FORCE
N. Miami Beach, FL
Debbie’s journey started in June 2010 when she was diagnosed with TNBC and a BRCA1 gene mutation. She is passionate about encouraging anyone with a family history of cancer to get genetic testing so they can avoid going through what she did. In 2023 she participated in a research study for BRCA mutation carries to diagnose pancreatic cancer. She was recommended to test for other gene mutations. They discovered that she also carries a Lynch Syndrome mutation (PMS2). She is a volunteer of FORCE (Facing Hereditary Cancer Empowered). She volunteers with many organizations to advance research for cancer patients. She is a graduate of the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Project Lead program, an advocate for the Cancer Policy Action Team (CPAT) and Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF), a peer reviewer for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP-Breast Cancer), CPRIT and a peer reviewer for Susan G. Komen – Career Catalyst Research and ASPIRE Grants. Since 2018 she attended many conferences including ASCO, AACR-SSP program, Lynn Sage Symposium, SABCS-Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation program, and FORCE conferences, MBCRC, FLASCO, and Sylvester survivorship Symposium. In 2022 and 2024 she attended Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos in San Antonio. She was one of the organizers and mentor for a group of 15 Latina advocates. In December 2024 she was a panelist and poster author during the SABCS. Advocacy opportunities during 2023 and 2024 included SGK/FORCE advocacy days in Tallahassee, March 2023/2024; NBCC in-person advocacy day, DC May 2023 and 2025; FORCE virtual advocacy day, September 2023 and May 2024; FBCF virtual advocacy days, November 2023-24; and SGK Advocate Summit and CPAT with NCCS, Washington DC, June 2024. Her areas of concentration are hereditary cancer that includes support, education, access to clinical trials/research, and advocacy. She is also involved in research to serve the Hispanic/Latino communities. She is the mother of 2 sons. She lives in Miami and is originally from Argentina.