Finding hope in childhood cancers
According to cancer.gov, approximately 14,910 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. The most common types of cancers in children in the United States are leukemias, brain and other central nervous system tumors, and lymphomas. With this many families impacted, raising awareness and knowing there is hope in these unfortunate instances is critical.
In June 2024, the University of Arizona Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement team collaborated with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to host Beyond Cancer. This event raised awareness, increased education, and helped tribe members find support in others who are going through similar experiences. During Beyond Cancer, several panelists shared education and personal experiences with an audience of more than 100 people.
Among the panelists were the Valencia Family. Francisco Jr. was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age. He and his parents, Francisco and Veronica Valencia, participated on the panel to give other tribe members an insight into how they persevered through difficult times, and to start conversations that are seldom had in the community. “It’s something that was rarely talked about within the tribe or for members in the past,” said Francisco Valencia. “Having an opportunity to participate in a conference focused on cancer—I think it’s important not only for future generations to know what it’s like to go through this illness. But also there is support for those who are dealing with it and a lot of services that can be provided to them whether it is within the tribe or outside institutions.”
The panel of Pascua Yacqui Tribe cancer survivors also featured Luis Yucupicio. Diagnosed with brain cancer as a child, Yucupicio spoke about his journey. He said the support of friends and family, and a change in perspective improved his outlook.
“My advice for anybody else dealing with it is to just know there is going to be change,” said Yucupicio. “There’s going to be a lot of things happening, and sometimes it will be out of your control. But sometimes it is important to embrace the change instead of trying to fight it. When I was going through it, the normal I knew was no longer a normal, and this was my new normal. I made it my choice to change or adapt to the change.”
With so many families being impacted by cancer every year, Luis and the Valencia family sought out support and education. The resources available were vital to their resiliency.
“Receiving support from both the tribe as well as banner was amazing,” said Valencia. “Even organizations like the Ronald McDonald house—support groups like that are important. We didn’t realize all that these institutions did until we actually went through it ourselves, being in the hospital almost 24/7 during treatment. Things like this are the last things you want to think about, but I love them being there for us.”
Cancer has changed lives across the world, but resources are available. For more information about advanced care for children, visit https://www.bannerhealth.com/locations/tucson/diamond-childrens-medical….