United Against Cancer (UCEC) Celebrates 5 Years with an Online Assembly
The Corporation was founded in 2015 by noted social activist Brisa Marina Lira, and celebrated its 5th anniversary with an online Assembly on Zoom, organized by Libertad Morales, who, as Treasurer of the organization, explained the current financial situation of the institution.
Director Margarita Olivares welcomed the attendees from the United States, and was
joined by co-founder Stefani Takushi-Bartholomaus, who highlighted the trajectory and
values of the institution. Co-founder and consultant Dr. Javier López Sebastián was also
present, and his presence was deeply appreciated, as he also has an important role at
Coquimbo Hospital.
On this occasion, Soledad Orrego assumed the Presidency of the organization. She
was responsible for developing the protocols used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
at United Against Cancer. Orrego, in an emotional speech, praised the work done by all
of the people who have lent their expertise, mentioning the commitment to developing
highly-impactful programs for cancer prevention, communication with public and private
organizations related to oncology, and the continued improvement of our housing
program for rural patients, so they must never have to worry about having to abandon
their treatments due to a lack of housing. Cecilia Serantoni, owner of an important
clothing business in La Serena, assumed the Vice Presidency, and who was recognized
for her many years of work, while also sharing her events with the institution.
The new Board of Directors is presided over by Soledad Orrego, a nurse by profession,
and who has been an important collaborator in developing the Corporation’s COVID-19
protocols. Orrego, in an emotional speech, highlighted the work of all of the people who
have donated their time to the group, reaffirming the commitment to developing
programs with the highest impact for prevention, connecting with both public and private
organizations related to oncology, and the continued improvement of the housing
program for patients who come from small, rural towns from the interior areas of the
Region, so they never have to think about giving up treatment because of a lack of
where to stay.
The new Board of Directors is presided over by Soledad Orrego, Maria Vega as
Vice President, Libertad Morales as Treasurer, and Mauricio Gálvez as Secretary, with members Milton Carmona, Claudio Ibáñez, and Margarita Olivares completing the
Board.
United Against Cancer from Coquimbo presents free talks on cancer prevention to schools and businesses, organizes conferences and seminars, participates in consultancies with hospitals and publicly-administered entities, and maintains the BRISA MARINA LIRA JIMENEZ home for cancer patients, named for the group’s founder.