A Voice for Change: Rebecca’s Story of Ovarian Cancer and Latinx Advocacy

Rebecca’s journey with ovarian cancer began unexpectedly in 2001, when surgery intended for benign fibroid tumors lasted six hours and resulted in a radical hysterectomy and the shocking news that she had stage 2b ovarian cancer. As a 30-year-old, self-employed consultant without insurance, Rebecca was faced with the daunting task of not only battling cancer but navigating a challenging healthcare system. “I had no health insurance. My only recourse to obtain chemotherapy treatment was to declare myself indigent and move back in with my parents,” she recalls. 

By the time Rebecca started chemotherapy, the cancer had spread to her liver and stomach lining, advancing to stage 4. With her deep faith, supportive family, and sheer determination, Rebecca made it through treatment and was declared in full remission by the fall of 2002.  

Remission was only the beginning of another battle—the emotional and psychological toll of cancer. “I fell into a deep depression, as I was left to deal with everything cancer had taken away from me: my ability to have children, my career, my savings, and even some of my ‘close’ friends,” she shares. Her father’s encouragement to pursue a master’s degree reignited her sense of purpose, and it wasn’t long before Rebecca found herself immersed in cancer advocacy, determined to make a difference. 

Rebecca’s experience, particularly as a Latina, underscores the healthcare disparities that continue to affect the Hispanic community. “There are still so many people suffering at home and not seeking care for major ailments simply because they don’t have health insurance,” she explains. 

Despite nearly 25 years passing since her initial diagnosis, Rebecca feels little has changed regarding access to healthcare for marginalized communities. Becoming a patient advocate in 2003, she has spent years lobbying for the uninsured and underinsured, fighting to ensure that others do not face the same hurdles she did. 

Rebecca’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her desire to give voice to those who cannot speak up for themselves. Learning from her own valuable experience, she advises “You are your own best advocate and need to speak up when something is not right.” This belief has fueled her commitment to patient and survivor rights, with a focus on Hispanic women and the unique challenges they face. 

Hispanic Heritage Month holds special meaning for Rebecca, though she expresses a desire for more sustained visibility for the Hispanic community—not just one month of awareness. The national Hispanic population still experiences inequitable access to care, language barriers, and cultural challenges that make it difficult to navigate the healthcare system. A recent cancer facts and figures report outlines disparities in cancer information and treatment in the Hispanic community, noting that Hispanic people have higher propensity for certain cancers including some gynecologic cancers. In addition to these inequities, Rebecca notes the stigma associated with going to the doctor within the Hispanic community. “We somehow need to help our fellow Hispanics overcome the overall avoidance of seeking healthcare when we know things aren’t right with our bodies,” she emphasizes. 

For Rebecca, this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” resonates deeply, as she has been enacting change since her own cancer survivorship journey began. Inspired by the resources and information she wishes had been available to her in her own experience, Rebecca prioritizes messaging about cancer survivorship in her advocacy, including important discussions about potential side effects of cancer. “Post cancer care is much different today, and I’d like to think that I had a small part in that in some way,” she reflects. 

Looking ahead, Rebecca is focused on ensuring more thorough representation for the Hispanic community in medical research and a larger community of advocates to stand for and support future generations of Hispanic cancer survivors. “I envision a day where I’m not one of only two or three other Hispanic advocates at an event with 200 advocates from across the country,” she shares. “My hope for the future is to get more Hispanic cancer advocates together to advocate for each other and our future.” 

As she continues to work toward a future where every Hispanic cancer survivor feels seen, heard, and supported, Rebecca implores others to get active. “We desperately need you,” she says. “There are so many ways to participate, share your story, and make a difference!” Until she sees significant change for those with limited access to healthcare, Rebecca will continue advocating on behalf of marginalized communities and being part of long-term solutions for those impacted by cancer.