THRIVING PINK BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oct 11, 2023
Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosis among women, and worldwide is the leading cause of cancer death.
The recent pandemic also highlighted the inequities in breast cancer treatments for under-resourced communities across the country. While there has been an overall 40-percent decline in breast cancer deaths over the past 30 years — with progress in increasing awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment — there is still a persistent gap between racial groups in the United States.
Breast cancer rates in the Hispanic Latino communities for instance, show that they are more likely to be diagnosed in advanced stages and 30% more likely to die from breast cancer than the overall population. Some factors which contribute to these disparities include genetics, access to healthcare, language barriers, and social health barriers. Hispanic and Latina women are also less likely to receive screenings for mammograms which is the most reliable method of early detection.
Thriving Pink’s new outreach program, ProspeROSA, is making a positive difference to provide support and services to the Hispanic and Latino communities in Yolo County. These Breast Cancer “Guerreras” or “Warriors” no longer have to travel this journey alone.
“It’s hard to imagine how far I’ve come as a first generation immigrant working two jobs to support my family,” Maria Del Rio said. “I so appreciate the support and receiving a Thriving Pink financial grant. When I was 27 years old, I was diagnosed and went through a double mastectomy and treatment. Now I’m a new volunteer for ProspeROSA. This is so meaningful for me. When you see me, please know that you see more than me — you see my faith, my family, my two young daughters, and this amazing Thriving Pink community who cares so much.”
Thriving Pink board member Dr. Alicia Silva works at Sutter Hospital, and volunteers her time to lead Thriving Pink’s ProspeROSA community gatherings in Woodland and other parts of Yolo County to distribute important breast cancer resource materials from Thriving Pink in Spanish, including applications for financial assistance through individual grants. “I see the great need in this community. I immigrated to this country as a young child from Mexico, and graduated from UC Davis medical school.
“My heart is in this community, and I’m honored to provide bilingual support and help with outreach to our diverse communities.” Yolo County has the third highest poverty rate in the state of California. In Yolo County, a third of the population are Hispanic /Latino, and 1 in 5 households struggle financially being below the poverty level. (2020 Census Data).
“‘No Te Dejes’ is a phrase we embrace because it means ‘Don’t Give In.’ Keep fighting and take care of yourself,” said Dr. Silva “We believe in the power of community. And we are connecting many newly diagnosed women to Thriving Pink workshops, support groups, financial grants and Pink Peers.”
The generosity of our community sustains our community outreach and core programs. To volunteer, find support for someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, or make a donation to Thriving pink, please visit www.thrivingpink.org or email info@thrivingpink.org. Thank you for your continued support of our Thriving Pink community!