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Patsy Romero talks about helping others

When Patsy Romero was appointed to the California Division Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society in 2004, she became the first Latina from Kern County to sit on the organization’s statewide board.

As one of five Latinos out of 65 board members, Romero actively promotes diversity in hiring of staff and volunteer recruitment as critical to the health care and early detection of cancer in the Hispanic community.

Romero also is involved in the day-to-day activities of the Kern County office of the American Cancer Society.

When she is not giving a presentation on early detection and prevention of cancer, she is calling Spanish-speaking patients to tell them about ACS services, or helping organize the organization’s fund-raising events, always trying to add a Latin flavor. Romero shared her perspective and background with Más:

Q: Tell me about your family history?  

A: My mother was born in Bakersfield.  My grandmother was born in Lake Isabella.  My father came from the great state of Jalisco, Mexico.  He was 6 years old when he came to Bakersfield, by way of Texas and the Southern Pacific Railroad, where his father was employed.  My parents were doers all of their lives.  My father was the first Hispanic to get his pilot’s license in Bakersfield.  He was also National Archery Champion in the 1940s.  He also had a catering business and catered events such as the Glenville Rodeo, which fed over 4,000 people.  My mother served with various organizations throughout her life.  She was a member of the first Inter-racial Council of Bakersfield, the Community Service Organization, Logia 40, Democratic Central Committee, and worked every election until she became ill.  Our home was even used as a voting precinct.  My brother, Dr. Ray Gonzales, was the first Latino from Kern County to be elected as a State legislator.  He was also an instructor on the first teaching staff at Cal State Bakersfield. My older brother, Big Al (Alfonso Gonzales), is very well knows in the western vaqueros community in the Kern County. We are definitely connected to Bakersfield!

Q:  Did you speak English or Spanish growing up?

A: I spoke Spanish only to my grandmother who died when I was 11.  My parents always spoke Spanish to me, but I always answered in English.  I speak English at home, but speak Spanish as needed when doing volunteer work.

Q:  What are some of your community activities?

A:  American Cancer Society’s California Division Board of Directors; Regional Council Chair for the Great Valley Region South American Cancer Society; Council Member of the Kern County Council American Cancer Society; Rolling Reader with the Bakersfield City School District; and Religious Education Instructor with St. Francis Church.

Q: What do you like about serving on the American Cancer Society board?

A: I enjoy being able to work with the Hispanics in the area of cancer prevention and increase awareness that leads to saving lives.

Q:  What inspires you to be involved in community activities?

A: Savings lives is why I do what I do.  What inspires me is when I see women who have been screened and their findings are positive at an early stage.  We then do what is necessary, and they go on to live healthy normal lives as cancer survivors.

Q: How does your cultural background or ethnicity play a role in your community involvement?  

A:  I can relate to Hispanic women on a one-on-one basis.  You need to gain their trust.  Once you do that, they will listen to you and take your advice on what they need to do in the area of health care.  I have only been able to do this because of my cultural background.   I am one of the very few Hispanics on the state board.  The board is well represented in the area of African-Americans and Asians, but is lacking in Hispanic representation.  I am always bringing this issue up to the officers of the board.  It is currently a priority issue for the 2005/2006 year.

Q:  What part of your culture drives you to the issues that you fight for on the board you serve?

A: I feel that the Hispanic community hasn’t received the quality health care that they should be receiving in California, especially in the areas of education, prevention, and early detection.  Any small part that I can do I will continue to do and hope it will make a difference.

Q:  Do you have Latino/Latina role models?

A: Yes, my parents.  

Q:  Do  other Latinos look up to you as a role model?

A: I feel that my children and grandson consider me a Latina role model.  Also my two goddaughters.

Q:  Any funny anecdotes that reflect your cultural pride?

A: Even though only five Hispanics sit on the California Division board, it’s funny how we always seem to end up together. Also when booking a reservation for an out-of-town board meeting, if you don’t specify a roommate, they will always give you a Latina roommate.  They assume that would be my preference.  They don’t realize that I might not even care for that person.  Well there’s only two of us, and actually, they made my day!

Q:  Best advice to give our younger Latino generation?

A: Be proud of who you are and where you came from, treat others, as you would like to be treated, and always, strive for  higher education. 

By MARIA MACHUCA
Special to Más