Adriana Ramos Álvarez has always been a strong woman, although life has given her no rest. At 47 years of life, the constant headache that afflicted her was nothing more than the echo of a battle that was just beginning. After multiple medical tests, the initial diagnosis revealed severe anemia and low blood platelets.
Twelve donors – members of the community – stepped forward to restore some vitality to her weakened body. The relief was temporary, however, as the pain returned with a vengeance, and further testing uncovered a devastating truth: type 2 endometrial cancer.
Type 2 endometrial cancer is a rare and more aggressive type of cancer in the lining of the uterus. It is often one of the most difficult conditions to treat, with a low survival rate.
Adriana was terrified, but she was not alone: she had family, her husband and beautiful children present. Her eldest son, Luis Galvez, was facing his own war: addiction. With a stable job, a prosperous life, Luis believed that drugs would be just a recreation, however, it got out of hand, recognizing that he really needed help. In a rehabilitation center, Luis struggled to overcome years of dependence, while Adriana, despite his illness, visited him every weekend.
It was there that she learned about the Al-.Anon program at the Oblate Pastoral Center of Tijuana, a program that involves the families of the sick in their process of healing from the pain of having a drug-addicted family member.
For Adriana, knowing about her son’s addictions was a devastating shock. She felt fear, courage and, above all, deep compassion. But she decided to turn that pain into action. She went on a pilgrimage to Mexico City with volunteers from our various programs to ask the Virgin Mary to intercede for her son.
There, between tears and prayers, she left an offering and promised to be a guide for other families facing similar situations.
Little by little, Adriana became a central figure in the Oblates’ Al-Anon program, becoming the coordinator, sharing her story with other mothers about all the pain of battling her cancer and yet fighting tirelessly for her son’s cure. She offered every talk, every service and every sacrifice she made for her son’s speedy recovery, forgetting for a moment the cancer that was killing her.
Her prayers were attentively listened to. After much effort, Luis completed almost two years free of alcohol and drugs. Inspired by his mother, he found a renewed purpose in faith and decided to serve God, following the teachings Adriana had always wanted to instill in him. Now Luis is one of the founders of the Roofing Program, building more than 30 roofs and changing the lives of 144 people, putting his efforts at the service of God, just as his mother does.
Meanwhile, Adriana’s struggle is not over yet. After an operation to remove her womb and prevent metastasis, her physical recovery is progressing slowly. Although she is awaiting new pathology results, her faith in God is unwavering.
Adriana always says that her strength comes from Christ and the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Her message to those facing similar struggles is clear: “Whatever you do, whatever happens, be in Christ who strengthens you. He has always been and will always be my strength.”
Today, Adriana continues to struggle, but she does so with a heart full of hope. For her, every day is a miracle, and every step toward recovery is testimony to the faith that sustains her.
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