My mom, Marila Cervantes was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2006. After she had the whipple procedure on her birthday, December 18, 2006 I wanted to do something for my mom. I wanted to make sure that she didn’t feel alone. After researching information and learning about this horrific disease, we knew we had to do something about it!
In 2007 I searched for walks and events for pancreatic cancer and that’s where I can across the Hirshberg Foundation and I immediately called my mom to tell her about it. I remember as if it were yesterday because she started to cry. I asked her why she was crying and she said because I was doing the best to keep her in good spirits and learn about the disease. I told her that I wanted to have a team to honor her…that’s when TEAM MARILA was formed. To honor my mom, to help her through her battle and now to keep her memory alive through us. It is also very important for TEAM MARILA to bring awareness, spread the word, and help others.
Unfortunately, my mom was only able to attend 1 event and that was the LA Cancer Challenge in 2008. Since then, it has become our tradition to make sure that we attend in her memory.
