Diana Suárez

housekeeper, the Pavilion at Queens for Rehabilitation & Nursing

Last year, Diana Suárez was playing with her 2-year-old daughter, Eliana, when she felt a burning sensation in her chest. So, she went to see her doctor, who suggested she get a mammogram right away.

Diana took his advice and was diagnosed with breast cancer, but because of the early detection, she was able to quickly begin treatment. She underwent a double mastectomy and needed six months of chemotherapy, followed by radiation. The process would not be easy, and she had seen family members go through treatment. Two years earlier, her husband was diagnosed with throat cancer and she also watched her grandmother fight breast cancer.

Listen to Diana’s story.

“Sometimes I felt like I wasn’t going to make it,” she said. “But then I would think about my daughter, and I kept battling.”

Although Diana was worried about how she would handle the treatment, she was thankful that her job as a housekeeper at The Pavilion at Queens for Rehabilitation & Nursing was safe and that her 1199SEIU health benefits would cover her every step of the way. “I’m very grateful for my benefits,” she said. “Because of them, I had one less thing to worry about on my health journey.”

Diana found another source of inspiration in the For Your Benefit magazine that arrived last year, just when things were at their most difficult. Reading about Melissa Spells, another 1199er who beat breast cancer, and watching her Members’ Voices video, gave Diana the hope she needed. “I had tears in my eyes when I saw her story,” she said. “I said if Melissa can survive this, I can too. I want to thank her for sharing her story.”

Diana’s determination paid off and she’s finished her radiation treatment. She’s feeling better, and in a few months she’ll be ready for reconstructive surgery. While the whole experience has been challenging, it’s given Diana clarity. “Going through this made me realize I have to let go of my fears,” she said. “Not just about breast cancer, but about everything in my life.”

Diana was always afraid to learn how to drive. But surviving has given her a chance to overcome that fear. Her husband bought her a used car and she earned her license this past summer. “For the first time in my life, I can drive a car. I’m very excited,” she said.

Originally from Colombia, Diana is also taking advantage of the Benefit Funds’ online classes to learn English. Her Child Care Fund benefits are helping to cover babysitting costs, giving her more time to accomplish her goals. Her new routine includes eating healthier, walking more and taking online Zumba classes. Diana is grateful for all her 1199SEIU benefits. “Without coverage for my treatment and medications, the outcome could have been different,” she said. “Instead, I feel reborn. And I’m so thankful for the support I received from my husband, family and co-workers.”

What’s Diana’s advice for fellow 1199 members? “Get screened for breast cancer as soon as you can,” she said. “And if you do need treatment, don’t lose hope, keep fighting!”