By james art LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – Each year, more than 1.9 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. In Laredo, a local woman is on a mission to advocate for cancer awareness, prevention and education.
For October, KGNS+ honors Patti Vella, who turned her personal tragedy into a platform to help others.
Dressed in purple and white, Vela proudly wears colors that mean something to her – raising awareness for pancreatic cancer.
“Of course, no one likes to hear the word cancer and no one is always prepared, and you always say it won’t happen to me. It will happen next door, but not to me,” Vela said.
Five years ago, her husband Ruben was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The couple sought medical attention in San Antonio, as Laredo is a medically underserved community.
“We weren’t given that much hope and we weren’t given that much time,” Vela recalls.
Finding care and hope was a difficult journey for Patti. The family turned to the American Cancer Society for support and guidance.
“Initially they gave us 30 days. Thank God it was five years,” Vela said.
After a long journey of treatment and chemotherapy, Ruben was able to declare himself cancer free. Since then, the family has been active in raising awareness for the cause.
As volunteers with the American Cancer Society and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), they connect families in Laredo with resources and guidance for navigating cancer battles.
“Organizations are always open and looking for volunteers. Everything is done on a voluntary basis. Here in Laredo, we have an organization of close to 25-30 amazing ladies and gentlemen. So we are always open for more volunteers. San Antonio PanCAN has five volunteers and they are also looking for volunteers,” Vella explained.
Patty supported the American Cancer Society through various campaigns throughout the year to raise funds for cancer research. One of their biggest fundraising events is the annual Relay for Life.
“Both organizations have a walk in April and we are currently looking for survivors and anyone who wants to start a team in honor or memory of a survivor,” she said.
Vella remains dedicated to being a voice for families facing cancer and hopes to inspire others to keep fighting the battle.
If you would like to nominate someone for November’s KGNS+ honors, click here.
For more information about these organizations or if you or someone you know needs cancer resources, click here.
You can also contact Patty via email: [email protected].
For more titles, click here.
Copyright 2024 KGNS. All rights reserved.