisions,” she said. “When there are several TVs playing and other conversations going on, it can be difficult to focus. This will help cancer warriors when they need to have a quiet space.”

Phyllis, a member of the Fox Cancer Center’s Patient-Centric Committee, championed this feature as part of her commitment to creating a space that truly supports patients.

A Lifelong Fight, a Lifelong Mission

Phyllis’ cancer story began in 1992 when a routine mammogram led to a life-altering diagnosis. With two teenage sons at home and a long life still ahead of her, she chose to undergo a mastectomy and chemotherapy.

“Physically, the surgery and chemo were unpleasant, but not terribly traumatic,” Phyllis recalled. “Emotionally, I was having trouble coping because I was terrified of dying.”

Though her treatment was successful, the cancer returned in 2002. Frustrated by gaps in continuity of care, she sought help from Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, where she found renewed hope under the care of oncologist Sumit Gaur, M.D. His personalized, collaborative approach gave Phyllis what she calls a second chance.

“Dr. Gaur didn’t just treat my cancer — he coordinated my entire care plan,” she said. “It’s why I’m here today, entering my 35th year of survivorship.”

In addition to Dr. Gaur, Phyllis credits her continued well-being to specialists in gastroenterology and neurology who are part of the extensive multispecialty team at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, the faculty practice of the Foster School of Medicine. She also offered special thanks to her care team from University Medical Center of El Paso during the celebration at her home.

Creating a Legacy of Healing

Phyllis and Pete Davis’s careers in health care — hers in nursing, his in medicine — have shaped a lifelong commitment to advancing care in our Borderplex region. Dr. Davis had a long and distinguished career as a beloved physician, faculty member and mentor at Texas Tech Health El Paso. He joined the institution in 1997 following a decorated military medical career and went on to serve as vice chair for education in the Department of Internal Medicine, clerkship director and mentor to countless medical students over the years.

Their gift to the Fox Cancer Center is a reflection of both that shared professional mission, and their personal journey through cancer.

Earlier this year, Phyllis helped organize the HOPE Chest Fundraiser on the university campus where fine and costume jewelry, along with original artwork, were sold and auctioned to benefit local cancer patients.

The event featured donated treasures auctioned by the El Paso Community Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of donors and buyers, the HOPE Chest Fundraiser raised more than $20,000 through sales and gifts for the Fox Cancer Center Patient Fund. All proceeds benefited the fund, helping alleviate financial burdens for cancer warriors undergoing treatment.

On Sept. 17, more than 700 community members — including several cancer warriors — gathered on the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Fox Cancer Center.

“My husband and I are thrilled,” Phyllis said of the cancer center being built. “Not having to travel out of town for treatment is convenient, beneficial and a real blessing.”

With dedicated space for medical, surgical and radiation oncology, the Fox Cancer Center will serve up to 1,100 cancer patients annually. Recent forecasts predict a significant increase in cancer care demand in El Paso by 2033 — growth driven by a rising population, clinical capacity and trust in local providers.

Cancer in El Paso

Each year, nearly 3,500 El Pasoans are diagnosed with cancer, and many families are forced to leave town for treatment.

The Fox Cancer Center will ensure patients can receive world-class care here in El Paso, surrounded by the support of their families and community. This vision is made possible through the strength of academic medicine and community hospitals working together. Texas Tech Health El Paso’s partnership with UMC reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to advanced treatments and comprehensive care right here at home.

Currently, too many El Pasoans must travel hundreds of miles for treatment. In 2021, 541 adult cancer patients from El Paso County received inpatient care elsewhere—35% of all local inpatient cancer discharges. Of those, 244 traveled to MD Anderson in Houston.

Only 52% of patients completed their full course of cancer treatment locally that year. Another 356 received only partial care, and 66 never returned for treatment after diagnosis.

These statistics reflect more than numbers—they represent families forced to choose between fragmented care at home or leaving their support systems behind. The Fox Cancer Center will end that cycle by bringing early detection services, cutting-edge therapies and groundbreaking clinical trials directly to El Paso.

How You Can Join the Building Hope Campaign

The Building Hope Campaign offers an opportunity to transform cancer care for families across West Texas and our entire Borderplex. Pledges may be fulfilled over multiple years, allowing donors to make a long-term impact. Every gift of any size has the power to save a life, offer hope, and be a part of our community's cancer center forever.

We invite our Borderplex community to join us. Email Andrea.Tawney@ttuhsc.edu, Craig.Holden@ttuhsc.edu or go HERE to learn more about ways to give and follow the campaign progress.

At Texas Tech Health El Paso, we’re building more than a campus. We’re powering a healthier, stronger Borderplex.