Edinburg mayor announces fight with prostate cancer

EDINBURG, Texas — City of Edinburg Mayor Mario Ramiro Garza Jr. shared a health issue he found out about on Friday.  

In a city chamber full of people, Garza announced he is battling prostate cancer. Garza said he will not seek reelection but will finish his current term.

"It's a wakeup call for me and my family," said Garza to a crowd with familiar faces. "I think for once I need to look out for myself and my family and do the right thing. I know our community will continue to move forward."

Garza said the city will continue to operate in a normal fashion and does not want this to be a distraction.

In Edinburg's last State of the City, Garza said fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and better infrastructure are always on the city's agenda. Garza said this will continue to be the case, regardless of his health conditions.

"We just love our community, we just want it to continue prospering," said the mayor. "But given this diagnosis, I know I'm going to beat it, there's no question. I have no doubt. It has just caused me to pause."

Standing next to Garza, while he broke the news to both the media and city staff, was his wife Maria Garza. The mayor's wife says although she is aware prostate cancer is common, she never imagined it would be hitting close to home.

"You're in disbelief, you don't expect to hear I have cancer (from your spouse)," said Mrs. Garza.

Mrs. Garza says what keeps her strong is knowing that there are several success stories. She says her husband is a healthy man and will get through this. However, she says the key is to stay informed.

"Knowledge, just reading up on the facts, statistics," said Mrs. Garza. "It's early on. We've already heard a lot of stories about men that have fought this and are now cancer-free."

The mayor says he found out about his cancer through an annual checkup and wants others to also complete theirs.

"Just please keep me and my family in your prayers as we go through this situation," said the mayor at the end of the press conference. City staff then lined up to greet Garza and wish him well.