Help Diana Fight HER2-Positive Breast Cancer with Liver and Bone Metastasis

Hi, my name is Brad, and I’m organizing this fundraiser for my dear friend Santiago and his wife, Diana, who is bravely battling HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to her liver, collarbone, and spine.

Santiago and I became friends over 20 years ago when he ran a mountain bike race team that sponsored my trips to Mexico as an up-and-coming racer. Over the years he has continually humbled those around him with his generosity. In Drive Nacho Drive, I wrote about Santiago hosting Sheena and me at his home and going to the ends of the earth to immerse us in Mazatlan’s street food, cycling, and tres leches underworlds. Santiago and Diana are the best humanity has to offer, and now they need our help.

Their Story

Earlier this year, Diana and Santiago were preparing for a new beginning. After a difficult year and increasing violence in their city, they made the decision to move. A new job was waiting, and things were finally looking up.

But just one week before the move, Diana felt swelling on her right side under her ribs. At first, it seemed minor — maybe a bruise. But after seeking medical advice and undergoing several tests, the diagnosis came back: HER2-positive breast cancer with metastasis to the liver and bones.

They delayed the move to begin treatment, but eventually relocated to a larger city with better medical services. The diagnosis was confirmed with a second biopsy: aggressive breast cancer cells had spread to her liver, collarbone, and two vertebrae.

For those unfamiliar, even though the cancer is in the liver and bones, it's still classified as breast cancer — because the original breast cancer cells have spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. The type of cancer is defined by the original cell type, not the location.

Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and the community, and after two months of paying out-of-pocket, the government began covering the cost of that first medication.

Why We Need Your Help

Diana has been undergoing targeted therapy every 21 days, and while the liver tumor has responded, the tumors in her bones have not improved in more than six months.

Now, her oncologist says she must begin a second medication, which works in combination with the first. This new drug gives hope for stopping the cancer’s spread, but it’s not covered by the government, and it’s three times more expensive than the first.

To make treatment more affordable, Diana must fly to Mexico City every 21 days, where medication costs are significantly lower than in the city where they live. They’ve already paid for five months of treatment out-of-pocket, relying on help from friends and family to stay afloat.

Why Your Help Matters

Funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward:

How You Can Help

Your support can help Diana continue this fight with the strength and dignity she deserves. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Diana and her family in this fight.

With gratitude,

Brad Van Orden

(Organizer)