Hello friends,

I'm Catalina Bedoya, 44 years old, Colombian. With great honor, I consider myself a brave, generous, responsible woman, mother of a 19-year-old boy, and happily married. Two years ago, I decided with my family to give this country a chance to escape for a moment from the troubled situation Colombia is experiencing and breathe new life. As you know, entering the unknown isn't easy; it requires a change of scenery, language, food, climate, and customs. You have to face it. Despite the fact that the outlook wasn't clear, we embarked on this adventure, which has brought many experiences to my life, challenges I never thought I'd overcome, and countless emotions that I can't name enough.

Unfortunately, my life plan had to be interrupted, and once again, I find myself in Colombia, this time with a confirmed health diagnosis. Receiving the news that you have breast cancer is not easy for any woman. It is difficult to imagine a completely unknown panorama. It is difficult to know as a woman that a part of your body is not well, which you may have to lose, and with it everything that this disease entails. Unfortunately, being in the land of opportunity where everything is possible, I was not able to get a first diagnosis in time, all due to the lack of medical insurance that would protect me, and receiving an initial treatment that only accelerated my symptoms and caused multiple complications that have delayed my entire process.

I can only tell you that with the same courage with which I one day embarked on my trip to an unknown country, I will face this challenge. My desire to live and to continue fighting for my dreams has not stopped. On the contrary, every morning, I pray to God to allow me to continue moving forward alongside my family and loved ones. I hope to soon be reunited with my husband, who is still in his country and, due to circumstances beyond all this, has not been able to travel to Colombia. Here I am starting from scratch again, but convinced that God gives battles to his best warriors. My outlook for the moment is uncertain, but I know that every day I will learn to cope with this disease. This will not be a hiatus in my life; on the contrary, I want, through my testimony and experience, to benefit many women and be prepared so that this disease does not catch them off guard and they can act more quickly, since every day for us is another day of life.

Thank you for being part of my experience in this country and for having given me many moments during this year of service. In this wonderful company, I take with me my best memories, and although language was always a great barrier, I was able to understand, through your gestures and actions, your respect for me. Thank you for valuing my work and for making me feel special. Perhaps at some point, life will give me another moment to share with you again. Eternally grateful.

Sincerely,

Catalina Bedoya