Patricia’s Courage: From Loss to Triumph Over Cancer
From selling fresh tortillas around town to housekeeping, Patricia (57) has worked hard over the years to provide for her family. What many people don’t see behind her smile, is a story of loss, courage, and redemption.
At a young age, Patricia lost her mother to cervical cancer (dying at just 50 years old). With pain in her voice she shares “My mom died only a year after being diagnosed.” Determined not to repeat her mother’s story, Patricia faithfully went for annual scans beginning in her early 20s. At age 52 Patricia’s biggest fear was now a reality when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, but I knew it was time to fight, this would not be how my story ended”.
In the midst of her long and painful journey the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and like many others, she was no longer able to work or go to her radiation treatments. It was during this time that Patricia learned about CAMO and what we could do to support her. “I had no job and no money, but CAMO helped me with my check-ups as well as the encouragement and support I needed to continue healing.”
Now cancer-free, Patricia is encouraging others with her story “I tell women to get their Pap tests every year & not to neglect themselves. If someone doesn’t know what to do, I will personally go with them. There’s no need to be afraid—you just have to take care of yourself!”
Because of the generosity of supporters like you, CAMO’s Women’s Health Programs continue to provide affordable Pap smears, mammograms, ultrasounds, and life-saving care to over 5,000 women each year in a dignified way. Patricia’s life—and the lives of so many others—stand as a testimony of the hope your partnership makes possible.
Since its launch in 2012, CAMO’s Women’s Health Program in Honduras has provided colposcopies, cryotherapy, and now conization procedures for women referred by their general physicians or OB-GYN specialists.