Founder, BeholdBeGold
Juanita’s zest for life is clear in her many passions—salsa dancing, volunteering, traveling, to name a few—and in the energy with which she shares her story. At 10, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After receiving treatment spanning five years and enduring debilitating complications and a recurrence, Juanita recovered.
But her ordeal was not over. “Lifelong health complications have reshaped various aspects of my life, posing ongoing obstacles that require constant adjustment and perseverance,” Juanita said, adding that dental and cognitive problems, including a recent diagnosis of epilepsy, are just a few of those obstacles.
Twenty years after her diagnosis, Juanita is driving a movement to raise awareness and share data about the late effects of childhood cancer treatment. “By sharing our experiences and data, we’re not just advocating for ourselves,” Juanita said, “we’re paving the way for a brighter future for all young people facing cancer.”