Welcome to the new Círculo de Vida (CDV) web site. In October, CDV celebrates its 13th anniversary - a good opportunity to step back and reflect on how far we've come.

Over the past five years, CDV has made significant organizational changes. We have expanded programming by adding support services for Latino men living with cancer, and for children and teens who have a parent diagnosed with cancer. We have new staff whose expertise, commitment and energy are major assets to our organization, and who are supported by a phenomenal Board of Directors. We are now an independent organization in a new site in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco.

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for anyone, but Latinos face numerous issues that too often are not addressed in traditional approaches to cancer support and care. These issues include poverty, culture and language barriers to accessing information, and lack of health insurance.

Imagine a woman losing her job during an extended hospital stay; a child dropping out of school to bring in extra income and care for younger siblings; a single immigrant woman facing homelessness when she is no longer able to work; or a terminally ill Latino having no one to care for him in his final months. At CDV we focus on the non-medical needs of a Latino living with cancer, including both the emotional and material/physical support Latinos need to cope with trauma and disruption in their lives. We work toward insuring that support and resources are available when they need them the most.

I wish I could say that CDV will close its doors in 2005 because cancer has been eradicated. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Each year more and more Latinos are diagnosed with cancer. So our services must also keep pace. I hope as you get to know Círculo de Vida, you will join our circle of friends by supporting our work, our clients, and our community.

From all of us at CDV, we welcome you again and thank you for your support.

Carmen Ortiz, Ph.D.
Executive Director