About

I was very fortunate to have lived the first 24 years of my life without being aware of cancer. To be clear, I was aware of what cancer was as far as the different types of cancer and details such as this, but that was the extent of my knowledge. Like most, I was completely ignorant to the effects that cancer had on its victims and their families.  This completely changed for me when my uncle was diagnosed with Leukemia and shortly thereafter my grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer.

My life was changed forever as I witnessed first hand what cancer can do, not only to the individual, but all the loved ones standing closely nearby.  Watching my uncle and his wife worry about how they were going to cover the cost of treatment and continue paying for their home and children’s education was shocking and frustrating to me.  Here was my uncle, fighting the biggest battle of his life, and he has to worry about how he is going to pay for it.

The truth of the matter is that cancer is a widespread problem, and in one way or another, almost everyone will be affected by it at some point.  Seeing the struggles my uncle went through inspired me to want to do something about it.  I wanted to help not only those within my family, but all those who are facing cancer and unable to afford the treatment they need for the fight.

In my research, I came across hundreds of amazing charities that are raising money for research to help find the cure, which I find to be so imperative, and strongly believe that someday we will find it. However my idea was to offer patients something more immediate.  I wanted to provide something for those who cannot wait for that someday, but who need that HOPE now to get the treatment needed to fight for their life.  This is where the idea for Take Hope Against Cancer came about.  While there may no promise for a cure for this disease within the next year or even the next couple of years, we can offer hope to those who are battling the disease now by providing the financial means to afford the treatment, which may allow them to get better and survive! The harsh reality that is cancer is out there right now, and Take Hope wants to allow those dealing with it first hand the opportunity to battle it and give them the HOPE they need to overcome it. I truly believe sometimes it is this HOPE that can make all the difference.

Thanks to the generosity of others, my uncle Cesar T. Odio is currently in remission and continues his battle everyday.  My grandmother, Bertha Buigas, unfortunately passed away on October 10, 2009, she is missed everyday, and I will continue this mission in her memory.

We’re on a mission, but we can’t get there without you. We have a multitude of ways you can support our cause. Please take a moment to peruse our website to find a way that is comfortable for you to participate. Thank you for your consideration and continued support.

With love and gratitude,

Cristina Bustamante
Founder and CEO