TUCSON, Ariz. — Claudia Arias is not new to the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walks.
She had been a supporter of the cause for years - walking with the University of Arizona Engineering Staff Advisory Council, but she never dreamed she would be walking for herself.
Her doctor gave her the devastating news last year.
“It was Aug. 21, a week before school started. And it was like okay,” she said.
Claudia has undergone three surgeries. She lost both of her breasts.
"And then reconstruction. And there was a delay in the reconstruction because of the pandemic," she said.
Claudia had no clue cancer ran in her Latina family. She said that topic is considered taboo in the Hispanic culture.
“They were asking questions in regards to family and I had to ask my mom and my dad’s side of the family those tough questions, 'Hey, have you heard?'".
Family and friends got her through the entire ordeal, but so did the support team she formed. A team she calls "Claudia’s Crue".
That spelling is no mistake. One of her favorite bands is Motley Crue.
"And I thought everyone looks at them and thinks “Oooo scary”, right? But if you look at their story, there are neat things they’ve done to help their own community," she explains.
So Claudia and her "Crue" will continue to do their part to inspire, to comfort, and to make sure no one walks alone.
