Dear Family and Friends,

I hope that this update finds you healthy and happy.

Shortly after my move to New Mexico, I was awarded a grant from The SAMFund, a scholarship fund for young cancer survivors. This grant paid my rent for six months, while I got on my feet in a new city. To date, The SAMFund has awarded a total of $400,000 to close to 200 individuals across the country.

Here, you can find the link to the list of 2008 recipients: The SAMFund

I know that during these financial times, we are all thinking about money... but, I want to thank all of you that contributed to my fundraising efforts for breast cancer last year and/or my roommate Emily's efforts in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. While we often wonder where our money is going when we make a donation to cancer "research," I can attest to you that it is your donations that make scholarships and grants for cancer survivors possible. As a person who knows a lot about debt (ie: student loans), I have come to learn that medical debt is very real for the majority of us.

Thanks again for all of your contributions.

Hugs,
patty

Personal update: I have successfully completed my first year of my dual-master's degree track at the University of New Mexico in Latin American Studies and Community & Regional Planning (a 3-year plan). I am looking forward to my last follow up scan in July 2009. Afterwards, I will continue to have CT scans once every three years. After two trips home to be with family and friends, I plan to return to Buenos Aires for a conference relating to my thesis research on self-governance and alternative economies.