"We need to make cancer a priority to help raise funds and awareness about life after cancer"

What were your first thoughts upon receiving a cancer diagnosis?
I am going to die. My aunt and cousin did not make it. My gynecologist never asked about my family´s history, not once did he give me me a breast exam or mention a self-exam. I was so afraid of leaving my husband with our two babies.

The hardest part of my cancer experience was…
It was a combination of the news: I had cancer; I was going to lose my breast, get chemotherapy, and lose my hair. The doctor was not sure I was going to live. It felt like every time I was beginning to stand up something bad came along and I had to fight harder. I spent a lot of time in the hospital and I was really surviving rather than living. There is a lack of information in my country and a support group for younger women with a positive message would have really helped.

What I learned from my cancer experience was…
Having a positive attitude helped me and my loved ones. I decided I did not want any other women in my family to go through what I had experienced. I did some research about my country and co-founded Cimab Foundation 9 years ago to help create breast cancer awareness. I learned to live fully and enjoy every moment. I also  learned that having breast cancer was very tough, but having it with no means must be very complicated and sad. I constantly see how the health system fails women with wrong timing and lack of chemotherapy.

My message of hope to others is…
If we work together we can improve access to care and help win this battle. We also need to make cancer a priority in our countries to help raise funds and awareness of life after cancer.