From Cancer Survivor to Community Champion

"I kept asking, 'How am I going to get home?' And at that moment they told me, 'Don't worry, we'll take care of it,' and since then, I have never felt alone."

"Yo decía, ¿cómo voy a ir a mi casa? Y en ese momento me dijeron, ‘No te preocupes, nosotros nos encargaremos de eso,’ y desde ahí nunca me sentí sola."

— Sonia Elizabeth Ulloa

A moment that changed everything

Sonia Elizabeth Ulloa has never forgotten those words because they changed the course of her life.

A thyroid cancer survivor, Sonia came to Adventist Health White Memorial carrying fear and uncertainty. What she found was more than medical care. She found a community that stayed by her side.

"Bendito sea Dios, aquí sigo."

"Thank God, I am still here," she said.

Finding support through community

After surgery in 2007, Sonia returned for follow-up care and discovered the Community Well-Being Center and its ¡Vive Bien! program. Through nutrition classes, wellness education, and support groups, she found encouragement to rebuild her health and confidence.

Along the way, she formed lasting relationships with team members Maribel Lopez, Araceli Marquez, and Daleny Galicia, whose kindness and compassion helped make the Community Well-Being Center feel like family.

She also found a way to give back.

"Leímos como 14 libros y tejimos muchas piezas de vestir en nuestro grupo. Hacíamos cobijitas y las llevábamos a los pacientes."

"We read about 14 books and knitted clothing and little blankets for patients," she recalled.

Every stitch became an act of kindness. Every visit reminded her that healing is even more powerful when it is shared.

Staying connected through every season

When the pandemic brought isolation, Sonia's community never disappeared.

"Nunca nos dejaron solos."
"They never left us alone," she said.

The Community Well-Being Center team continued checking in, delivering food, and making sure participants knew they were cared for. Sonia responded by creating her own circle of connection where friends prayed, laughed, cried, and lifted one another up.

A place that feels like home

Today, Sonia continues returning to the Community Well-Being Center every week.

"Salgo feliz."
"I leave happy," she said with a smile.

Her message to others is simple:

"Si están decaídos, vayan al Centro Comunitario de Bienestar a vivir bien. Van a sentir un impulso. Se sentirán como si estuvieran en casa."
"If you feel discouraged, come to the Community Well-Being Center. You will feel uplifted. You will feel at home."

Hope, healing, and connection for others

Sonia's story is a powerful reminder that healing extends far beyond a hospital visit. At Adventist Health White Memorial, the Community Well-Being Center and ¡Vive Bien! program help people facing illness, uncertainty, and isolation find support, hope, and lasting connection.

Your generosity makes this possible. Every gift to the Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation helps sustain programs like the

Community Well-Being Center, providing wellness education, trusted guidance, emotional support, and compassionate staff who walk alongside every participant.

Help more people find hope, healing, and connection

When Sonia faced cancer and uncertainty, the Community Well-Being Center became a source of hope, support, and belonging. Your gift helps ensure others facing illness, isolation, or life's challenges find the same compassionate care and connection.

Give today