María is a 42-year-old woman who came to the United States five years ago in search of a better future for her two children. Like many other migrants, she faced numerous challenges, from learning a new language to adapting to a healthcare system that often felt inaccessible to her.
Working long hours cleaning offices, María had neither the time nor the resources to worry about her health.
One day, while participating in a health brigade organized by UNETE in her community, María decided to get a general checkup. The doctors detected an abnormality in her breast exam and immediately referred her for further studies. The results confirmed that María had early-stage breast cancer.
Thanks to the swift intervention of UNETE, María was connected with specialists who began her treatment right away. Not only did she receive the necessary chemotherapy and radiation, but she was also provided with emotional support and counseling to face this difficult journey. All of this was at no cost to her, an immense relief for someone living paycheck to paycheck.
Today, María is on her way to recovery. Her children now look at her with newfound hope and gratitude. María knows her story could have been different, but thanks to UNETE, she has the opportunity to overcome cancer and continue moving forward for the sake of her family.