Latina Political Trailblazer, Gloria Molina, Shares That She Has Terminal Cancer

Latina Political Trailblazer, Gloria Molina, Shares That She Has Terminal Cancer
Credit: Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Some sad news has come to light recently. Gloria Molina, who is a history-making Latina politician, announced via a Facebook post that she has been battling terminal cancer for three years.  

Molina, 74, became the first Latina to be elected to the California State Assembly, the Los Angeles City Council, and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Notably, she represented the 1st District for 23 years.  

According to NBC News, she helped prevent a proposal to build a state prison near schools and neighborhoods in East L.A., which is mainly populated by Latinos/es.  

During her time in service to her district, she also advocated for women’s health. In fact, she was key in the lawsuit “Madrigal v. Quilligan” filed by Mexican American women who were steered into involuntary sterilizations at a Los Angeles medical center. The LAist among other organizations has shared how important she’s been to L.A. as well.  

Her work can be physically seen throughout L.A. For example, it was noted by NBC News that she helped develop parkland in its inner cities. Aside from that, she was instrumental in tapping into federal aid for the L.A. county’s public health system. There are numerous other examples of her impactful work and it’s a given that her political activism will be something that will be remembered for many years.  

What Gloria Molina said

Find the text to her Facebook post below.  

Dearest friends and beloved community, 

I’ve lived a long, fulfilling and beautiful life. 

For the last three years I have battled terminal cancer. While I’ve been getting treatment, at this point, it is very aggressive. 

You should know that I’m not sad. I enter this transition in life feeling so fortunate. I have an amazing and caring family, wonderful friends, and worked with committed colleagues and a loyal team. Throughout my life I’ve had the support of many people. 

I have a great daughter, son-in-law, a precious grandchild and another one on the way. I’m so excited!  

I’m really grateful for everyone in my life and proud of my family, career, mi gente, and the work we did on behalf of our community.  

I am very appreciative of the doctors, nurses and health care professionals at City of Hope, especially Dr. Christina Yeon and Dr. Manisha Trivedi. They have taken good care of me. 

Most of all, I am fortunate to have this time to spend with family, friends and those who are special to me. 

Thank you all for your love and support. 

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