EL PASO, Texas -- The Children's Hospital at Providence celebrated the Ninth Annual Hearts of Courage Sunday to give kids with cancer renewed hope.

"A little thing like this, taking one day out of the year, can make these little kids feel a lot better about themselves," organizer Armando Licon said.

Licon lost his brother, Jose Eduardo, to cancer several years ago. Jose had always dreamed of becoming a firefighter, so while he was in the hospital, the El Paso Fire Department arrived to make him an honorary fireman. That joy led to the annual event.

"These kids are here all the time and really staying here in the hospital. It's nice to be able to come here and watch them smile -- get their little firefighter hat," Licon said.

After the safety show and ride on the fire engine, all the kids became honorary firefighters themselves, like Jose. Fire inspector Dolores Gomez showed up to deliver a message of hope.

"We're praying for you, you can do it. It's a big fight, it's a big battle. We can do it together," Gomez said.

To find out how you can help next year's event, contact the Children's Hospital at Providence, at 577-7746.