The CORPORACIÓN UNIDOS CONTRA EL CANCER REGION DE COQUIMBO
(The United Against Cancer Corporation, Coquimbo Region, or UCEC) was founded on
April 30, 2015, by Mrs. Brisa Marina Lira Jiménez (deceased), with the support of Mrs.
Stefani Takushi and Dr. Javier López Sebastian, among many other interested people.
This private, non-profit organization was registered in the National Register for
Foundations/Corporations of the Civil Registry and Identification Service on May 28,
2015, case number 207170, and received legal status on May 28, 2015 by the
Illustrious Municipality of Coquimbo, with Tax ID number 65.107.071-9.
Today, more than 50 supporters, collaborators, health professionals, consultants, and
directors form part of United Against Cancer. Under the leadership of the Directors and
co-founders, UCEC is dedicated to receiving and assisting patients with cancer
diagnoses from the most rural parts of Chile’s Fourth Region. These patients find in the Brisa Lira Jimenez Shelter Home, run by UCEC in Coquimbo, a place to stay with a family member free of charge while undergoing their treatment, thus receiving the necessary support during their fight against cancer.
Intendant Claudio Ibáñez was the last official to use the property before initiating efforts to transfer it to the Unidos Contra el Cáncer Corporation. “Oncology patients coming to La Serena or Coquimbo through the Corporation will be able to stay in this house, and therefore, we are providing them with dignity and inclusion, which is a hallmark of our Government and something we aim to continue strengthening,” he stated.
Today, in addition to offering housing for patients undergoing cancer treatment, UCEC
also offers its help as a place for isolation for patients receiving radioactive iodine
therapy.
Board of Directors 2020–2024
President, Soledad Orrego Pagilla
Nurse by profession, Specialist in Nephrology and Dialysis (Universidad de Chile)
Peritoneal Dialysis (Gambro Healthcare Patient Services at The George Washington
University)
Post-university studies in Organizational Development (Pontificia Universidad Católica),
Prevention and Control of Infections Associated with Healthcare (Pontificia Universidad
Católica).
Vice President, María Vega Álvarez, Social Worker
Treasurer, Libertad Morales Vásquez, Architect
Secretary, Mauricio Gálvez González, Lawyer, Post-graduate studies in International
Cooperation, Master’s degree in University Docency, Br Social Sciences
Javier López
Medical Advisor and Co-founder
Paulina Lira
Vice Treasurer
Rafael Gálvez
Website Advisor
rafaelogalvez@gmail.com
Stefani Takushi
Advisor and Co-founder
stefani.takushi@gmail.com
Milton Carmona
In Charge of Brisa Lira Jiménez Shelter
Alfredo Bartholomaus
UCEC Advisor
alfredobart@gmail.com
Blair Anthony
Website Advisor (English)
blairbanthony@gmail.com
Claudia Flores K
School System Coordinator
Francisco Makaus Bravo
Legal Advisor
UCN Lawyer