By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
A Del Rio mom is working to raise funds in the fight against childhood cancer as she honors the memory of her daughter, who died 10 years ago after a battle with stage IV neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer.
Jessica Hester, mother of Brooke, who would be 19 this year, is in the final days of preparation for April 18’s Devils River Run and Ride for Hope.
Brooke Hester was just 3 1/2 years old when she was diagnosed and spent the next several years fighting the disease before passing away shortly after her eighth birthday.
Brooke, Jessica and Beau’s daughter and Benjamin and Juliana’s sister, lived with a joy and toughness that outshined her battle with cancer and now fuels an effort to give hope to other children and families.
One of the biggest pieces of that effort is the Devils River Run and Ride for Hope, which has grown into a regional event drawing participants from across Texas and beyond.
“All of the years together combined, we’ve raised almost $94,000 that we’ve been able to donate directly to childhood cancer research,” Hester said.
“The reason I got involved in doing this is because April is our daughter’s birthday month,” Hester said. “She always wanted to give up her own birthday to help other kids with cancer.”
“Every single April, we come together, get outside into nature, which is what she loved the most, and we help raise money to help other kids fight and win this disease,” Hester said. “We’ve already seen more kids surviving, and that brings a lot of hope.”
Hester said Brooke’s Blossoming Hope for Childhood Cancer has grown beyond the event, supporting families through care packages and advocacy for pediatric cancer research.
“We could never have done it without everyone’s support,” Hester said. “The participants, our sponsors and all of the volunteers.”
“When you’re doing things for Brooke’s Blossoms, you’re still doing things with Brooke,” she said.
“Stick around after the race to take a splash, explore the state natural area, learn about the ranching heritage of this part of Texas, enjoy live music, West Texas BBQ, auction and raffle, or even camp the night under a crystal clear International Dark Sky Sanctuary,” Hester said. “This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, and it’s a great chance for people to experience it while helping fight pediatric cancer.”
The Devils River Run and Ride for Hope begins along the banks of the Devils River and ends at a West Texas ranch.
Participants can choose from a new 10K or half-marathon course, a 5K, or a mountain bike ride across miles of rugged landscape.
The event also features live music, food, an auction and raffle, with camping available.
The event is set for Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Register online at www.DevilsRiverRun4Hope.com or visit BrookesBlossoms.org to learn more.
