I am from Argentina. In 2015, my husband and I decided that we needed to move to the United States to learn English and give better opportunities for our kids. While we were making preparations to move, I found out that I had ovarian cancer. It was hard to find because ovarian cancer can be confused for many other illnesses. I had two surgeries, the first in September of 2015 and the second in November of 2015. They were both dangerous surgeries, long and complicated. I could have died, and it is a miracle that I am still living. 

After these surgeries, we had to decide whether to come to the United States or not. I decided to come anyway, even when the doctors said I should stay. We decided to move to the United States the first week of December, only a couple of weeks after my surgery. I was still healing and had to sit on a plane for many painful hours. But we made it. I now study here at UVU in pursuit of my bachelor’s degree in Spanish education. While I have been cancer-free since then, I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It’s not easy. It’s something I struggle with every day. Sometimes I want to stay in bed. But no, I have this chance now and I need to use it. 

“Te amo a traves de los mas altos en el cielo.” That means I love you through the most high of the heavens. And I always say that to my kids, and they always say they love me back. I have learned to say I love you every day to my family because I never know if and when the cancer will come back. But I am now here at UVU, and I am ready to do my best part. 

My two daughters also come to UVU with me. We are here learning English and anything else we can.