About Us

We believe that health care is a human right. We envision a world where individuals, especially those most impacted by injustice, are organized, informed, and leading the transformation of a healthcare system rooted in equity, dignity, and liberation. Latinas Contra Cancer was founded in 2003 by Ysabel Duron, an award-winning journalist and visionary cancer survivor, with the goal of confronting the deep disparities Latino families face within the cancer care system. What started as a small, bold vision to address these gaps has since grown into a powerful health justice movement. Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to organize, advocate, and support Latinos and their families at every stage of the cancer continuum. Since Darcie Green stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2018, Latinas Contra Cancer has strengthened and expanded its work around the belief that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. With her vision rooted in liberation, healing, justice, and joy, Darcie has guided the organization to center the lived experiences of our community and transform how care is delivered. Under her leadership, LCC has deepened its impact, addressing health disparities, elevating Latino voices, and creating pathways for systemic change. Darcie’s 20+ years of experience in public policy, health equity, education, and community-based safety have fueled LCC’s growth as a Latina-led, Latina-focused organization committed to building a future of connection, joy, and transformation for all. Through our culturally and linguistically responsive programs, we provide cancer education, connect patients to essential screenings, and guide them through the entire continuum of cancer care. This journey encompasses prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Our trained promotoras, trusted community members, support families in navigating a healthcare system that is often unprepared to meet their needs. By filling the gaps left by institutions, we ensure patients attend appointments, understand their treatment plans, and receive the support necessary for healing, stability, and care. As Latinas Contra Cancer continues to grow, we have adapted to meet the evolving needs of our community. In recent years, we’ve forged strong partnerships with health plans to provide Community Health Worker (CHW) and Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services, further expanding our reach and ability to support families in need. These critical services ensure that patients receive personalized, coordinated care, offering a more holistic approach to their health and well-being. By collaborating with health plans, we’ve been able to integrate our services more directly into the healthcare system, enhancing care access for our community. In addition to expanding our services, we have launched initiatives like Defensoras: Healthcare Advocate Learning Space, a facilitated, collaborative, and interactive space designed to build the power of individuals in healthcare advocacy. This program focuses on healthcare delivery and payer systems, effective patient advocacy, addressing race and gender-based health disparities, and utilizing a community organizing approach to create an equitable and inclusive healthcare system. Through this space, we build the power of those most impacted by medical racism, corporate greed, and systemic inequity, training individuals to lead the charge in transforming the system. Today, our fight for health justice has never been more urgent. At Latinas Contra Cancer, we are not just support group facilitators, promotoras, and patient navigators, we are also researchers, advocates, organizers, and Defensoras. Together, we are building a future where healthcare is equitable, community-rooted, and driven by the people it serves. We don’t just imagine a better system; we are creating it. A system where care is local, accessible, and anchored in dignity. A system where thriving, not just surviving, is the standard.