“I wake up each day and I thank God for the collective efforts of the Comadre Program’s dedicated staff, volunteers, funders, our University and especially the women that we serve. As a Co-Founder of the Program, I am so very proud and honored for all we have accomplished and how we have grown. For me, our Program’s mission is deeply personal for two reasons. First, I was a care giver and patient navigator to my mother, my brother and sister- all which were diagnosed with cancer. I know first-hand what it feels like to be overwhelmed with decisions about treatment and survivorship and the importance of advocacy. Secondly, I was a 5-year old immigrant arriving from my home country, Puerto Rico, speaking only Spanish and later becoming the interpreter for my parents. Six years later, I underwent the devastating experience of losing my father to medical negligence at a local county hospital. These experiences both drive me to be about “change” and improving healthcare access and patient care for Hispanic/Latinas in breast cancer and for all New Mexicans.”
Elba L. Saavedra Ferrer
Director, Co-Founder, Comadre a Comadre Program, UNM Community Health Education Faculty
New Sponsor: Prevent Cancer Foundation
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