ACSí Se Puede Hispanic/Latino Advocacy Alliance > Meet the Advocacy Alliance Members
I have been involved with ACS for over 13 years and ACS CAN for 4 years.
I am a 13-year prostate cancer survivor and was a caregiver to my wife, who is a thyroid cancer survivor. In addition, I lost my father to prostate cancer, after a recurrence, and lost my mother to colorectal cancer. Having had a colonoscopy after my mother's death, there were 3 precancerous polyps removed. Family history and screenings saves lives.
Why is health equity important to me?
As a road-to-recovery volunteer, I have seen the disparities in terms of access to care. I feel there is a need to further educate and empower our Latino communities by raising awareness and fighting for policy changes.
Personal life
After over 30 years of service, I retired at the age of 55. During that time, I worked as a bilingual general/special education teacher, subsequently became a bilingual school psychologist in New York City.
Upon retiring, I became involved in all things ACS. Starting with the Road-to-Recovery program, tabling at health fairs, spokesperson at various events, and advocating for the Cancer Action Network. Whenever possible, I enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as caring for our pollinating and vegetable gardens.