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 campaign for cancer awareness, prevention and education.

For October, KGNS+ is honoring Patty Vela, who turned her personal tragedy into a platform to help others.

Dressed in purple and white, Vela proudly wears colors that have significant meaning to her – raising awareness for pancreatic cancer.

“Of course, no one likes hearing 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,” said Vela.

Five years ago, her husband, Ruben, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The couple sought medical care in San Antonio because Laredo is a medically underserved community.

“We weren’t given that much hope or that much time,” Vela recalled.

Finding care and hope was a tough journey for Patty. The family turned to the American Cancer Society for support and guidance.

“At first they gave us 30 days. Thank God it’s been five years,” Vela said.

After a long road of treatments and chemotherapy, Ruben was able to declare that he does not have cancer. Since then, the family has been active in raising awareness of the cause.

As volunteers of the American Cancer Society and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), they connect Laredo families with resources and guidance to navigate their battles against cancer.

“Organizations are always open and looking for volunteers. Everything is done on a voluntary basis. Here in Laredo, we have an organization of almost 25-30 amazing ladies and gentlemen. Therefore, we are always open to more volunteers. In San Antonio, PanCAN has five volunteers and is also looking for volunteers,” Vela explained.

Patty has supported the American Cancer Society through various campaigns throughout the year to raise funds for cancer research. One of the biggest fundraisers is the annual one 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.

Vela remains dedicated to being a voice for families dealing with cancer and hopes to inspire others to continue the fight.

If you’d like to nominate someone for November’s KGNS+ honors, click here 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.

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