Joining Forces in the Fight Against Cancer
María Elena Posadas, the founder and President of Onco Loreto, is a breast cancer survivor. During her treatment, she felt vulnerable, and upon returning to her community, she was determined to advocate for women facing this disease.
Since that moment, she has committed herself to offering support and companionship to women receiving diagnoses. Whenever a woman hears the news, her response is always heartfelt: “You are not alone; let’s hold hands and walk this journey together.” Understanding the challenges of such news, she and her husband, Carlos Posadas, created a foundation to provide guidance and comfort, drawing from their own experiences and the unwavering support he gave her throughout her journey.
Both individuals faced the challenges of oncology directly, which inspired them to take action. Although the journey was difficult, their dedication and perseverance led to significant achievements. In 2015, Onco Loreto was officially established, enabling María Elena to create connections with the General Hospital, IMSS (the Mexican Institute of Social Security), and ISSSTE (the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers). This collaboration aimed to identify and support women in the Loreto community with various types of cancer.
How does Onco Loreto function?
We are a foundation dedicated to supporting women with all types of cancer. Many patients must travel to La Paz for treatment, which can be challenging. To help alleviate their financial concerns, we assist with travel expenses and medical costs. At Onco Loreto, we aim to ensure these women do not have to interrupt their treatment due to financial worries. We have received a positive response from both local and international communities. Our work is based on donations, and we feel truly blessed for the support we’ve received.
Katherine Clark is coordinating the Pink Promise tournament, a women’s fishing tournament scheduled for May 3 and 4, 2025, in Loreto. Organized by Onco Loreto, this event aims to raise funds to support Las Guerreras Rosas, a group of women fighting cancer.
Since its inception, the tournament has experienced a significant increase in participation and recognition, attracting local and international fisherwomen. More than just a competition, Pink Promise symbolizes solidarity, hope, and support. It reminds us that every catch represents a meaningful step forward in the fight against cancer.
What inspired you to become a part of Onco Loreto?
I became involved with Onco Loreto because of the support my Mum received during her battle with cancer. Maria Elena took care of my Mum during her treatment and frequently asked if we needed anything. It was a meaningful experience for our family. When the opportunity arose to participate in the logistics of the Pink Promise tournament, I eagerly accepted. It is the state’s most important women’s fishing tournament. Last year, we had 72 teams registered and nearly 300 participants. It was fantastic because, as women, we are competitive but also know how to have fun. The participants are primarily local women, but we also attract national and international tourism. This event is our opportunity to unite and show our support for women. The tournament has been growing steadily, and we expect even more teams to register for this fourth edition. This celebration is a testament to our commitment to solidarity.
