Invitae and Genome Magazine in partnership with the National Society of Genetic Counselors created the CodeTalker Award to celebrate the amazing work genetic counselors do for their patients with genetic disorders. The CodeTalker Award called upon patients to nominate a genetic counselor who impacted their lives and to write about it. I nominated UCSF genetic counselor Amie Blanco. Our story was one of three finalist.

Photo by Angela DeCenzo

In the fall of 2014 Genome Magazine asked me to write about my experience with Lynch syndrome and the work I have been doing to increase awareness. I wrote this piece just prior to my dad's diagnosis with his seventh cancer.

Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa

UCSF Institute of Human Genetics launched their new website in September 2013 and asked me to write about my advocacy efforts for their 'patient stories' section.

Photo by Anahy Escalera

Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa

UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention program asked me to write about my experience being diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, how I come to manage my medical screenings and how I have come to embrace my diagnosis with Lynch Syndrome.

Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa

After the diagnosis with Lynch Syndrome I was able to connect with family. I met my cousins in Texas for the first time. In 2009, I ran the Austin Half Marathon for my Uncle Juan who died from stomach cancer in 2004. 

Dr. Dawn DeLozier, genetic counselor, at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno and Radin Breast Clinic, wrote an informative piece about genetic counseling, testing and hereditary cancers syndromes to educate and empower the great Fresno community. I provided a patient testimony about my personal experience with Lynch Syndrome.

Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa

The first half marathon of my campaign was in honor of my dad, Noel. To promote awareness and gain attention about my efforts, I reached out to my hometown newspaper, The Selma Enterprise, to write a story on my family. The article featured my father and his experience with cancer.

Photo by Selena Martinez Mak

In order to spread the word about Lynch Syndrome in the San Francisco Bay Area, I contacted KAWL news radio, to write a story about my efforts of running half marathons and increasing awareness about Lynch Syndrome

Photo by Brian Fong

I reached out to my alma mater, UC Davis, to write a story about the my run in Santa Cruz. Friends and family were able to participate.

Photo by Anahy Escalera

UCSF Patient Profiles wrote a piece about my family's diagnosis and my efforts to increase awareness. 

In order to increase further awareness about Lynch syndrome, I contacted news media to write a story about my half marathon efforts.

Photo by Brian Fong

My father and I were featured in a passion project created by Karem Rodriguez on her Instagram page 'inspiramex'.

More about inspiramex:

InspiraMex Mexicanos en SF. Diferentes historias, diferentes presentes, con un origen en común | Mexicans in SF. Different stories with a common origin.

Genetic Alliance, in collaboration with Lynch syndrome International, developed brochures to help educate patients and the medical community about the signs of Lynch Syndrome. My story was featured in the 'Lynch Syndrome' brochure.

You can find the rest of the educational brochure series in both English and Spanish in the hyperlink above.

Chinese versions are also available. Please contact me for more information.

Photo by Brian Fong

I am a 'Hereditary Cancer Champion' at Myriad Genetics. After participating in their Hereditary Cancer Workshops they featured my story in their case studies to educate physicians about Lynch Syndrome.