Baja Cancer Outreach

Maria’s Story

Maria is every cancer patient in Rural Baja. Everyone has to travel for cancer diagnostics, treatments and follow up. Most basic cancer care is available in La Paz but many patients travel to Tijuana or the mainland for specialty care. The majority of children and patients with complex cancer have to travel to the mainland for all care.

Maria is a housekeeper in Loreto and the sole provider for her family. Recently, she discovered a suspicious breast lump. To get the care she needs, Maria must travel 5–6 hours by bus or private car to La Paz, again and again.

Her journey:

• Maria feels a lump in her breast
• She goes to La Paz or Santa Rosalia for a mammogram
• She meets with a surgeon to discuss a biopsy
• Returns for a biopsy, maybe on the same day
• Returns to discuss results and schedule surgery
• Mastectomy, this can take weeks to schedule
• Radiation or chemotherapy requiring dozens of trips. Every time she has a treatment she’s left feeling exhausted or nauseated and faces another 5 hour bus or car ride.

On average, a breast cancer patient, like Maria, will travel to La Paz 26 times in the first year of diagnosis. Each visit means 1–2 nights away from home, eating out, and transportation—about $75 minimum per trip. More than that, Maria loses at least two days of wages each time, and as the only income for her family, no one pays her when she misses work.

Wouldn’t you want a companion by your side if you were facing this? Many patients must go alone. Your donation could allow them to bring a “cancer buddy” for loving support.

Our support: 

💞💞💞💞 Here’s where you can help! 💞💞💞💞

Are you willing to give the amount you would normally spend on one special-occasion meal in the U.S. or Canada? Your donation will help Maria, and cancer patients like her, afford 2-3 trips to La Paz. 

26 Trips, One Chance to Survive

Every mile Maria travels to treatment is a step toward survival. You can help carry her there.

Together, we can save lives in Baja.

Your donation may be tax deductible. Baja Cancer Outreach is a recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization.

 

Our photo is AI generated because everyone deserves privacy on their journey.