Rosa Francia-Meneses

Global Action for the Eradication of Breast Cancer

Rosa Francia-Meneses

Founding President, PBCN

28 August 1952 - 23 September 2000

Rosa was a most gallant breast cancer gladiator who exemplified courage and bravery,

not only in her personal battle with a formidable enemy but much more in her unquestionable commitment to the global movement for the eradication of breast cancer.

During her 43 months of intense struggle with an unacceptable disease, Rosa refused chemotherapy or radiation - always maintaining the honor and dignity of all women living with breast cancer.

Within that brief period, she gained international respect and recognition by being the lone Philippine

breast cancer delegate in the 1st World Conference on Breast Cancer in Kingston, Ontario in July 1997; by being a Plenary Speaker in the Brussels World Conference on Breast Cancer Advocacy in March 1999; and finally by being a Keynote Speaker in the 2nd World Conference on Breast Cancer in Ottawa in July 1999, where she received a thunderous standing ovation.

Rosa found herself in a war she did not choose. But in her remaining days, there was this one crucial battle she chose - the "Climb Against the Odds" in Mt. Fuji in August 2000.

Though she was already mortally wounded and the risk of endangering her life was so great, she had a mission to accomplish and she willingly went and struggled to the very end. It was an arena that cost her life but not her spirit.

Rosa lost her breast and eventually lost her life, but she never lost her brave fighting heart.

Rosa was given her wings to fly a day right after

the Five-Hour ABS-CBN Telethon - the summit of her advocacy, which finally made breast cancer a national public health issue in the Philippines.Her life struggle has touched and moved thousands across the country and the entire world.

ROSA LIVES FOREVER!

"Rosa had always been a fighter. The ripples that she started will go on for a long time. She was the quintessential Filipina woman - holding family together till the end. She said she was not in pain but I could feel her pain. The true heroes of today are people like Rosa. Mabuhay!"

- Gabby Lopez, Chairman & CEO, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

Rosa was born a Dragon from a Dragon father.

She married a Dragon and bore a Dragon Son.

She was finally reborn in the Year of the Dragon.

Plenary Talks of Rosa

1999 Brussels World Conference on Breast Cancer : http://www.philsol.nl/A99a/RosaM-mar99.htm

1999 Ottawa World Conference on Breast Cancer : http://www.philsol.nl/A99b/PBCN-Ottawa-july99.htm

In Memory of Rosa

http://www.pinoykasi.homestead.com/files/2000articles/093262000_Patients.htm
http://www.cbcn.ca/en/?page=5345&category=801&section=1&region=ALL&prevsearch=danny%20meneses

http://www.breastcancerprayerflags.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=jkLUI2OXH&b=107510&ct=84569

http://www.cbcn.ca/en/?section=6&category=193&regionid=&page=1092

http://www.stopcancer.org/default2.asp?active_page_id=88
http://www.isiswomen.org/library/webres/web-sexid.htm