Three breast cancer survivors were honored at the UTEP-Tulsa football game Wednesday, October 21 in the Sun Bowl. One of those survivors was YISD secretary Dolores Armendariz.
Armendariz, who works in the Facilities and Construction office in Central Office, was diagnosed with cancer on Aug. 5 and had a mastectomy on Aug. 25. She has just recently begun chemotherapy. Despite the life changing events that she has undergone, Armendariz remains positive and sees her ordeal as a blessing.

“It gives you a different perspective on life. I feel blessed in a way because … I consider this a second chance,” Armendariz said.

She said her diagnosis has given her a chance to reflect on life, take it day by day and use her “gift of gab” to spread a message of hope and inspiration.

“I’m willing to share my story so others know not to be afraid, so they don’t live in fear, so they know to enjoy what you have.”

Armendariz, who has worked with YISD for four years, said once she was diagnosed, she and her husband visited the Susan G. Komen office and met with outreach manager Maria Sanchez. Sanchez was inspired by Armendariz’s strength. Armendariz said Sanchez has been offering her support and guidance ever since that first meeting. When Sanchez was given the opportunity to honor cancer victims at the UTEP game, she approached Armendariz because she left a strong impression on her.

“She said that we made an impact on her because I went in with my husband and we were trying to get educated (on breast cancer awareness),” Armendariz said.

Her biggest supporter, she said, has been her husband. “He has been my rock. When I started the chemo, he was the one who was reading up on it and would tell me you need to do this or this,” Armendariz said. He has been instrumental in helping her get through it all.

The diagnosis, surgery and chemo has been tough, she said, mostly because people don’t know what to say. “But it turns you to faith and it teaches you to appreciate each day.”