The 1st Latinos Walk Against Cancer

I came to the walk with friend and breast cancer survivor, Marlena Ortiz and we met up with our great friend; advocate and cervical cancer survivor, Patti Murillo-Casa. We came with no expectations, just the willingness to support what this walk stood for. The rates of incidence for breast and especially cervical cancer, is higher for Latina women than any other group. This walk was a positive step forward to bring attention to the need for these women to have the education, awareness and screening necessary to stop these scary statistics.

Patti, myself and Marlena

As we marched through the streets of Upper Manhattan, it was moving to see young children peering out their apartment windows out of curosity and in awe of what was happening in the streets of their neighborhood. I saw elderly women chanting along and raising their fists in solidarity to the crowds chanting of “si se puede” (yes we can), and cheering to the calls for women to take care of their health by going for mammograms and pap smears.

At the end of the walk as we all gathered at Fort Tryon Park, it was encouraging to see many local community leaders and larger health-based organizations represented that day. It gives a message to the community that they do care and that there is support available to them. I hope the success of this walk renews everyone who participated to continue advocating for themselves and for others.

For more information on this Latin Faces Empower F.A.C.E.S. visit their website at www.latinfaces.org/