“You have breast cancer.” Those were the words that changed Laura Esparza’s life forever. In 2010, Laura had her annual mammogram and when the physicians delivered the results, she discovered she was about to enter the toughest journey of her life.
“I went in for a routine annual screening at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills,” said Laura. “When I got my results, I learned I had stage two invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast – I remember the moment like it was yesterday.”
Laura had just helped her beloved dog, Mitzi, battle cancer two years earlier.
“I often think about my dog’s battle because it’s a good reminder that cancer does not discriminate.” said Laura. “No one ever thinks that it is going to happen to them, but that’s why mammograms are so important. We should all be aware and take precaution. Early detection is key to survival.”
Laura underwent surgery and radiation therapy and was cancer-free just a few months after her diagnosis. She says that although it was a tough battle, she sees her breast cancer diagnosis as a gift.
“I was blessed to have so much support from everyone at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa – from the Associates to the physicians and my radiologist. They stayed connected and were there for me every step of the way. It made my breast cancer journey a little less difficult,” Laura said.
Laura is now a breast health awareness advocate, often helping the Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation with fundraisers that support the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Mobile Mammography Unit.
Your donation makes it possible for underserved and uninsured women to receive necessary breast health screenings through CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System’s Mobile Mammography Unit.
Make a difference, and give today: FriendsFoundation.org.
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