Who We Are & Our Inspiration
The year was 2003, and 35 year-old Laura Carrillo and her husband Ralph were the proud parents of two toddlers - Andy (age 3) and Araceli (Celi) (age 1). In May 2003, Laura was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer.
Like many young mothers, Laura chose to breastfeed and perhaps ignored critical symptoms, thinking they were related to the recent birth of Celi. Further testing confirmed the devastating news.
Inspired by Laura’s ongoing struggle, Kathy asked her daughter Maricela if she would join her on a 3-Day journey, to honor Laura. Mari agreed, so Kathy met with Laura and told her of their plans. Laura was so excited and honored that she would be represented in such a special way. Laura even came up with a name for them – The Umpa Lumpas. Kathy promised Laura they would complete every single step of that first 60 mile walk; Laura’s only job was to meet them at the finish line. Unfortunately, Kathy’s first walk was not in HONOR, but in MEMORY of Laura, since she lost her fight on October 16, 2004, just one week prior to the 3-Day, 60-mile event. It was a devastating blow to us all, but the walk went on, just as Laura wanted. In Kathy’s words “I cried often during those three days, but I was so inspired by the walkers surrounding me; this experience would live on forever in my heart.
During the first couple of years, Kathy, her husband Ron Espinoza, and Laura’s husband Ralph, got the word out and worked hard for contributions to support The Umpa Lumpas and their annual walks in Memory of Laura. Most donations were from family, friends and co-workers. Between the years 2004 and 2011, we have raised approximately $190,000.00.
The family, always looking for unique ways to raise funds, was inspired by Ron Espinoza, an avid golfer. He wanted to organize a golf tournament to raise additional funds for the “Cure”. That first year the tournament was held near Tucson with 80 golfers registered. Our golf tournament is now an annual Tucson event, and this year 210 golfers participated. We added a 2nd tournament in Phoenix. In 2011 alone, we raised over $20,000.00.
Many of our contributors had asked if we were registered as a charitable organization 501(c3). In 2010 we took steps to make that a reality!
In reflection, the first 3-Day Walk to honor Laura, has evolved into events which include two annual golf tournaments, bowling fundraisers, 50/50 raffles, a benefit dance to fund an upcoming seminar, and a WIG event.
Now that we have established the Laura B. Carrillo Breast Cancer Foundation, our vision for the funds will be used to organize and conduct seminars to spread the word of how early detection can save lives; how to survive the experience of treatment; the challenges of family and loved ones that are also coping with the effects of the disease; what to expect after treatment and finally, how to cope with the loss of a loved one if treatment is not successful.
It is tough seeing a parent fight cancer through the eyes of a child. Scholarships are being set up to help children continue their education.
We would also like to assist others that may not have the means to pay for a biopsy or mammogram. Our goal is to be a resource for the patient in treatment (or pre-treatment), the Survivor, and the family that lives with the daily reality of Breast Cancer.
Like many young mothers, Laura chose to breastfeed and perhaps ignored critical symptoms, thinking they were related to the recent birth of Celi. Further testing confirmed the devastating news.
Inspired by Laura’s ongoing struggle, Kathy asked her daughter Maricela if she would join her on a 3-Day journey, to honor Laura. Mari agreed, so Kathy met with Laura and told her of their plans. Laura was so excited and honored that she would be represented in such a special way. Laura even came up with a name for them – The Umpa Lumpas. Kathy promised Laura they would complete every single step of that first 60 mile walk; Laura’s only job was to meet them at the finish line. Unfortunately, Kathy’s first walk was not in HONOR, but in MEMORY of Laura, since she lost her fight on October 16, 2004, just one week prior to the 3-Day, 60-mile event. It was a devastating blow to us all, but the walk went on, just as Laura wanted. In Kathy’s words “I cried often during those three days, but I was so inspired by the walkers surrounding me; this experience would live on forever in my heart.
During the first couple of years, Kathy, her husband Ron Espinoza, and Laura’s husband Ralph, got the word out and worked hard for contributions to support The Umpa Lumpas and their annual walks in Memory of Laura. Most donations were from family, friends and co-workers. Between the years 2004 and 2011, we have raised approximately $190,000.00.
The family, always looking for unique ways to raise funds, was inspired by Ron Espinoza, an avid golfer. He wanted to organize a golf tournament to raise additional funds for the “Cure”. That first year the tournament was held near Tucson with 80 golfers registered. Our golf tournament is now an annual Tucson event, and this year 210 golfers participated. We added a 2nd tournament in Phoenix. In 2011 alone, we raised over $20,000.00.
Many of our contributors had asked if we were registered as a charitable organization 501(c3). In 2010 we took steps to make that a reality!
In reflection, the first 3-Day Walk to honor Laura, has evolved into events which include two annual golf tournaments, bowling fundraisers, 50/50 raffles, a benefit dance to fund an upcoming seminar, and a WIG event.
Now that we have established the Laura B. Carrillo Breast Cancer Foundation, our vision for the funds will be used to organize and conduct seminars to spread the word of how early detection can save lives; how to survive the experience of treatment; the challenges of family and loved ones that are also coping with the effects of the disease; what to expect after treatment and finally, how to cope with the loss of a loved one if treatment is not successful.
It is tough seeing a parent fight cancer through the eyes of a child. Scholarships are being set up to help children continue their education.
We would also like to assist others that may not have the means to pay for a biopsy or mammogram. Our goal is to be a resource for the patient in treatment (or pre-treatment), the Survivor, and the family that lives with the daily reality of Breast Cancer.
