Esther is a psychologist, feminist and, for more than 15 years , an energetic advocate in the fight against breast cancer. Only later did she become a breast cancer survivor.
Esther was one of the first breast cancer advocates to engage with the Global Initiative in Mexico. A skillful advocate and community worker, the main challenge for her to overcome, even after the Course for the Cure™, is finding more volunteers for her organization. Currently Esther works with other Global Initiative supporters in the Cancer Network and other networking spaces.
Esther’s interests go far beyond ending breast cancer and she is strongly committed to fighting for women’s rights and social justice in general. Her organization, CIMAS (Interdisciplinary Center of Women in Action for Health), provides routine pap smears, engages in mammography screening campaigns and raising awareness in underserved populations, while also visiting large enterprises, schools and working with police women. CIMAS was founded by Esther and one other participant in the Course for the Cure™, Martha Valtierra. Together they established this NGO that specializes in ensuring that women get the best possible healthcare. They have also engaged in several social advocacy campaigns in Mexico City, including diversity issues.
Gilze Maria Costa Francisco SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
Gilze is a breast cancer survivor who understands the need for breast cancer patients to have institutional and personal support.
Gilze and her husband Luis founded the Neomama Institute to provide support to breast cancer survivors.
The couple participated in the Course for the Cure™ (CFTC) with the goal of reviewing and updating their knowledge of breast cancer issues. They hoped to be able to use what they learned from the CFTC and apply it to the Institute’s activities and begin projects related to public and private initiatives. Gilze and Luis have already put into practice a lot of what they’ve learned from the CFTC.
Gladys Tawiah Boateng GHANA
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 1999 in Accra, whiles I went to see a doctor for a waist pain. The doctor decided to do a thorough general examination on me when he didn’t find anything wrong with my waist. He noticed a raised spot on my breast like a mosquito bite (I didn’t have a lump).
A biopsy was taken and the results confirmed that I had breast cancer. I was scared because I didn’t know people who had survived the disease. The doctor suggested I should have mastectomy so arrangements were made for me to have it done in South Africa because that was where my family could be with me. Before I left, I went to Korle-Bu and I met Dr. Clegg-Lamptey who really explained the disease and treatment modalities to me and that raised my confidence.
In South Africa, I had a successful surgery and a good care from the doctors and nurses. Some of my lymph nodes were removed and the doctor said one of the nodes was affected so another patient next to me told me that it meant the cancer had spread to other organs in my body so my initial fear returned. Luckily, whiles I was still on admission, I had a visit from a volunteer from Reach for Recovery, South Africa who had then survived for 9 years and she really gave me hope. She invited me to their meetings and when I interacted with other survivors, it gave me the assurance that I can also make it. I knew that there was no support group like that in Ghana so I decided to start such a support group for women in Ghana with the support of Dr. Clegg-Lamptey who is now the board chairman of Reach for Recovery, Ghana.
KRISZTINA KALÓNÉ TÓTH HUNGARY
My story with breast cancer began in September 2007 at the age of 39, when after having periodical swellings and sometimes sharp pain in my breast for about 3 months I found a small lump is my right breast. In 4 days I had a mammogram and an ultrasound after which a biopsy term was arranged for me “just in case”.The surgeon, who happened to be my brother’s best friend from secondary school, did both needle and core biopsy to save time and also arranged an MR scan because he suspected it was malignant. I remember lying on the bed while he was performing the biopsy and all I felt was RELIEF!! NO fear, no “why ME”, as my instincts knew exactly why…. (He told me about 75% of the patients have this feeling.)
As far as I remember physical health has always been important for me. I always ate right, I exercised, I didn’t not drink alcohol, I didn’t smoke, had enough sleep etc. But for 35 years I had a very confused emotional life, always seeing a” half-empty glass instead of a half-full one” and at the same time always living a life that seemed perfect but was not mine.
With the help of a psychologist I started to look deeply into my lump and into my soul. I also got enormous help from a homeopath and an acupuncturist.
In a week the result of the biopsy arrived and the diagnosis was ductal invasive, estrogen positive, carcinoma grade II and the MR showed that it no other parts of my body were affected by the disease.
In the hospital where I had had the biopsy the oncologist told me that because of the size of the tumour (the ultrasound measured 2.5 cm) I needed chemotherapy. My instincts told me to find another doctor at once and in 3 days time I met a wonderful oncologist who has been helping to get through this disease ever since.
She recommended the operation first. After the lump had been removed it turned out to be 1.7.cms!! She recommended me Oncotype which verified her former decision that radiation was “enough” for me as I belonged to the low-risk recurrence group. I have been on hormone-therapy for over a year now. I hope that my instincts are right and when my medical treatment ends my sound mind will result in a sound body. Until then I enjoy my newly-found happiness.
Karla Michelle MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
My name is Karla Michelle. I was born on the 27th of July, 1980 in Mexico City. Both my mother and father are from Oaxaca city. I studied Phsycology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and I have worked with women on gender issues.
I offered a workshop on loss and gains on the course of our lives and the way to accept them; without thinking about the myriad of unexpected losses for me. 2007 had been my year, the numbers matched: On the 27 of the 7 of 2007 I would be 27, my thoughts: I will win the lottery.
On December that year: a tumor had invaded a great deal of my right breast, medical negligence prevented me to get a prompt diagnostic because of my age and I could only feel anger, sadness, fear, pain and melancholy. Questions filled my mind; my words were not understood by the people and silence took over. The treatment, a surgery, loosing my lashes, hair, my changing image, a change of life and being the only person fighting for it. The only option was to fight and look for the gains.
Today I have found them: I did won the lottery, the lottery of life. That one where I gambled with my hair, my vanity, a part of my body and thanks to that, today, I‘ve grown, my life has a different meaning, I know the way and I walk it. see the day and night, I hug the people I love, support the ones I don’t know and I help create awareness for those women who think it won’t happen to them. Cancer changed me, I think I was close to dead but now I am stuck on life, to live it for myself, with myself. Thanks!
Irma Raquel Arias De Fabrega PANAMA
At age 35, just four months after giving birth to my forth child (all 4 boys) I felt a little lump on my right breast. After a couple months of going back and forth to the doctor and he diagnosing me with fibroadenomas, I decide to take all the lumps (by this time I had 5 lumps) out on an excisional biopsy, although I had to convince the doctor to do so.
Oh! What a surprise for everyone when the next day (actually, exactly three years today) I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, with involvement of the lymph nodes and the skin. It was a very aggressive breast cancer, her2 positive, and ER PR negative. I couldn’t believe it. There I was, a very young woman age 35, in the best shape of her life, in excellent health conditions, with no history of breast cancer in the family, with four little kids and the devastating diagnosis of CANCER.
My world felt apart, but after speaking to a Minister I decided to put everything on God’s hands and keep going with a positive attitude. I was determined that this was only going to be temporary, and in a couple months this would be history. I would fight it with all my senses to keep my husband and kids life as usual as possible.
I did six months chemotherapy (4 rounds of AC every two weeks, and 16 rounds of Taxol + Herceptin every week). Then I had a mastectomy with removal of all the lymph nodes, and finished with twice a day radiation therapy for 5 weeks. I also completed a year of Herceptin.
I survived chemo, surgery and radiation with flying colors only because my optimism and my faith in God. I’m not saying it was easy, but it sure was better than expected.
Last year, just one year after finishing my original treatment, I had a recurrence. This time, it was on the lymph nodes of the neck, on the contrary side to the original diagnosis. The word METASTASIS was even more terrifying than the first diagnosis of CANCER, but this didn’t stop me either. I kept my faith and started treatment immediately. I did six months oral chemo (Xeloda + Lapatinib) and twice a day radiation therapy on the neck, for 5 weeks. I am still taking Lapatinib every day, wish luckily has no side effects for me.
Looking back, CANCER has definitively changed my life, but in a good sense. I now appreciate the finer things in life, I enjoy things I used to ignore and I embrace my CANCER as an enriching and motivating life experience. I feel very fortunate that God has given me a second chance, or should I say a third. I am a fighter and as long as he gives me the faith and courage, I will keep fighting. I believe that my mission in life now is to try to help others that are experiencing the same and give them the opportunity to find their happiness, even during CANCER.
Hanusz Stela ROMANIA
My name is Stella Hanusz and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990. I had been operated on for 3 times up to 1994, the last one being a complete hysterectomy. I experienced this in a period when not many things about cancer were known in my country.
It was very difficult for me to go through all these traumatizing experiences as my daughter was only 11 years old and my son 4 years old; I had no one else in my family and that is why I suffered a strong breakdown which affected my health condition.
In 1996 I had a chance to get in touch with Ms. Becky Morris, Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation volunteer, who offered me information concerning breast cancer treatment and the special attention/care cancer patients should benefit from after the surgery. Ms. Morris, with whom I have been corresponding for twelve years, has supported me in founding a group for physical and psychological/therapeutic recovery, this being the first organization of this type in Romania. I have learned to advocate, to give hope and comfort to all the persons experiencing such a traumatic and confusing period.
Our organization has succeeded to reach the women who needed this kind of help; so far we have offered education and advocacy for 800 persons diagnosed with cancer, mostly breast cancer.
Among the projects of our group we can mention: specialized physical therapy, recovery through dancing, group discussion (support) sessions, educating the large audiences, sharing information with qualified staff working in the medical community, treatment of the lymphoedema.
All these 13 years of activity I have learned to fight every day, to keep my optimism high and try to give those around me hope. Being a very emotional person, my activity helps me cherish every day and find joy in every gesture or in every thing that may seem insignificant in my life, rewarding me with a feeling of happiness.
Alamoudi Samia Mohammed A SAUDI ARABIA
Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi is an Associate Professor at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah( KAU) and a Consultant Obstetrician Gynecologist, IVF. She is head of Scientific chair for breast cancer at KAU. Previously she has worked as Vice Dean of the College of Medicine and Allied Sciences at King Abdulaziz University; a Temporary Advisor for a 1995 Inter-country workshop on Reproductive Health and Research Methodology at the World Health Organization; and Director of the Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi Medical Center.
In 1981, she was among the first group of female medical graduate from King Abdulaziz University. She is a single parent and mother of one son, Abdullah 16 years of age, and one daughter, Esraa 12 years of age. On April 2006 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and is still on treatment. She was the first Saudi to share her personal battle with the disease, breaking the silence to speak out about its impact.
Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi is the author of 13 books. Her publications include Break the Silence, 2nd edition (in English) and My Journey with Breast Cancer (in Arabic) and Breast cancer survivors in Saudi Arabia in English. Her children wrote 2 books about breast cancer. She has participated in several print, radio, and television programs, including CNN and ABC Good Morning America. She prepared and presented 15 television episodes as part of a program entitled “Messages of Love” about breast cancer on the IQRAA TV channel. She also has a weekly column in Al Madina Newspaper she wrote 31 article about her personal experience with breast cancer.
Dr. Al-Amoudi has received a number of awards:
In March 2007, the U.S Department of State awarded her the first International Women of Courage Award in recognition of her breast cancer awareness campaign and for sharing her personal battle with breast cancer to raise awareness across the Kingdom and throughout the Middle East.
MBC TV named her one of 4 women in the Middle East who has contributed to change in their societies.
In October 24 she was the facilitator of the first lady of USA Laura Bush during her meeting with breast cancer survivors in Jeddah during her visit to Saudi Arabia.
On 15th January 2008 she had been invited to Riyadh to meet the President of USA during his visit to Saudi Arabia where he showed his and his wife appreciation and support to her work.
She was honored by Susan G Komen for the cure in March 2008 in Washington, D.C.
In 2008 she was nominated by King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah (Collage of Medicine) for the Islamic Development Bank prize for Women's contribution in development 1429-2008.
On 23rd of Aug 2008 she was honored and received award ALMIFTAHA from Prince Faisal bin Khaled of Asir region in recognition of her work and efforts to raise public awareness in breast cancer.
Her story is included in the secondary schools English curriculum in 2008 (people who made a difference).
In Jan 2009 she was interviewed on CNN vital signs.
She received numerous appointments, Sayidaty magazine.Dec 2008 Sayidatys Top 70 Arab Women of 2008.
She was honored by British Council on women's international day in 10th march 2009 and by Jeddah cultural club on 14th of March 2009.
Nashwa show from Dubai honored her on mother day 2009.
A Doc film about her story with breast cancer (break the silence) was aired by alarabia news TV ch on 30th of March 2009.
In April 2009 she was honored by Princess AlAnood bint Abdullah wife of Amir of Mecca region Prince Khaled AlFaisal for her dedicated and pioneer work towards her country and her community.
Janie du Plessis Beltrami SOUTH AFRICA
I am 47 years old South African. When I was a student, I was TV/Chat show host which eventually became one of the most popular shows in our country and made my life quite public. I eventually married an Italian and lived in Europe for more than 11 years. I have two boys, Misha and Benito.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and returned home for therapy. At the same time, my marriage fell apart. My husband was a rich man and we led a very glitzy and glamorous life in Europe that was often featured in magazines over the years. However, when I returned to SA, he refused to support the children and I. My boys and I had to start all over again with only a suitcase, no money and no job. It was then that my real lifes’ battle began. I always thought that coming home would heal my heart and my life but its been the discovery of my fragility and conquering my fear of it that has been the medicine in my veins.
I became a guest speaker and got, and still am involved in several breast cancer initiatives in our country. I focus on talking to people in the rural areas and spend a lot of time travelling. I love speaking to audiences and have become the role model of ‘new beginnings’ and ‘how to start over’. (http://www.janieduplessis.co.za/).
In the interim I’ve started my own business that focuses on creating Original projects. I call ot Odev, Original Developments. I do property development and in particular the conceptual design and project management of Estates, create marketing strategies for companies and just generally try to inspire people who have good ideas .(http://www.odevafrica.com/) (http://www.kingswood.co.za/) I have received the Business Womens Award of South Africa as well as the Honorary Cancer Trust award for my ‘exceptional contribution to cancer’ in South Africa. I am currently involved with the Journey of Hope (http://www.journeyofhope.co.za/) cancer ride and we have included Komen as one of our beneficiaries.
I serve on a Board and is also the Honorary President of a Cancer Trust. I have been asked to write an autobiography, which I’m doing with one of my country’s most respected writers.
Luciana Holtz De Camargo Barros BRAZIL
Psychologist specialized in Psycho-Oncology and Bioethics, has worked with cancer patients, their families and professionals not only in her private office but also in public and private health institutions for the last 8 years.
Four years ago Luciana developed her main project. Oncoguia, which is the biggest and most informative and interactive portal to cancer patients in Brazil. She has been the president of Oncoguia and has also been involved in special projects regarding Oncology and cancer patients in all steps: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Survivors. Luciana was awarded as a young Outstanding Person in 2006 by JCI (Junior Chamber International) as a result of her work with Oncoguia.
Alves Batista Da Silva, Adenailde BRAZIL
Adenaildes is 34 years old. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in March, 28 of 2008. The confirmation by biopsy was obtained in May, 16 of 2008, two months after.
In May, she also discovered that she was one month pregnant. Her first surgery was in the end of May. She did chemotherapy from June to October. The baby was born on November, 11 of 2008. In April, 18 of 2009 she did the last step of the reconstruction surgery.
Her experience with the Global Initiative was helping the group with her testimony as a Paraisopolis resident. She really knows the reality of this community and she wants to help and participate in the projects. The Paraisopolis slum is one of the communities where the Komen Global Initiative projects will be done.
For all women that are facing the breast cancer diagnose, she would like to say: “We can’t give up at the first obstacle. The most important thing that we need to say for ourselves is: it’s not possible to win every time, but is necessary never given up”.
Esther Casanova Padilla MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
My name is Cinthia Solano, I was born and raised in San Jose Costa Rica thirty years ago.
The eldest of three, we were raised by a single mother and faced many hardships through the years. I had to drop out of high school to help out my family; and became pregnant at age 19.
At age 21 I was finally able to go back to school and get my high school certificate.
After my life was getting back in order with a better job and my six year old child, at routine doctors visit I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at age 26.
After the shock of the initial news, the doctor told me I had to dedicate myself full time to battle breast cancer. While I had been warned nothing could have prepared me for what was ahead.
I had a partial mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy. By my second month of treatment I was very ill and weak because of the treatment itself. Had it not been for the support of my family and my young daughter I might not have had the strength to continue. Later, radiotherapy came. Thirty five more days of torture. I had horrible burns through out the entire treatment which caused doctors to stop the radiation to allow the burns to heal between sessions.
While at the hospital, I came through some information on HER2, which made me request my doctor to be tested specifically for it. Unfortunately, my HER2 protein test came back positive. This presented a whole different reality; I had a more aggressive cancer than I had originally thought.
My oncologist advised me on a treatment I could pursue to reduce the effects of HER 2.
Once I tried to get the treatment through social security, I was informed that the government would not provide that treatment. The cost of treatment was close to four thousand American dollars a month, making it impossible for me to buy.
My mother, who had been with me through out this deal, had the brilliant idea of taking legal course through our constitutional courts. After reading a bit on the subject, we presented our own constitutional recourse to make the government provide my treatments. We were pleased when we received a notice that we had won and that I was going to receive my treatment,
In the following weeks and months we helped many patients who had been refused treatment. Once I knew how many people needed help, I committed myself to help all cancer patients. Now there is a small group of us who have created a non profit organization and we help everyone who comes to us,
It has been over four years and we plan on going strong for many years to come.
I was invited by the Susan G Komen Global Initiative to participate in the Course for the Cure, which I am currently attending in San Jose Costa Rica. So far, this has been a wonderful growing experience for myself and our organization; allowing us to become part of their work and the network which has been created.
I want to thank the Global Initiative and Susan G Komen for this incredible opportunity.
Best, Cinthia
Svetlana Malai UKRAINE
I'm Svetlana Malai. I was born on October, 22nd, 1961 in Ukraine. I live in Kyiv - capital of Ukraine. I’m a teacher. I have a family. We are four: me, husband and two sons. My husband Alexander is an engineer. My elder son, Mykhaylo, is 23 years old. He is a lawyer. Andrew is 19 years old. He is a student.
At the beginning of 2006 I was given a diagnosis of a breast cancer. I was shocked. On February, 15th, 2006 I was operated on. Later I have passed a radiological irradiation and a chemotherapy course. I was in terrible depression. The real support I received from my family and charitable foundation “Woman’s health and family planning” headed by Galina Maistruk. She is a doctor. She is a marvelous woman, who devotes her life to the struggle with breast cancer. I admire her. Now I'm the volunteer of this fund. I help those women, who were given a diagnosis of a breast cancer. I am grateful to all who helped me to rehabilitate after operation and I wish to help such people as I.
I have completed a course of trainings under the program “Global initiative for breast cancer awareness” of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
