KVIA Is Losing Estela Casas - She's Going To UMC Foundation

Wow. Just when you thought the world couldn't get anymore shaken up you hear the news that Estela Casas is no longer going to be working for KVIA. That's right, after almost 30 years at ABC-7, Estela announced that she is leaving television news behind to start a new chapter in her life.

It was just a couple of years ago that Estela was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. She announced that she had cancer on the air once before when she fought thyroid cancer in 2010. After that successful battle, she had another tough fight on her hands with the breast cancer diagnosis. She went through surgery, chemo, losing her hair, and battling the effects of that chemo all in front of the camera. She never shied away from her fight and we all love her for it. She brought so much awareness to her El Paso viewers about breast cancer.

Estela launched the Stand With Estela Fund that is expected to raise more than a half million dollars to help other cancer patients. UMC recently named the 'Estela Casas Infusion Center for Hope & Healing' in her honor after she pledged $100,000 to the UMC Foundation.

Estela says her battle with cancer gave her "a new perspective on how I can most effectively serve our community." She says she wants to "do more to help people who might not have all the resources I did in my cancer journey.”

Estela will be with KVIA through the end of the year and step into her role with the UMC Foundation in January. Stephanie Valle will take over Estela's spot with Erik Elken for the station's newscasts at 5, 6 and 10pm.

Congratulations to Estela on her new role with the UMC Foundation! You are one of the wonders of the world!