Mission at Work: Edras Cordova

My name is Edras Cordova, and I am an Animal Technician II at the Charles River San Diego site. In September of 2010 my mother, Mercedes, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.  I didn’t know a whole lot about Pancreatic Cancer, other than that it is one of the worst kinds of cancer you can have. The doctor told us that most people have a survival rate of three to six months following their diagnosis.

Following further confirmatory analysis and testing, my mother began chemotherapy on December 1, 2010. My mom responded well to the chemotherapy initially and to further combat the cancer doctors performed the “Whipple Procedure” on her digestive tract. This is a surgical process to remove parts of the pancreas, stomach and intestine.

There was a brief period of time when things overall seemed to be improving with my mom’s illness.  However in October 2011, it was discovered that the cancer had returned. With further general chemotherapy and radiation no longer an option due to her already weakened condition, my mom volunteered for an experimental trial treatment regime that utilized a drug called, Tarceva, which is produced by Genentech and is used for patients with advanced stage pancreatic cancer.

My mother told me that she wanted to take the drug, even if it didn’t cure her, so that the doctors could use the data collected from her treatment to help others who might have the same condition. That was my mom, always looking out for others, and wanting to contribute in whatever way possible. In the end, my mom lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer on January 3, 2012.

Cancer is a devastating and exhaustive disease, and it ultimately affects the entire family. Like many of you, I have now witnessed and experienced this for myself firsthand. Fortunately, I was able to spend quality time with my mother before her death. This was due to several of my co-workers who came forward and donated their vacation time to me. I’m so fortunate to work for a company that would allow this practice and I was so grateful and touched by the generosity of my co-workers.

It makes me proud knowing that the work I do as an animal technician each day, helps provide a strong foundation for the cancer research that takes place at many of our clients’ facilities. It helps me cope, to realize that somewhere, perhaps one of the animals I raised and cared for is carrying the same cancer genes that my mom had, and is bringing us closer to a cure for this tragic disease. In my own way, just like my mom, I feel like I’m giving back to humanity as well.

-Edras Cordova, Animal Technician, Charles River San Diego