Rodriguez, 47, was treated for breast cancer by the medical center’s nurses and doctors. She discovered the cancer during a mammogram, and with the help of doctors, she was able to treat the cancer.
“I did what the doctors told me I needed to do,” Rodriguez said.
The doctors caught the cancer early, she said.
But Rodriguez remained fearful of the illness and the possibility of the cancer recurring.
“It makes you feel like ‘Oh my God, what’s going to happen to me,’” she said. “It changes your life forever.”
Rodriguez hoped and prayed the cancer would never come back.
To stop thinking about cancer, she began exercising and walked every day.
“You have to live your life and stay positive,” she said.
The key to overcoming the illness, she said, was to maintain an upbeat attitude and be surrounded by supportive friends and family.
“I laughed a lot,” Rodriguez said.
The medical center’s staff, she said, helped her remain strong and confident.
“I am so relieved to have this team of supportive doctors and nurses,” Rodriguez said.
Many women in Glendale don’t get mammograms, breast surgeon Jeannie Shen said. Shen is a breast specialist at the medical center and sees many women with breast cancer.
Radiation oncologist Sara Kim said many women don’t get mammograms as often as they should because of their responsibilities of taking of their families.
She tells women they should get mammograms at least once a year, and that their birthdays provide the perfect occasion.
“It’s a gift to yourself to try to get checked,” Kim said.
After a woman turns 40, she should get a mammogram at least once a year, she said.
The medical center’s staff is dedicated to providing women with the “best breast cancer care in all of Glendale,” said Melina Thorpe, director of cancer services.
All proceeds from Sunday’s event will go to the breast cancer center and pediatric ward, Guild President Linda Hansen said. The funds will be used to enhance two pediatric rooms that are decorated with Disney cartoon characters in the medical center, Hansen said.
“This is very meaningful to us,” Hansen said.
And for Rodriguez, supporting the medical center’s breast cancer ward was just as meaningful.
Beating breast cancer was challenging, and she always reminded herself she had to fight to get through it.
“You must be strong,” she said.
