|
Soraya graces
the cover of LATINA Style on May/June
2005 edition |
 |
Health continues to be one of the most critical
issues facing our community. It is the central theme
of this special issue of LATINA Style. The
key word for heath is prevention, prevention,
prevention. The number of uninsured (45 million
people, by most estimates) is a shame upon our
nation, especially considering that a great number
of them are children. But even for those of us who
are fortunate enough to have health insurance, the
lack of awareness about our health, and the failure
to take preventive measures is truly unforgivable.
One clear example for Latinas is breast cancer.
Though Latinas do not have the highest incidence of
the illness, they do have one of the highest rates
of mortality. This is due in large part to the late
diagnosing of the illness. A great number of deaths
could be prevented through regular testing and
earlier detection. We need to do better! We need to
learn self examination, perform it frequently, have
regular medical checkups and not use the emergency
room as our doctor's visit.
This was and is the message of an incredible Latina
who traveled around the country and the world to
deliver it. She became a spokesperson for the Race
for the Cure program, and through her message
thousands were made aware of the perils of late
detection and the opportunities to defeat this
insidious illness. Her name, of course, is Soraya.
Tragically, Soraya passed away last May after
battling the illness for years. We were fortunate to
have seen her impact and work firsthand. She will be
sorely missed, though her words will live on forever
in her music.
Another urgent issue these days is immigration.
Throughout our country, hundreds of thousands of
Latinos, Latinas and others took to the streets in
peaceful demonstrations that were unlike any other.
The American flag was proudly waved by the marchers
as they made their way across their cities. The
intent to demonstrate the contributions and the
sheer number of undocumented workers in our country
was clearly understood by the White House, Congress
and the Senate. That is the place where this fight
will be decided – but until Hispanics are ready to
assume their responsibility at the polls, our voices
will continue to be stifled. To really be heard, we
must register and we must vote. Nearly three million
Hispanic citizens that were eligible to vote in the
last election chose not to participate. That number
was larger than the margin of victory in the last
presidential race. The message for our community is
clear: Today we march, tomorrow we vote!
Robert E. Bard |
