When Lesly Cardona was in treatment for metastatic breast cancer, she learned a lot from others in the Amigos Unidos group at Cancer Support Community North Texas. Now in remission, she stays involved in the Spanish-language support group so she can help others.
“I want people who are recently diagnosed to have hope and know there are people here to support them,” Lesly says.
Before participating at CSCNT, she didn’t know much about the process of cancer treatment except that her mother died of cancer. Her family also didn’t live in the country, so she was without her full support system.
In her experience, Lesly says there is a lack of information about cancer in the Hispanic community, and many women don’t talk about breast cancer because they feel ashamed. To combat this issue, another way Lesly connects with other Dallas Spanish-speakers about cancer resources and education is through a WhatsApp group called Life Warriors that includes around 90 women. They talk about nutrition, mental health, forming a team of healthcare providers and more.
“Many people think that because of their immigration status, they can’t get help,” Lesly says. That’s one of the reasons why she helps educate others about their treatment and support options.
“When you can hear from someone who has had cancer treatment, you know you also can get through it,” she says.
Lesly is pictured at the CSCNT Red Tie Gala in 2023. Learn more about this year’s event.