By Monica Moreno, Team Captain
May 05, 2011 my aunt “Chuyera” was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was from that day on that our whole lives would change for ever. My aunt was one of the most beautiful and most charismatic women I knew. She was always laughing and was always very welcoming, kind, and loving. She never once complained about her illness and stayed strong through it all. On August 30, 2011 we lost my aunt ‘Chuyera’ to pancreatic cancer. It was then when my family and I learned about the LA Cancer Challenge.
October 2011 was the first year my family and I participated in the LACC. It was the most gratifying experience for all of us when we crossed that finish line – knowing that we had done it for our Aunt and so many fighters out there struggling every day with this horrible illness that claims thousands of lives each year. Pancreatic cancer is not a cancer that many people are aware of, it is usually not detected until it is too late. Running for a cure is the best feeling there is, knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life to raise funds for research and to find early detection methods. We are excited to have run in our 3rd LACC this year and look forward to next year.
