Western Exterminator Hosts Parade for Child Fighting Cancer

THERMAL, Calif. — Local Coachella Valley businesses, first responders and town officials recently gathered at a community parade hosted by Western Exterminator to honor 6-year-old Valentin Garcia, who has fought brain cancer twice in his young life.

Fire trucks, police cars, specialty vehicles, community members and Western Exterminator mascot Mr. Little lined the street outside of Valentin’s home in an outpour of support.

The event came together after Western Exterminator received a request from Valentin’s father, Jose Garcia, who was hoping to purchase a plush replica of Mr. Little, also known as Little Man, for his son. According to Jose, Valentin is Mr. Little’s biggest fan. He often spotted the mascot on trucks or billboards on his trips to treatments and doctor’s appointments.

“We are blown away at the support for Valentin and our family today,” said Jose Garcia. “It means so much to have people here to support us and to bring a smile to Valentin’s face. I’ve got say, it has not been an easy road. When I’m not feeling strong enough or Valentin is in pain, his favorite thing to do is draw the Mr. Little mascot or ‘talk’ on his walkie talkie to him. I can’t tell you how much this means to him and to us to have something that he can talk about for weeks to come, even as we face more treatments and appointments.”

After hearing Valentin’s story, the Western Exterminator team decided to go beyond a plush toy and began reaching out to local businesses to rally support from the community.

“It’s an honor to be able to bring a bit of joy to a young boy and his family who have gone through so much,” said Fred Ashford, market vice president for Western Exterminator. “To band together as a community and brighten one little boy’s day, that is very special. We are thrilled that Western Exterminator can be even a small part in supporting this family.”

Local businesses contributed gifts to the family, and Western Exterminator contributed one free year of pest control along with a Mr. Little plush toy.

To learn more about Western Exterminator, visit www.westernexterminator.com.