STORY SUMMARY
Thousands of New Mexicans battle cancer annually, and the Lobo Cancer Challenge event raises essential funds for patient care and research at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, the state’s official cancer treatment facility. One inspiring story highlights Ana Aguilera, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2021. Initially misdiagnosed with severe COVID-19, Ana was airlifted to Albuquerque for immediate treatment. Despite setbacks, including a treatment-refractory leukemia and a required out-of-state bone marrow transplant, Ana eventually received a life-saving transplant from her son at UNM’s newly established bone marrow program. Now cancer-free for a year, Ana’s journey underscores the importance of local advancements in cancer care. The Lobo Cancer Challenge continues to support such initiatives, inviting residents to donate or participate via LoboCancerChallenge.org.
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FULL STORY
The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center continues to make significant strides in cancer treatment and research, particularly through the efforts of events like the Lobo Cancer Challenge. This initiative not only raises crucial funds for patient care and research but also brings advanced treatments to New Mexico. Among the many patients benefiting from such advancements is Ana Aguilera from Las Cruces, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in May 2021. Initially airlifted to Albuquerque, Ana’s situation required specialized treatments, ultimately leading her to need a bone marrow transplant.
Previously, patients requiring such transplants had to seek treatment out of state. Ana’s first transplant attempt led her to Phoenix, with a donor from Brazil, but her cancer relapsed in 2023. Fortunately, the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center had recently begun offering allogenic transplants, allowing Ana to undergo the procedure in-state. With her 22-year-old son volunteering as the donor, Ana underwent another transplant under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Ferro, who heads the UNM BNM Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy Program. Dr. Ferro’s expertise highlights the potential of allogenic transplants to not only eradicate disease in the bone marrow but also provide a new immune system to attack residual leukemia.
Since the initiation of the allogenic transplant program at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, many other patients have benefited from this life-saving treatment. Ana’s successful transplant and recovery exemplify the profound impact of having such advanced treatments available locally, contributing to her being cancer-free for over a year now. The ongoing efforts of events like the Lobo Cancer Challenge continue to be pivotal in supporting these medical advancements, encouraging the community to contribute through donations or participation in fundraising activities such as biking, running, walking, or stair climbing.
