Cancer is a significant health crisis globally, and in Mexico, it presents a growing challenge. Timely access to care, accurate information, and life-saving treatments can greatly impact the outcomes for individuals facing this disease. Mayra Galindo Leal, Director General of the Asociación Mexicana de Lucha Contra el Cáncer, A.C. (AMLCC), is a leader who is actively working to improve cancer care in Mexico.
Through her dedication to public health and patient advocacy, Mayra has played a key role in raising awareness, supporting patients, and advocating for important policy changes to address healthcare disparities in Mexico. Her leadership has provided hope and support to many individuals affected by cancer.
A Chance Encounter with Piggy Banks
Mayra’s journey with the Mexican Cancer Association (AMLCC) didn’t begin with its founding but with a memorable connection. She first noticed the piggy banks placed in banks and stores across the city, which carried the phrase, “If detected on time, cancer can be cured.” Though the idea felt distant then, it left a lasting impression on her.
When she became the General Administrator, Mayra Galindo Leal faced the challenge of making the AMLCC known. Despite the 25 years of existence of the company, few were aware of its work. Determined to change this, she leveraged existing relationships with doctors and hospitals, introducing herself to oncologists and health institutions to foster collaboration.
A breakthrough moment came when Mayra Galindo Leal was invited to speak at a Cancer Congress in Atlanta, organized by the International Union Against Cancer and the American Cancer Society. Speaking before 2,000 people, including Mr. and Mrs. Bush and the first female astronaut from the U.S., Mayra overcame her shyness. Her speech brought international attention to the AMLCC, even before it was fully known in Mexico.
Compassion in Action
The AMLCC was founded by the Ministry of Health in 1972, at a time when cancer was not widely acknowledged as a major health issue. The organization has a Council of Associates, a Board of Directors, and dedicated staff. Initially, it received support for office facilities, supplies, staff salaries, and drivers who managed the daily collection and replacement of piggy banks using company vehicles.
By 1982, treasurer Mr. Enrique Orellana Mora formed alliances with Dr. Arturo Beltran Ortega, the Director General of the INCAN, allowing the AMLCC to assist patients who were unable to afford chemotherapy treatments. This support extended to other institutions, such as the Nutrition Institute and the Hospital General de Mexico. However, the onset of the pandemic hindered their ability to help patients, as piggy banks were removed, stores closed, and income significantly dropped.
Today, the organization offers comprehensive guidance to patients regarding their illnesses. This includes education about their rights and advocacy against discrimination, as well as navigating the healthcare system to find affordable laboratory tests and medications. They provide access to second opinions, free psychological and thanatology services, nutritional advice, financial aid for travel, and additional support such as prosthetics, lymphedema sleeves, and wheelchairs.
Empowering Cancer Awareness and Prevention Across Mexico
The AMLCC is a philanthropic organization focused on educating the general population about various cancers, particularly the ten most significant types affecting Mexicans. It aims to raise awareness about cancer risk factors and symptoms while promoting early detection methods, such as mammograms and preventive vaccinations for cervical and liver cancers, alongside healthy lifestyle habits.
The organization also runs a Patient School, offering workshops that equip patients with tools to manage their illnesses and understand their rights. It provides tailored programs for specific cancer types, including full-day journeys for early detection services and financial support for travel to distant appointments. Additionally, low-cost psychological and thanatological services are available to enhance patients’ quality of life. A key aspect of its mission is advocating for public policy changes, such as Universal Health Coverage, to ensure a fair and equitable healthcare system for everyone.
Vision for Uniting Organizations
Mayra Galindo Leal’s philosophy was developed after attending the Congress, where she learned that the American Cancer Society invited various organizations to assist with event organization and attendance. Upon returning to Mexico, she faced challenges in establishing an organization similar to the ACS. This experience motivated her to create a Net Against Cancer, inviting both large and small organizations that addressed different types of cancer, along with hospices, to unite under a common purpose. She believed that no one should leave the group empty-handed; there should always be at least one member available to support the needs of those seeking help.
In addition to this core mission, two other objectives were deemed important: strengthening their capabilities and engaging in public policy, with Tobacco as the initial focus.
For over 20 years, the Net Against Cancer has remained committed to these two objectives, holding monthly meetings to work on their initiatives. Since 2016, they recognized the potential of social networks and, taking advantage of the pandemic, expanded their reach by incorporating representatives from various organizations across nearly 27 out of 32 states in the Republic. They have continued their efforts to enhance their knowledge and capabilities while broadening their public policy programs, extending their influence beyond Mexico City to encompass the entire country.
Mentorship Through Shared Experience
Mayra Galindo Leal’s team at the AMLCC is made up of individuals who have been impacted by cancer. They are dedicated to contributing their time, effort, and energy to the cause. In this environment, mentorship thrives as team members support each other, with mentors setting examples and providing consistent guidance.
MaMayra Galindo Leal yra believes that everyone has a unique talent, and it is important to recognize and utilize these talents within the team to improve productivity and collaboration. When individuals work according to their strengths, they feel secure and at ease, allowing their skills to greatly benefit the team’s success and growth.
Together Against Cancer
The AMLCC has found new technology to be beneficial, particularly during and after the pandemic. This advancement has enabled the organization to unite various groups across the Mexican Republic under a movement called Together Against Cancer. It has reduced the need for travel, allowing members to connect and become acquainted through video calls. Webinars, Zoom meetings, and various online platforms have been essential for their initiatives.
However, not all patients can benefit from these technological resources, as internet access is limited in some areas of the country. Additionally, some patients may struggle with using cell phones effectively.
Setting a New Standard
AMLCC has always embraced its role as a pioneering organization, understanding the responsibility to take proactive steps and set a standard for others. In 2008, it began its efforts in public policy coinciding with the birth of Seguro Popular. The organization recognized a significant opportunity to expand the program to include all cancer pathologies, not just the most common ones like breast and cervical cancer for women or prostate and testicular cancer for men. Thus, it made it its mission to advocate for the inclusion of colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and hematological cancers. Ultimately, colorectal and ovarian cancers were the only ones incorporated, marking the culmination of years of dedicated work.
A Wave of Change
By 1996, when AVON launched its Campaign Against Cancer on Women in Mexico, AMLCC faced significant challenges. The association’s only donations came from neglected Piggy Banks, and financial support from the Ministry of Health had been withdrawn. During this time, AVON selected AMLCC as the recipient of funds from its annual campaigns.
These substantial donations, managed by AMLCC, brought the organization national attention. The funds were used to purchase and distribute over 60 mammography machines to capital cities and other regions, investing millions of pesos in equipment that contributed to the association’s growth and visibility throughout the country.
Five Decades of Cancer Care
Mayra Galindo Leal attributes the organization’s success to its role in supporting Mexico’s population, many of whom lack social security and face a fragmented healthcare system. For 52 years, the association has promoted the motto, “If detected on time, cancer can be cured.” As the only cancer organization in Mexico City for its first two decades, it provided essential resources. Despite challenges like the pandemic, their fundraising efforts have continued, and collaborations through the Net Against Cancer and Net Together Against Cancer have further enhanced their impact.
Resilience in Action
Under the leadership of Mayra Galindo Leal, AMLCC recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary with the inauguration of new offices, navigating several challenges in the process. For over 30 years, it operated from locations provided by the Ministry of Health. In 2003, it received a four-story building in a nearby suburb as an inheritance, allowing it to move in and rent out some apartments to enhance financial sustainability.
However, an earthquake in 2017 caused damage to its building, leading to temporary relocations that lasted only a few months each. In June 2019, it secured new offices in downtown Mexico City, but the COVID-19 pandemic required it to vacate these premises in March 2020. Its former building remained unsold until 2023, marked with a “Building for Sale” sign.
Demonstrating resilience, it found a new house that met its requirements for office space. While the property needed significant renovations, the team is actively working on restoring the ground floor, with plans for the second floor still in progress. This move signifies an important development for the organization.
Quote:
“When you truly believe in God, with faith and confidence in Him, walking by His hand, and your focus is on those suffering from cancer and their families, you face all risks and decisions without hesitation—because you’re in His hands.”
