Pretty Girls Don't Get Cancer

At age sixteen M. Patricia Diaz was diagnosed with a stage four terminal cancer. Back then, over thirty years ago, she lived in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In this memoir, M. Patricia revisits this harrowed chapter of her life. This true story of generosity, forgiveness, and growth is depicted with broad brushstrokes of Latin American cultural colors. Healing physically, against all medical predictions, was only the beginning of the story. "Pretty Girls Don't Get Cancer" is a testimony to the power of a strong community, personal resiliency, and a grain of faith during a cancer diagnosis. We see how illness affects the individual and the community, and how physical health was only the first step toward healing.

Patricia is an author, a health-supportive chef, and a human resources consultant. Her wellness journey began in 1989 when she was diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer. During the most difficult time in her life, and with the help of friends, family and life mentors, she turned to yoga, plant-based diets, and other alternative techniques to manage her crisis and then gently restore her health after cancer treatments. The lessons Patricia learned, and years of yoga practice led to an enthusiasm for well-being, a search for a depth of knowledge, and provided a compass for her life and career. This passion has led her to pursue training in a plant-based chef program at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City. In 2019, motivated by a desire to start sharing her practice with others, she completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Patricia's philosophies reflect the influence of gurus and teachers that have come into her life. She is passionate about teaching the foundations of yoga and the basics of plant-based diets. She loves to help others connect with their inner wellness coach, and she believes that a genuine practice starts with a strong foundation honoring the principles of 'ahimsa' – first do no harm.