Selena Martinez

Mak

Patient Advocate for Lynch Syndrome

& Hereditary Cancers

  • About Selena Martinez Mak

    Mother | Patient Advocate | Founder | CORO Northern California Fellow in Public Affairs Alum

    Passion

    In 2008, I was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases one's risk of cancer. Knowing that I have an increased risk for cancer does not slow me down, it only empowers me that much more. I am proactive in my medical screenings to prevent a diagnosis or to detect cancer early. I am a patient advocate for myself, my father, and my family. For the past decade, I have worked tirelessly to educate the public and medical community about the condition. Furthermore, while at UCSF, I helped families every day navigate their care, particularly patients with hereditary colon cancer conditions and who were from underserved or low-income communities.

     

  • My Journey

    Dr. Dawn DeLozier receiving a Proclaimation Letter in Recognition of Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day from the City of Fresno with my help.

    My Lynch Syndrome Story

    Knowledge. Strength. Power.

    In 2008, my family and I were finally diagnosed with a hereditary cancer condition known as Lynch Syndrome. At the time of the diagnosis, there was little advocacy, support or resources regarding the condition. As a result, I started a campaign to address these issues and increase awareness among the general public and medical community. It was also my priority to educate my family and give them the tools to prevent and/or detect another cancer diagnosis.

    Photo (left): the late Dr. Dawn DeLozier, Genetic Counselor Community Medical Center, Clovis-Fresno.

     

    Noel at Woodward Park Photo Shoot, 2013

    My Dad, My Hero

    Survivor. Fighter. Inspiration.

    My dad, Nazario P. Martinez Jr., aka 'Noel' was a cancer fighter, superman #1 we would call him. My dad, recently passed from his battle with gallbladder cancer due to Lynch Syndrome. Cancers included: stomach cancer, colon cancer

    twice, gallbladder cancer (re-occurred 4x), sebaceous carcinoma 6x, and squamous cell carcinoma 2x. He is truly an inspiration and my hero. I miss him dearly.

     

    Photo by Anahy Escalera

     

     

    Dr. Henry Lynch- the tireless hero and advocate of Lynch syndrome. San Francisco 2010.

    Meeting Dr. Henry Lynch

    Doctor. Advocate. Hero

    In 2010, with a couple of years of advocacy under my belt, I had the privilege to meet Dr. Henry Lynch. Dr. Lynch worked tirelessly to document the family histories of colon cancer and hypothesize its genetic link.

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