Breast cancer is a significant health concern affecting many women in the United States. Statistics from the American Cancer Society show that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in 40 will die from the disease. However, disparities in healthcare, education, and income can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes, especially in underserved communities.
Araceli Lucio, the founder of ELLAS, a support group for Latina women affected by breast cancer, recognized the lack of awareness and resources for breast cancer screenings and treatments in her community. Through her work with the Resurrection Project, Lucio discovered that many women were unaware of available programs for free mammograms, regardless of their immigration status. This lack of information led her to establish ELLAS to provide education, support, and resources to Latina women impacted by breast cancer.
ELLAS started as a small support group but has since grown to include 59 active survivors, with 16 of them serving as community health workers. The group has collaborated with various organizations and support groups to spread awareness and education about breast cancer within Chicago’s Latine community. Through fundraisers, events like the ELLAS 2024 Walkathon, and partnerships with consulates and support groups, ELLAS has been able to reach thousands of individuals and provide vital support to those affected by breast cancer.
The funding received through the Illinois Lottery’s specialty ticket program will enable ELLAS to expand their mission, provide stipends for community educators, host workshops, and create educational materials. This support will help ELLAS continue to empower women in the community, advocate for survivors, and save lives through breast cancer education and support. For more information about ELLAS and their work, visit ellastrp.org.
