Local foundation organizes cancer walk

Ovarian cancer is one of the top causes of cancer-related death among women, according to the World Health Organization. One local organization set up a run Sunday morning to inform more women on the dangers of the illness.

The Diana Zavala I Will Live Foundation was founded by her and her husband after she came down with the disease.

“She was diagnosed in 1999 with ovarian cancer, in 2011 she relapsed,” Martin Zavala, her husband and foundation co-founder, said.

Diana died last January, but her legacy lives on.

“We’re trying to help the community of El Paso, especially the women of El Paso suffering of ovarian cancer, to help them with their financial needs as well, and ovarian cancer awareness,” said Martin.

The organization held their second annual “I Will Live” 5K, using the run to send their main message, “Early detection is key to save lives.”

Elsa Maldonado, a cancer patient, said early detection is made difficult since the symptoms are sometimes overlooked.

“If you’re experiencing bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, get checked,” said Martin Zavala.

“I would recommend that every woman ask for a CA-125 blood test,” said Maldonado.

For now, Diana Zavala’s goal of informing women about ovarian cancer lives on through her foundation.

For more information on the foundation you can visit their website: http://diwlf.org/