Bea was first diagnosed with leukemia over ten years ago. She was already in treatment when her doctor suggested a clinical trial. She hadn’t been seeing improvements with her treatment plan, so it was a natural next step.
We can’t cut cancer research without hurting all of us. Without advances in research, I might not be here.
Before starting the trial, Bea didn’t know anyone who had participated in one before. But she stayed positive and hoped that her participation in the clinical trial would help her continue her life and help her grow older and get to see more of her grandkids and great-grandkids.
It was important for Bea to participate in the clinical trial because it allowed her to receive the best treatment for her cancer. It is also a way to give back to the Hispanic/Latino community. Her experience is helping to shape the experience of Latinos with cancer in the future.
Bea has educated her family and friends about clinical trials, thanks to her experience. She wants more people to have access to clinical trials and to other advances in cancer research. She won’t stop using her voice to advocate for increased funding for cancer research.