Griselda Sanchez, founder and CEO of Fe, Vida y Esperanza Cancer Foundation, dedicates her service to her brother, Noe Sanchez. In 2013, Noe was diagnosed with a rare cancer while getting an x-ray for a routine physical at his job. His journey battling cancer lead to several chemotherapy treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and a couple different cancer diagnosis. Through it all, Noe never lost his ability to laugh or enjoy the pleasures of life. His will to live and savor the time he had left influenced Griselda to help others in her community.

Like many families, Noe and his family were left afraid and hopeless when they heard the news: cancer. There was a tough road ahead and an unknown future. In the midst of the pain and suffering, Noe was able to laugh. He loved getting together with family and friends at holidays, birthdays, or on any particular weekend. Everyone enjoyed his light-hearted personality and desire to joke and tease. He was the clown of the family even in the midst of his journey. Noe also loved his Jeep, joining family and friends at a cook out, going out to dinner, or having random midnight fast food runs with his wife. If there’s one thing that he appreciated more than thoughts and prayers, it was someone’s afternoon where they could eat a meal and laugh. Noe’s journey inspired Griselda to not only support and educate others in the Latinx community about cancer, but also provide an atmosphere where they can come together and laugh.

Fe, Vida y Esperanza Cancer Foundation aims to honor Noe’s memory by creating resources to cancer survivors and those who are still on their journey. Griselda also host meetings and events where the warriors can come together and enjoy a meal with each other—and maybe, with Noe’s spirit lurking, share a laugh or two.