Puerto Vallarta, Mexico- We can all make a difference in the lives of children and young people with cancer and provide support to their families by participating in the "Mi Amigo Sin Pelo" project.

Translating literally to "My Friend Without Hair," the event is in its fourth consecutive year and its aim is to raise public awareness - to unite and empathize with those who suffer from this disease. All of the proceeds will benefit the Center for Children with Cancer (CANICA) and the Vallarta Women´s Association by helping to raise funds for the children's cancer treatment.

"My Friend With No Hair" will be held November 25, 2012 starting at 3:00 pm at Los Arcos del Malecón. The public can participate actively with contributions and/or by cutting their hair as a solidarity gesture.

Javier Galván, Director of CANICA, said that "each year more than a thousand children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in Jalisco, and the center provides support for minors in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and other parts of the state."

"Not by just saying the words 'I'm with you,' but by actions that demonstrate solidarity, we can make a difference with the children and their families living with cancer," he said.

"This is the fourth year that we have held the event here in Puerto Vallarta and the community's response has been extraordinary. Every year we have had entire families and individuals close to those with cancer who shave their heads as a sign of solidarity," the director added.

Galván further noted that as part of this comprehensive project, a program was put into place on February 15th in which a dining area was added to the Hospital of Pediatrics in the Medical Center in Guadalajara. It provides hot, nutritious food to children who receive treatment on an outpatient basis and their families.

"We were seeing parents who did not eat for days when their children were hospitalized for long periods of time. The majority of these parents have no relatives in Guadalajara who can provide support during their stay by bringing a lunch or relieving them from the stress of the situation," Galván said.

Galvan also announced that an agreement will be signed next year in order to provide comprehensive palliative care, which relieves not only physical but emotional and spiritual pain of young patients and their loved ones.

Evelia Basañez, of the Vallarta Women´s Association, said that Puerto Vallarta is currently providing financial support to 19 children receiving treatment for cancer in Guadalajara. These children must travel to the capital city up to four or five times every month and the money is used to help solve transportation problems in getting these children to the treatment center.

"Our hoped is that the population will continue to support this noble cause," Basañez said, "bringing in acquaintances, friends, and family to raise resources that will serve to improve the living conditions of our children."