Volunteer Spotlight: Elsa Rodriguez-Trejo

Read a Q& A with DBCC Volunteer and Peer Mentor, Elsa Rodriguez-Trejo of Millsboro

How did you find out about DBCC?

Elsa (left) with her college friend Nilda from Argentina

I was a high school math teacher in Pennsylvania before I retired in June of 2008.  My husband and I moved to Millsboro, DE, immediately, but it was not until October of that year that we joined social groups at our church.  Through one of them, the Knights of Columbus, I met two special ladies, members of DBCC, who asked me if I was interested in becoming a mentor.  One woman gave me the Lewes' office phone number, and [DBCC Program Manager] Cheryl Doucette invited me to participate in one of the Nurture with Nature programs.  I enjoyed that trip immensely.  It was great to be among so many breast cancer survivors with a positive attitude and ready to enjoy life.   I attended the Peer Mentor training with Kelli Meoli and Cheryl, and a couple of weeks after that I became a mentor. 

That's wonderful that you are a peer mentor.  What made you decide to become one?

I was diagnosed in Pennsylvania on June 22, 2004, one day short of my 59^th birthday.  What made my journey, not only easier, but deeply meaningful, was the love and support of the people in my life.

My husband, although very fearful, walked with me every step.  We made treatment decisions together, and shared joys and sorrows.  My five children came to help at the time of my surgery, one of my daughters from Texas.  The two that lived closer took me to the chemotherapy treatments....and my friends!!  So many of them had had breast cancer!  Some I knew, some I did not, and all of them were a fountain of information and support!  One of my friends shaved my head when I started to lose my hair.  I don't know if I would have felt so well without her kindness and help.

Although chemotherapy was devastating, at the same time was the most blessed time in my life.  I knew then and there that the support from my family and friends is essential.  I gave it in Pennsylvania without belonging to any organization because four of my friends were diagnosed after I was.  In Delaware, I do it through DBCC’s Peer Mentor Support program.

What is a memorable moment you have had being a mentor to someone else through their breast cancer journey?

The most memorable moment was three or four weeks ago at Nanticoke Cancer Center.  I was called to meet a newly diagnosed patient that could not speak English.  At the end of this meeting, my new mentee shared that it was the first time that she didn’t cry from the moment she entered the hospital until she left.  She needed to know that someone understood her.

Anything else you would like to add about DBCC or yourself?

I am 65 now, a six and one-half year survivor and I live in the moment.  It is God's love that has brought me this far and eventually will bring me home.