Baylor Football, Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Team Up to Bring Awareness to Childhood Cancer
8/4/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football, Fan Experience, Athletic News
WACO, Texas – In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Baylor Athletics and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's are partnering on a special initiative that gives pediatric patients in Central Texas the opportunity to leave their mark on Baylor football. A Baylor Bear Head designed by a pediatric hematology/oncology patient has inspired a special Baylor football helmet decal that will be worn during the team's Sept. 19 Gold Rush game against Louisiana Tech.
The custom decal was inspired by artwork created during a recent visit to McLane Children's Medical Center in Temple, where Baylor football student-athletes and pediatric patients spent time personalizing versions of the Baylor Bear Head together. The selected artwork serves as a symbol of support for children and families facing pediatric cancer.
"Our football program is honored to support the incredible children and families at McLane Children's," Baylor head football coach Dave Aranda said. "Our players are inspired by their courage and resilience, and it's a privilege to wear a helmet that represents them during our Childhood Cancer Awareness game this September."
The artwork chosen for the helmet decal was created by 6-year-old ILaria Ramirez of Cameron, Texas. She titled her design "Helmet of Hope," a message she wrote directly on the artwork. The design also features the words "faith," "victory" and "strength," each chosen by ILaria herself. Inspired by ILaria's artwork and its message, the "Helmet of Hope" decal will be featured on every Baylor football helmet during the Sept. 19 Gold Rush game, serving as a tribute to children battling cancer and the resilience they demonstrate every day.
Tabitha Ramirez, ILaria's mother, reflected on her family's journey and shared a message inspired by Romans 8:28: "God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will."
The Sept. 19 matchup against Louisiana Tech will feature a Gold Rush throughout McLane Stadium in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Fans are encouraged to wear gold in support of children battling cancer and their families, with the gold ribbon serving as the international symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness.
"Every child facing cancer deserves access to expert, compassionate care close to home," said Dr. Nicholas McGregor, pediatric oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center. "Our team is committed to providing advanced pediatric oncology care while supporting the emotional and practical needs of the entire family. Initiatives like this help shine a light on the courage of our patients and remind children battling cancer that they have an entire community standing behind them."
To stay up to date on all things Baylor football, follow the team on its official Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok accounts: @BUFootball.
To support McLane Children's and help provide exceptional care for children across Central Texas, click here to make a donation.
About Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center is the only hospital between Austin and Dallas dedicated exclusively to pediatric care. The hospital provides comprehensive pediatric services, including pediatric emergency medicine, neonatal intensive care, inpatient and outpatient specialty care, rehabilitation services and advanced diagnostics. McLane Children's is home to the region's only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — the highest level of neonatal care recognized by the state — and the area's only Level II pediatric trauma facility, providing specialized care for critically ill and injured children. Supported by board-certified pediatric specialists and multidisciplinary care teams, McLane Children's offers high-quality, family-centered care for infants, children and adolescents across Central Texas and beyond.
The custom decal was inspired by artwork created during a recent visit to McLane Children's Medical Center in Temple, where Baylor football student-athletes and pediatric patients spent time personalizing versions of the Baylor Bear Head together. The selected artwork serves as a symbol of support for children and families facing pediatric cancer.
"Our football program is honored to support the incredible children and families at McLane Children's," Baylor head football coach Dave Aranda said. "Our players are inspired by their courage and resilience, and it's a privilege to wear a helmet that represents them during our Childhood Cancer Awareness game this September."
The artwork chosen for the helmet decal was created by 6-year-old ILaria Ramirez of Cameron, Texas. She titled her design "Helmet of Hope," a message she wrote directly on the artwork. The design also features the words "faith," "victory" and "strength," each chosen by ILaria herself. Inspired by ILaria's artwork and its message, the "Helmet of Hope" decal will be featured on every Baylor football helmet during the Sept. 19 Gold Rush game, serving as a tribute to children battling cancer and the resilience they demonstrate every day.Tabitha Ramirez, ILaria's mother, reflected on her family's journey and shared a message inspired by Romans 8:28: "God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will."
The Sept. 19 matchup against Louisiana Tech will feature a Gold Rush throughout McLane Stadium in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Fans are encouraged to wear gold in support of children battling cancer and their families, with the gold ribbon serving as the international symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness.
"Every child facing cancer deserves access to expert, compassionate care close to home," said Dr. Nicholas McGregor, pediatric oncologist on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center. "Our team is committed to providing advanced pediatric oncology care while supporting the emotional and practical needs of the entire family. Initiatives like this help shine a light on the courage of our patients and remind children battling cancer that they have an entire community standing behind them."
To stay up to date on all things Baylor football, follow the team on its official Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok accounts: @BUFootball.
To support McLane Children's and help provide exceptional care for children across Central Texas, click here to make a donation.
About Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center is the only hospital between Austin and Dallas dedicated exclusively to pediatric care. The hospital provides comprehensive pediatric services, including pediatric emergency medicine, neonatal intensive care, inpatient and outpatient specialty care, rehabilitation services and advanced diagnostics. McLane Children's is home to the region's only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — the highest level of neonatal care recognized by the state — and the area's only Level II pediatric trauma facility, providing specialized care for critically ill and injured children. Supported by board-certified pediatric specialists and multidisciplinary care teams, McLane Children's offers high-quality, family-centered care for infants, children and adolescents across Central Texas and beyond.
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