LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Early October marked the second annual Cancer Warriors week. The week consisted of fundraising events to raise money for women with breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
The events were organized by Cancer Warriors of Las Cruces, which is a group of six women who use their journeys with cancer to make sure others facing the same diagnosis do not feel alone.
Marci Dickerson, one of the six organizers, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. Ever since then, it has been her goal to solve key issues with experiencing cancer treatment.
“So our first year out, we raised $220,000,” Dickerson said. “This year with Cancer Warriors week, which we are wrapping up with the 5K, we have raised just over $205,000.”
The money was raised by bringing out the community to dance, enjoy music and dress up for a live auction. It ended one early Saturday morning by crossing the finish line in a 5K.
“I want to be there to support others that are going through the same thing, and support those that are fighting and those that have passed,” brest cancer survivor and 5K participant Yvette Gonzales said. “And also to show that I am a survivor, and that anyone can hopefully fight through it and just provide my support for everybody.”
Cancer Warriors provides warrior boxes filled with goodies like gift cards and self-care items to support women along all stages of their cancer journey. Along with these boxes, Cancer Warriors, in collaboration with Memorial Medical Center, launched Mammo to Answers which is a program that speeds up the process of diagnosis to just 21 days.
“In Doña Ana County, it usually takes three and a half to four months to be diagnosed with breast cancer,” Dickerson said. “That is months of agony, that’s months of waiting and I decided that was unacceptable.”
Dickerson has been cancer free as of April of last year, but her journey as an advocate will not stop anytime soon. Cancer Warriors continue to bring Las Cruces hope.
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