Breast Cancer Research Saves Lives #BeTheEnd

Darlene’s Story

Darlene Tamayo is the wife of Willie Tamayo, who founded La Tortilla Factory with his parents and brothers in 1977.

In June 2011, Darlene Tamayo was diagnosed with breast cancer. A­n advocate for early detection, Darlene had been getting annual mammograms for years. When one such exam, and subsequent ultrasound, discovered cancer, she and her family were stunned. While nothing could prepare them for the diagnosis, the family rallied around Darlene as she embarked on her difficult journey. Her doctor recommended chemotherapy to attempt to shrink the tumor, and then a lumpectomy to remove it. Fearing the effects of chemotherapy, Darlene was relieved when a test revealed that she would not need it. Instead, she opted to go directly to surgery, where doctors were able to remove the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes that contained cancer with clear margins. After thirty-three radiation treatments, Darlene’s cancer was gone.

Today she is three years cancer-free and grateful to the many healthcare providers who gave her the best possible care available. Her advice for women everywhere is to speak to your physician about mammograms for early detection and always trust your instincts.

 

 

Darlene & Willie Tamayo

#BeTheEnd of Cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer*.  The Tamayo family has been personally touched by the disease and is strongly convicted in the support of research and education to help find a cure. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are donating $0.25 cents of every limited edition package sold to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, with a minimum donation of $25,000.00.  Look for our pink packaged tortillas in participating grocery stores across the nation.  Shop pink for a cure and #BeTheEnd of cancer.

 

*American Cancer Society

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) advances the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $500 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivorship and metastasis. This year, BCRF will invest $47 million in annual grants to more than 220 researchers at leading medical institutions across six continents, making the foundation one of the largest non-governmental funders of breast cancer research in the world. Through its Evelyn H. Lauder Founder’s Fund, BCRF has also committed $11.6 million in 2014-15 to an international research initiative focused on breast cancer metastasis. By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness, BCRF remains one of the nation’s most fiscally responsible nonprofits. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization with an “A+” from CharityWatch, and has been awarded Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars 12 times since 2002. Join us at www.bcrfcure.org