Selena Martinez
Mak
Selena Martinez
Mak
Patient Advocate for Lynch Syndrome
& Hereditary Cancers
Patient Advocate for Lynch Syndrome
& Hereditary Cancers
Articles
For over 15 years Selena has written about her healthcare journey being diagnosed with Lynch syndrome as well as her family's struggle with various cancers and navigating the healthcare system. She has written for Valley Health Magazine in Fresno, Genome Magazine, and patient stories for the Institute for Healthcare Genetics and the Cancer Risk Program at the University of California, San Francisco.
CodeTalker Essay Finalist 2016
By Selena Martinez
Invitae and Genome Magazine in partnership with the National Society of Genetic Counselors created the CodeTalker Award to celebrate the amazing work genetic counselors do for their patients with genetic disorders. The CodeTalker Award called upon patients to nominate a genetic counselor who impacted their lives and to write about it. I nominated UCSF genetic counselor Amie Blanco. Our story was one of three finalist.
Photo by Angela DeCenzo
By Selena Martinez
In the fall of 2014 Genome Magazine asked me to write about my experience with Lynch syndrome and the work I have been doing to increase awareness. I wrote this piece just prior to my dad's diagnosis with his seventh cancer.
Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa
By Selena Martinez
UCSF Institute of Human Genetics launched their new website in September 2013 and asked me to write about my advocacy efforts for their 'patient stories' section.
Photo by Anahy Escalera
Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa
By Selena Martinez
The UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention program asked me to write about my experience being diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome and how I have come to manage my medical screenings and embrace my diagnosis.
Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa
By Selena Martinez
After the diagnosis with Lynch Syndrome, I was able to connect with family. I met my cousins in Texas for the first time. In 2009, I ran the Austin Half Marathon for my Uncle Juan who died from stomach cancer in 2004.
The Book of Life & Selena's Story
Valley Health Magazine
By Dr. Dawn DeLozier & Selena Martinez
Dr. Dawn DeLozier, genetic counselor, at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno and Radin Breast Clinic, wrote an informative piece about genetic counseling, testing and hereditary cancers syndromes to educate and empower the great Fresno community. I provided a patient testimony about my personal experience with Lynch Syndrome.
Spanish Version translated by certified translator/interpreter Margie Sosa
Community Outreach
In order to further raise awareness about Lynch Syndrome and Genetic Counseling and Testing Services, Selena reached out to various newpaper syndicates to write stories about the condition and her family's journey with it. Articles were featured in the Selma Enterprise (Selena's hometown), KAWL news, the UC Davis Aggie, Santa Cruz Sentinel
By Ira Sather
The first half marathon of my campaign was in honor of my dad, Noel. To promote awareness and gain attention about my efforts, I reached out to my hometown newspaper, The Selma Enterprise, to write a story on my family. The article featured my father and his experience with cancer.
Photo by Selena Martinez Mak
By Erica Mu
To the spread the word about Lynch Syndrome in the San Francisco Bay Area, I contacted KAWL news radio to write a story about my efforts of running half marathons and increasing awareness about Lynch Syndrome
Photo by Brian Fong
*This article is no longer available online.
By Andre Lee
I reached out to my alma mater, UC Davis, to write a story about our participation in the Santa Cruz Half Marathon to honor my sister's fight with cancer. Friends and family were able to join in and raise awareness.
Photo by Anahy Escalera
By Abby Sinnott
UCSF Patient Profiles wrote a piece about my family's diagnosis and my efforts to increase awareness.
* This article is no longer available online.
By Cathy Kelly
I reached out to the Santa Cruz Sentinal about my advocacy efforts and participation in the Santa Cruz Half Marathon to honor my sister's fight with cancer. My sister graduated from UC Santa Cruz and so was meaningful to run in a significant place to her. Friends and family were able to join in and raise awareness.
Photo by Brian Fong
Karem Rodriguez
My father and I were featured in a passion project created by Karem Rodriguez on her Instagram page 'inspiramex'.
More about inspiramex:
InspiraMex Mexicanos en SF. Diferentes historias, diferentes presentes, con un origen en común | Mexicans in SF. Different stories with a common origin.
*Instagram page no longer available.
REsources
In order to further raise awareness about Lynch Syndrome and Genetic Counseling and Testing Services, Selena partnered with Lynch Syndrome International and Myriad Genetics to serve as a patient perspective and help to educate both the medical community and the general public.
Genetic Alliance
Genetic Alliance, in collaboration with Lynch Syndrome International, developed brochures to help educate patients and the medical community about the signs of Lynch Syndrome. My story was featured in the 'Lynch Syndrome' brochure.
Chinese and Spanish versions are also available. Please contact me for more information.
Photo by Brian Fong
Myriad Genetics Laboratory
I am a 'Hereditary Cancer Champion' at Myriad Genetics. After participating in their Hereditary Cancer Workshops they featured my story in their case studies to educate physicians about Lynch Syndrome.
