Isabel Guillen, Cancer Warrior
March 23, 2016
“Christmas still comes when you have cancer. You still have to feed your family. Life goes on when you’re sick, and it’s even more devastating if you’re poor.
As a 32-year-old mother, I battled breast cancer. I lost both my jobs, but I gained insight. My mother got me to and from treatment and friends gave me small items that brought me comfort like blankets and scarves. Other patients would say, “Que bonito, where did you get that? You have a lot of support.” That stuck with me and Chavelyta’s Pink Hood was born.
We create comfort baskets that are delivered to people undergoing cancer treatment. During the holidays, we give away turkeys.
This work honors my father who also battled cancer. We are not promised tomorrow. If I can leave this earth and say that I helped my community and I did something to make a change, it’s all worth it.”
Isabel Guillen is one of our 30 Unsung Heroes of Los Angeles County – everyday people doing extraordinary things. Read our other Unsung Heroes’ stories at calfund.org/laheroes and share your hero on social media using #LAheroes.
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