María Dolores Lasso, known as Lola, has been battling illness since she was 21. Having faced death five times, she is now totally disabled and dedicates her entire life and energy to the Spanish Association Against Cancer
Lola has headed the Lanzarote branch of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (colabora.contraelcancer.es) for the past three years, motivated to set it up by her own personal journey with the disease. ‘While I was hospitalized in Gran Canaria, I noticed former cancer patients visiting the oncology ward as companions, offering soothing cups of tea and infusions. Their stories, encouragement, and shared experience were so uplifting that I wanted to bring that same support to Lanzarote,’ she explains.
‘This is a nationwide association that supports cancer patients and their families. We invest in research and award grants to researchers to raise the cure rate, currently at 53%, up to 70%.’ Lola adds. She also points out that cancer affects men slightly more than women, with breast cancer the most common among women and prostate cancer among men.
‘Although we receive some institutional aid, most of our funding comes from members and donations,’ she says, ‘which all add up, no matter how big or how small. Anyone can donate through our website or when we’re out on the streets with collection boxes and pink ribbons, like on May 8th, our main fundraising day. We don’t set a fixed donation amount; everyone gives what they can. For donations over 100 euros, we issue a certificate.’
‘Of course, all our services are free, and you don’t need to be a member to receive help. Some people have even lent housing to patients in need. We’ve also launched ‘Active Against Cancer,’ an initiative for businesses. Those who contribute annually receive a plaque in recognition of their support.’
Lola’s dedication is deeply personal. ‘I do this because I know firsthand how tough it is – not just for cancer patients, but also for their families and caregivers. I was first diagnosed at 21 and have been close to death five times. On one of those occasions, I got married in the hospital. I’m totally disabled now, so I have a lot of time on my hands which I like to spend helping others. After all, what’s one more stripe for a tiger?’
