Our Ambassador of Hope

I was 33 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was terrified and could not get past the word "cancer." This affected my entire family and circle of friends. However, City of Hope was like a beacon of light, and I found my strength again with the support of my family, friends and the City of Hope community. Here I found compassion and was included in every decision and plan for my care. At the age of 33 I should have been thinking of my career, the next girls’ night out or even starting a family. Those were the kinds of things my friends were thinking about. However, I was faced with having to make decisions involving a mastectomy, chemo, surgeries and possible infertility.

The 2008 Walk for Hope was my first Walk. I was still going through chemo, and I remember hearing the patient speaker share her story. Even though I didn’t feel great, I kept thinking ... I CAN DO THIS ... I’VE GOT THIS.

This Walk celebrates survivors, embraces patients currently undergoing treatment and honors the memories of those who are no longer with us, but who we carry in our hearts.

February of this year marked the ninth anniversary of my remission, and here I am ready for the 2018 Walk For Hope. For those of you about to start your journey or who are currently going through treatment, just remember: I walked in your shoes ...
YOU’VE GOT THIS!

Maria Flores