Crucial Catch
7to7 Dental & Orthodontics Supports One of Their Own During Cancer Awareness Month
By Amy Morgan
It’s a crucial catch. The American public has been recognizing cancer screening and support for those diagnosed in October for decades. The NFL even allows players to sport pink cleats and gloves to boost awareness. 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics is no stranger to this practice. Traditionally they’ve “pinked out,” their 12 offices, changing scrubs, gloves, lighting and equipment to pink and offering a variety of creative and fun prizes and games to promote giving among staff and patients alike.
This year, however, the deadly disease has struck close to home. The husband of Mary Fuentes, D.D.S., one of 7to7 Dental’s dentists, has been battling a rare cancer for more than a year. Not only has Dr. Fuentes juggled work as Managing Dentist at the Leon Springs office as she cares for Cody, she’s also been doing the lion’s share of parenting the couple’s two small daughters, just one and four when he first became ill.
Dr. Fuentes' family created a GoFundMe link,
https://gofund.me/367434fa6, which directly benefits them rather than 7to7 Dental contributing to a national cancer organization this October. The offices will still be festooned with pink balloons and streamers to remind people of the reason for the fundraiser. Everyone who donates will be entered to win a pair of Spurs tickets, and those who donate more than $100 will receive a pink hat or sweater sporting the 7to7 Dental logo, said Director of Marketing Travis DeZuba.
Cody’s diagnosis journey started with numbness and tingling in his extremities, which presented like a neurological condition, masking the fact that he really was suffering with an unusual presentation of blood cancer. By January 2026, his condition had so deteriorated that the once-strapping firefighter was wheelchair bound and couldn’t even hold a soda can to his lips. However, his long history of service and friendship paid dividends, as many helped Dr. Fuentes retrofit their home, removing doors and building a platform in their shower to accommodate Cody’s accessibility needs.
A long-term Lieutenant with Fire Station 32, Cody followed in the footsteps of his cousin and father, who served as a firefighter for 40 years. He’s been able to continue to serve on light duty instructing EMT students at the Academy as his health permits during his illness. As you consider cancer awareness, Dr. Fuentes wants people to be aware of the connection between the disease and firefighters. “People in the fire department have very high rates of cancer because they inhale a lot of dangerous chemicals,” she warned.
Dr. Fuentes has been on staff with 7to7 Dental for seven years. She originally joined the team because of the way the practice gives back to the community. Also, the organization was “small enough for people to know each other and big enough that there were opportunities for growth,” she said. During this journey, she has felt “so appreciated. Everyone throughout 7to7 has reached out to check on me and brought me meals when it was hard for me to take care of my family. Dr. Winburn even came and covered for me so I could attend an oncology appointment for a few hours and didn’t have to take off another whole day.
“I’ve been very fortunate and blessed,” Dr. Fuentes continued. “I never felt like I was alone.”
Since 7to7 Dental first opened its doors in San Antonio 18 years ago, their mission has been to provide dental care during days and times that are convenient to the patient. That’s why 7to7 Dental offices are open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. Insured patients pay nothing out of pocket for Brighter Whiter cleanings and exams for adults and children or second opinion evaluations. Come see why 7to7 Dental is a practice with a heart for the community.
