Alejandra Mendez, Vice President of Childhood Cancer International, recognized among 100 Influential Women in Oncology in 2025 by OncoDaily, shared a post on LinkedIn:
” There are stories worth sharing: success stories that excite, stories of resilience and strength that impact, stories of smiles that are never forgotten.
Today I met Valentina, one of my former students from the hospital school of the Hospital Dr. Exequiel González Cortes. During her cancer treatment, “Vale” was always happy, she always smiled, she never complained. She was an enthusiastic student, always wanting to learn more, the kind of student you never forget. Although I tried to hide it, Vale was my favorite student.
When students leave hospital schools and return to their hometowns, teachers hope not to see them again. Although we miss them, not seeing them again means that they are healthy, that there is no relapse, that the damn cancer is gone. Many times seeing them again on the hospital grounds is synonymous with the worst news.
Today I met Vale again in the hospital. A happy and exciting encounter: She is in her second year of nursing and is preparing for her professional practice. Words are superfluous.. only gratitude. We both cried with joy.
Thank you Valentina for giving me the strength and inspiration to keep going.
Photos from 2021 and 2026 (authorized by Valentina for this publication).”
More posts featuring Alejandra Mendez.
