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Elevating Latino history and culture through jewelry making

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Hispanic Heritage Series Part III of V

In 1999, Ana Marina Sanchez and her family decided to migrate from Mexico City to Los Angeles to live in a safer area, get an education, and to have a brighter future.

Sanchez, who lived in Los Angeles for around 18 years before moving to Colorado, always felt connected to and had an interest in her culture.

“As a Mexican immigrant woman and all the struggles I had to go through when I was undocumented, I was always yearning to go home, and it was painful for me (when she migrated),” said Sanchez. “When I started going back (to Mexico) and connected with my roots again and people, it gave me such a sense of empowerment because by learning my history, we have so much to bring to the table as immigrant Latinos in the US.”

Photo courtesy: AnaMarinaStudio.com

“I feel like it’s always been in my vision to show why through art and design, our culture and history is so valuable. It’s important to me to remind myself and others by recognizing our greatness, we stand rooted and strong and connected as a whole,” Sanchez added.

Today, Sanchez lives out her vision to show the importance of culture and history through jewelry she creates. Sanchez, a metalsmith, creates handcrafted metal jewelry at Ana Marina Studio. She opened the store last year at 3800 Morrison Road and sells various earrings, necklaces, and other types of jewelry.

“My jewelry is an extension of who I am but also what I’m passionate about — Mexican design, culture and history. I’m passionate about representing and elevating the Latino and Latina culture in the US,” said Sanchez. “When I create something and put my pieces forward, I always think of messages and designs that will empower those who wear them and for them to feel either connected or proud of Latino culture, or to feel connected to their roots and be proud of where they come from.”

Sanchez gains inspiration for her jewelry from the legacy of ancient Meso-American cultures that used jewelry as a form of adornment and to emanate their personal power on to the world. Outside of using metal, she also uses wood and acrylic for her work.

Sanchez has always loved jewelry, but she originally planned to be a teacher. However, after finishing college, she wanted to find ways to do something creative. That’s when she started making jewelry and her friends and family began to show support for her work, giving her the push to start her own business. “Since I got to Colorado, I’ve had a lot of support and opportunities from the Latino community, from different organizations, and different centers that show my work, and let me tell my story, and the work I do with the community,” said Sanchez.

Ana Marina Studio is hosting its one-year anniversary celebration on Oct. 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about the business and to explore Sanchez’s jewelry, visit https://anamarinastudio.com/.

Nuggets and Avs back in time to save Colorado sports

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Both the CU Buffs and the Denver Broncos got obliterated over the weekend while the Colorado Rockies accomplishing a feat that seems to fit the weekend’s embarrassing losses. After Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Cubs the Rockies have officially recorded the worst season in franchise history with 99 losses and 6 more games to play.

It’s tough being a fan in the state of Colorado lately but all is not lost, as both the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche are just weeks from kicking off their seasons. The Avalanche are two games into the preseason with a loss to the Minnesota Wild and a win over the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night at Ball Arena. The Avs will kick off the regular season in L.A. to face the Kings on Tuesday, October 11 at 8 p.m.

The Avs remain on the road in San Jose to face the Sharks on October 14th and head to Seattle to face the Kraken on October 17th before returning home for their home opener at Ball Arena on the October 18th against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Denver Nuggets will kick off a five game pre-season on October 10th against the Phoenix Suns. The Nuggets kick off the regular season on October 24th at home against the L.A. Lakers and head to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on October 27th.

The Nuggets are early favorites at +400 to win a repeat title while the Colorado Avalanche too are the leading favorites at +800 to win the Stanley Cup. A nice change from the misery fans have endured from both the Broncos and Rockies so far.

On Sunday the Broncos were spared the “humiliation,” of not experiencing the largest deficit in NFL history when Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniels chose to kneel in the final seconds of the game instead of kicking a field goal. McDaniels grew up in Denver and at one point was even the Denver Broncos ball boy. During Denver’s frantic search for a coach over the past several seasons not one of those searches included interest in McDaniels, something the Dolphins coach carried with him into Sunday’s whoop- ing of the Broncos. The Broncos lost 70-20.

The CU Buffs were ranked in the top 20 before Saturday’s matchup against the number 10 ranked Oregon Ducks. CU traveled to Oregon and post game were recorded walking over Oregon’s logo midfield an action taken as a sign of disrespect across football, college and professional.

It was clear that the 3-0 CU Buffs were outmatched and about to be grounded from their previous three victories under Coach Prime. The Buffs were outscored 35 – 0 by the half and despite holding the Ducks to just a touchdown in the second half, CU’s offense couldn’t get off the ground. After Saturday’s loss the CU Buffs fell out of the top 25.

The Buffs have an even tougher task this week when they head home to host the Number 8 USC Trojans at Folsom Field. The Trojans are averaging 55 points a game in the past four games. The Buffs are averaging 32.5 points a game but after Saturday’s loss there’s a good chance that teams will replicate Oregon’s formula to keep Shedeur Sanders and Colorado’s receivers under wraps.

Pueblo Chile yield is down, and prices are up

The 2023 version of Pueblo’s big fall jubilee, the Chile and Frijoles Festival, just wrapped up. And by all accounts, it was once again a success, bringing an estimated 150,000 locals and out-of-towners to the city’s historic Union Avenue for three days of celebration. But the ‘chile’ part of the festival—Pueblo’s pride and joy money crop—lost a bit of its luster this year. It might be the ‘Year of the Dragon,’ but not so much for chile—Pueblo chile.

It is way too early to lament the death of Pueblo’s vaunted chile crop. But it’s also safe to say that this spicy, little fruit—yes, it’s a fruit—has caught a ‘sniffle.’ This year’s yield is down, and its price is up. Still, while prices have climbed—as much as five dollars a bushel—chile lovers are still willing to dig deeper for what they believe they can’t live without. But for growers, that’s only part of the story.

Photo courtesy: City of Pueblo

A couple of things have created this spike in pepper prices: labor costs and weather. Too many workers for too little yield. Always a bad combination.

Mauro Farm’s Carla Houghton does not mince words as she dissects the 2023 crop. “This is the most horrible year of any,” said the Pueblo native. Instead of ‘breaking the bank,’ this year’s harvest just broke the heart. Last spring’s planting “did not produce the chile it should have,” she said. The entire county, perhaps an even bigger stretch in the normally fertile Arkansas Valley, took a hit.

Normally, when you ask Pueblo growers what makes their fruits and vegetables among the best, the usual answer is, ‘hot days and cool nights.’ They call it the perfect balance. But this year, ‘perfect,’ like Elvis, ‘left the building.’ And left early.

Houghton said there were too few hot days and cool nights were replaced by cold ones. The out-of-kilter weather pattern did a job on the crop—and not just chile. “We grow pumpkins, cabbage, tomatoes, eggplant, corn and watermelon,” Houghton said listing her crop inventory. “It’s all been affected.” Beside the expected daytime heat that failed to arrive, hail or “ice coming out of the sky,” as Houghton describes it, also did its part in the downturn. Then, there was rain or, in this case, too much rain, she explained, and when it wasn’t raining, there was cloud cover.

“Farmers that grow vegetables do not want excessive rain.” Growers like her, she said, are happy with rain and snow in the mountains. Pueblo growers are happy with the runoff that fills the reservoir and rivers. Ranchers, she clarified, are the ones who want the rain.

Those who pray for rain in southern Colorado got what they wanted. Others, especially the county’s farmers, got something else. The excessive rains infected Houghton’s fields with fungus, retarding plant growth and rotting countless rows of crops that should have been harvested and sold.

The labor that should have stayed busy, but didn’t, just added to Houghton’s and so many like her’s bottom line. But there was something else that came with the imperfect harvest.

A few Pueblo growers have also gotten something they weren’t expecting from customers, anger with the rise in prices along with the slimmer offerings caused by the weather. One grower who asked to remain anonymous said customers are upset, even rude. “Personally, I’ve gotten such backlash from rude customers not understanding how plants grow.” More than a few visitors, they said, complained about the size and selection available this season.

While the ‘harvest of ’23 will go down, in Houghton’s words, as “the most horrible,” it’s not going to discourage her about next year. Farmers like her appreciate bumper crops and accept down years. It’s just farming. She’ll plant again next season. But for now, there’re still crops that need to be harvested and that’ll continue for a few more weeks. And then, there’s Mauro Farms store, the operation that’s been a staple in Pueblo County for generations.

“We’re a farm and bakery,” she explained. They sell the produce from the farm along with a bevy of other offerings, including spices, salsa, pickles, salami and cheeses, chili brittle and jalapeῆo brittle, frozen chile, zucchini and a Pueblo specialty, potica (pronounced ‘po-teets-uh’).

Potica is sold year-round but is most popular around the holidays. It’s a European dessert made with walnuts, honey, butter, lemon or orange zest and eggs. There are several variations.

Houghton said despite the less-than-ideal harvest, she’ll stay busy shipping both her farm’s chile and the store’s other products, especially to expatriate Puebloans who—no matter where they go—still want their home-town chile. For more information on what’s available, Visit MauroFarm.com. Or if you want to take a drive to Pueblo, the store is located at 836 36th Lane.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s journey to Mexican Presidential candidacy

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David Conde, Senior Consultant for International Programs

As we celebrate Latino Heritage Month we have the opportunity to amplify the great accomplishments of leaders that have done so much to advance the fortunes of the community. The roll call usually begins with leaders of the Chicano Movement like Cesar Chavez, Jose Angel Gutierrez, Reies Lopez Tijerina and Colorado’s own Rodolofo Corky Gonzalez.

Then there are the more immediate political leaders that have made a major difference of distinction like Polly Baca, Federico Pena, Richard Castro and Ken Salazar among others. Their roads to leadership and effective representation of community interests have provided important historical lessons for those that may want to follow in their steps.

Recently, I had the honor and pleasure of traveling with Dolores Huerta, the great Cesar Chavez era icon, from Montgomery, Alabama to Atlanta to catch our planes. The two hours we spent chatting about our experiences confirmed my belief that there is simplicity of greatness derived from being with unique people.

One of the best stories of women reaching for the highest level of political office is being played out in Mexico’s 2024 presidential election. Claudia Sheinbaum is the candidate of MORENA, the ruling party in Mexico and Xochitl Galvez is the candidate of the opposition.

Both are very accomplished characters in the Mexican political scene. But it is Sheinbaum that is capturing the imagination of the Mexican public because of her accomplishments and the character of her national service. Her Jewish family comes from a hard science tradition. Her father is a chemist and her mother a biologist.

The family has also been long involved in the search for political change away from authoritarianism. Both parents were members of the 1968 Student Movement that experienced the massacre of as high as five thousand students in Tlatelolco pyramid square on October 2nd of that year.

Claudia Sheinbaum is a scientist, politician and a writer. As a scientist with a doctorate in energy, Sheinbaum has made a major contribution as an expert on climate change. She served as Environmental Secretary in both the Mexico City administration and the national government.

Photo courtesy: Claudia Sheinbaum Instagram

The highlight of her work on Environmental Science was her membership in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that won the 2007 Nobel Prize. She is also a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences.

As a politician, she is one of the founders of the MORENA Party. Sheinbaum has also served in key posts in the Mexico City administration and the national government. Her last major political office was as the head of the Mexico City government to which she was elected in 2018.

She resigned in July of this year to begin her campaign for President.

I had an opportunity to talk to a friend in Mexico City about Sheinbaum’s candidacy. He admitted that she is the favorite to win but questioned how she would be received as a woman.

That reminded me of my Chicano days when we convinced ourselves that we had to be twice as good as someone else in order to be professionally accepted. Claudia Sheinbaum has faced all of the obstacles a woman leader normally faces plus a lot more because the culture of her country is still adapting to woman involvement at the highest levels of society.

Her hard work as a scientist led to major changes in environmental policies and a Nobel Prize. As a politician Claudia Sheinbaum is on a trajectory for election as the first Jewish and woman President of her country.

The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of la Voz bilingüe. Comments and responses may be directed to news@lavozcolorado.com.

What’s Happening?

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Community

Photo courtesy: StanleyMarketplace

Join Film on the Field at Stanley Marketplace on September 30th at 8 p.m. of the last movie of the season. Enjoy the last warm Saturday of the Summer on a blanket with close friends and family to watch the feature movie: COCO to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Pick up Dinner and drinks to-go at one of Stanley Marketplace’s vendors and bring it out to The Field to enjoy with family and friends at this Free Event. Visit www.StanleyMarketplace.com/events/film-on-the-field-last-saturday-of-every-month/ for more information.

Photo courtesy: StanleyMarketplace

Curious about cabbage? Lusting for lettuce? Head to Highland Square’s Farmers Market, where you can find fabulous fruits, fancy flowers, beautiful beets, glorious “grown in Colorado” produce, puffy pastries, bodacious breads and more. Breakfast, brunch or lunch . . . choose from a variety of ready to eat foods as the flow of live music entertains. If you are feeling like having yourself a bit of a Sunday Funday, make sure to stop by the market bar and enjoy a creative libation. Every Sunday, fun for the whole family with neighborhood shopping at award winning stores.


Que Pasa? is compiled by La Voz Staff. To submit an event for consideration please email attractions@lavozcolorado.com with Que Pasa in the subject line by Friday at 5 p.m.

Federal jury convicts Colorado Springs woman for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Marlene McGuire, age 58, of Colorado Springs, was found guilty for her role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in the death of a juvenile. A federal jury in Denver returned guilty verdicts against McGuire on Friday, September 22, 2023, after approximately two-hours of deliberation.

According to the facts established at trial, on January 30, 2022, McGuire sold four pills which contained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to the three juveniles near a fire station in the Security-Widefield area of Colorado Springs. On January 31, 2022, a father of one of the juveniles and his stepmother discovered the juvenile deceased in his bedroom in their home. Police and a deputy coroner found paraphernalia used for smoking fentanyl pills in the juvenile’s room and two blue pills in a baggie in his dresser drawer. After an autopsy, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office determined the juvenile’s cause of death was acute fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl toxicity. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Western Laboratory tested the two pills found in the juvenile’s dresser drawer. Both pills contained para- fluorofentanyl. One of the two pills also contained fentanyl, lidocaine, and xylazine.

An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) identified McGuire and a co-defendant as the individuals who sold the blue pills and also revealed that they had been engaged in a conspiracy to sell various controlled substances—including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and blue pills—since at least May 2020. On February 21, 2022, the FBI and CSPD executed a federal search warrant at McGuire’s long-time residence in Colorado Springs. In addition to finding both McGuire and a co-defendant in the residence, law enforcement officers located and seized methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and a blue pill which contained fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is a deadly poison that is killing our children,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We are grateful to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Springs Police Department for their work in this investigation, and their collective efforts to keep our communities safe from this deadly epidemic.”

“Fentanyl is a deadly plague consuming our communities. In this case, the defendant was part of a conspiracy that led to the overdose death of a young man,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The cooperation with our law enforcement partners in Colorado Springs made this result possible. The family of the deceased young man can know that those who supplied the deadly drugs have been held accountable and will no longer be able to provide poison to other juveniles.”

“The Colorado Springs Police Department is grieving with the family of the child who was killed and hopes that the successful prosecution of this case brings some measure of justice,” said Commander Doug Trainer, CSPD Metro Division. “We take the distribution of fentanyl in our com- munity seriously. We are thankful for our federal partners at the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office who assisted with the investigation and prosecuted this case. We want to reassure our community that we will continue to fight the fentanyl epidemic alongside our federal partners.”

United States District Court Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the week-long jury trial. Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2023.

The FBI and the Colorado Springs Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Alyssa Mance and Peter McNeilly handled the prosecution.

Our Government

White House

President Biden is announcing the inaugural members of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. The establishment of this Council was a significant commitment announced by Vice President Harris on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, aimed at enhancing dialogue between United States officials and the African Diaspora.

Colorado Governor

Governor Polis issued an Executive Order declaring a disaster emergency in Baca, Jefferson, Kiowa, Prowers, and Teller Counties following severe weather and flooding in June 2023. The action enables state and federal agencies to coordinate response and recovery efforts and seek eligibility for federal fund- ing for these counties. This action follows a previous Executive Order issued by the Governor in response to the June 2023 extreme weather and flooding that allocated funding and enabled state and federal agencies to coordinate recovery efforts. The five counties listed in today’s action will now be able to receive funding from Executive Order D 2023 011 to support recovery efforts.

Denver Mayor

Mayor Mike Johnston and the City and County of Denver welcomes the Biden Administration’s decision to grant temporary protected status to Venezuelan migrants. This move provides a pathway to employment for many who have decided to settle in our city as well as a needed workforce opportunity to sup- port our local businesses. Many of these individuals are fleeing violence and instability in their home country. This designation affords them the chance to care for themselves and their families safely and without fear of removal. “I raised this exact issue with Secretary Mayorkas last month and am grateful for their swift action,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.

A Week In Review

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Africa

Dozens killed in explosion near Benin-Nigeria border

At least 34 people were killed this past weekend because of an explosion at a fuel depot near the Benin- Nigeria border. Officials ordered an assessment of all fuel storage facilities after the explosion to prevent a similar incident from occurring. The explosion took place in a densely populated market, and at least 20 others were injured and taken to a local hospital.

Libyan mayor arrested after flooding

Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, the mayor of the Libyan city Derna, has been arrested in connection to flooding that killed thousands in eastern Libya earlier this month. The country’s Attorney General said officials were responsible for managing dam facilities. A criminal case against leaders in the area is underway, and al-Ghaithi has also been accused of abusing his power. Recently, residents in Derna burned his house in protest.

Asia

India Moon mission in limbo

India’s Moon lander is having difficulty starting up again after being put into sleep mood at lunar nightfall. Officials acknowledged that the chances of the Moon lander reawakening are slim and may not have survived the frigid temperatures on the Moon. Recently, India made history by becoming the first country to land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole.

Teacher strike in Nepal closes schools

Millions of students in Nepal are missing class because of a huge teachers’ strike. About 110,000 teachers are protesting a bill that would give local governments oversight of schools and ban teachers from joining groups with political affiliations. Last week, large groups of teachers marched toward the parliament building. Both parents and teachers have spoken publicly for classes to resume.

Europe

Italian Mafia boss dies

Messina Denaro, who is thought to be the boss of the Cosa Nostra Mafia, died. He was one of the country’s most wanted men and was on the run for 30 years before being detained earlier this year. At the time of his arrest, Denaro was being treated for cancer and was moved from prison to a hospital last month. Denaro was tried and sentenced to life in jail in 2002 in connection to the 1992 killing of anti-Mafia prosecutors.

Ireland population grows

The Republic of Ireland’s population saw its largest increase since 2008. Figures show that the country’s population grew by almost 98,000 people. Most of the growth came from net migration, but the Republic of Ireland also had 20,000 more births than deaths. The population of Dublin is thought to be approximately 1,501,500 people now.

Latin America

Brazil court rules on indigenous rights

Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of restoring territory to the Xokleng people, who were previously evicted from the land. The ruling will impact hundreds of indigenous land claims and is expected to have a positive impact for indigenous land rights. The Xokleng are an indigenous group of 2,300 people who live in southern Brazil. They were driven from their land by settlers in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Mexican police convicted over migrant deaths

Mexican officials have convicted 11 police officers for killing a group of migrants near the U.S. border in 2021. At least 17 people were found dead in a burnt-out vehicle during the incident, but forensic tests found they were shot dead before being set on fire. Previously, officials had said the migrants were killed during a turf war between criminal gangs over control of migrant smuggling routes.

North America

Free at-home COVID testing available again

The United States is offering free at-home COVID-19 testing kits as the country attempts to limit the spread of the virus ahead of the winter. Hospitalizations from COVID-19 cases have increased the past few weeks while a new strain of the virus has been detected in several states. Those who are interested in receiving free at-home COVID-19 tests should go to COVIDtests.gov. Residents can also call 1-800-232-0233 to receive tests.

Hollywood writers set to end strike

Screenwriters are set to end a strike over pay and the use of artificial intelligence in the industry that has lasted nearly five months. Among those who were protesting included writers for TV shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Last of Us.” The Writers Guild of America said it reached a deal with studio bosses that will provide meaningful gains and protections for writers.

President Biden delivers on health care promises

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From his earliest days in office, President Biden has been focused on the country’s health. Much of his effort, no doubt, was based on the toll COVID-19 had already taken on the country. On inauguration day 2021, the virus had already claimed nearly half a million American lives. The number of documented COVID cases was many times that number.

Photo courtesy: White House Facebook

In just his first ten days in office, the President was busy with healthcare, issuing a full dozen executive orders, memoranda and presidential proclamations all focused on the health of Americans. Since then, he has continued to make headlines on the healthcare front, most recently when he announced an agreement between the government and the pharmaceutical industry to cap the price of insulin at $35 per month.

“Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States,” said Erin Seedorf, Assistant Chair in the Whole Health Division at Metropolitan State University-Denver. Seedorf says that the disease afflicts more than 311,000 Coloradans, many of whom are challenged to afford the President’s pre-cap insulin price. Over the last decade, insulin prices have tripled with some patients having to pay up to $600 for a month’s supply.

While the President has moved on a number of healthcare fronts, including addressing the country’s cancer challenge, diabetes may be as big or bigger a medical issue.

Seedorf calls the disease that prohibits the pancreas from producing little or no insulin and causing a buildup of glucose or sugars in the blood an epidemic and a financial nightmare for millions. “People with diabetes have medical expenses approximately 2-3 times higher than those who do not have diabetes,” she said. Some people, many elderly and on fixed incomes, pay up to $600 for a month’s supply of insulin. In addition to paying for the drug, there can be additional medical expenses—up to a $1 billion—on indirect costs. Diabetes also is known to be a significant factor in a number of health issues, including stroke, heart disease, amputation, blindness and death.

Colorado Senator and former Governor John Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to applaud the President’s move to lower drug prices. “For years,” he said, “we’ve all been paying much more than those in other countries for the same drugs. But now, Medicare is taking the first step towards ending that stranglehold on life-saving drugs.” Hickenlooper excoriated the pharmaceutical industry for ‘ripping off’ Americans dependent on drugs to stay alive.

Late last month, President Biden also announced a list of ten drugs that will now be subject to negotiations with Medicare. The list includes insulin. Other drugs that the President targeted include those people take for stroke, heart disease, blood clots, cancer and more. While the list reflects the President’s promise to help Americans who routinely skip taking their drugs or ration them in order to stretch their supply, it is also a part of the Democrats’ campaign effort for 2024.

For years, Americans have journeyed to Canada to buy their prescription drugs where prices are dramatically lower than in the U.S. The major reason for this is that Canadian government collaborates directly with pharmaceutical companies to negotiate prices. If a drug is considered too expen- sive for consumers, it is kept off the market.

Interestingly, in Canada the cost for insulin is set at $35 but the cost of syringes, the mechanism for administering the medicine, is not covered.

Canada also limits direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs which also limits the cost of each drug. In Canada, taxes make up any loss in revenue that drug companies might experience. But a poll asking Canadiens if they would prefer paying higher taxes than higher drug prices showed nearly a 90 percent approval for higher taxes.

Last week, the President also announced $240 million for a number of projects as part of his “Cancer Moonshot,” initiative. The initiative, it is hoped, will cut cancer death rates by half over the next 25 years.

While cancer rates have fallen in the U.S. by an astonishing 33 percent since 1991, it remains the second leading cause of death in the United States, trailing only heart disease.

The Centers for Disease Control attributes the decline in cancer rates to the huge reduction in smoking along with early detection and significant advances in treatment.

While the price of insulin along with the President’s list of drugs that will be price-negotiated is welcomed news by millions, it may be a pipedream to ever see a drop in a family of drugs designed to treat a handful of rare medical conditions.

One drug, Zolgensma, used in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, a childhood condition that causes muscular erosion and contributes to lung infections and muscle weakness costs $2.1 for a course of treatment. It is the most expensive prescription drug in the United States. Zokinvy is the second most costly at $1,073,000. Zokinvy is used in the treatment of progeria, a condition that causes premature aging. The cost for Zokinvy is for a one-year treatment.

Dr. Lovato, faith, family and surgery

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Hispanic Heritage Series – Part II of V

Photo courtesy: Dr. Richard Lovato

While practicing in Albuquerque, N.M., Dr. Richard Lovato was once told by an attendant that, ‘You’ve made it once other doctors start requesting your services for themselves and their families.’ If that’s the case, Lovato hit the pinnacle in his field after about 15 years as a surgeon. While the personal requests from other doctors mounted, so did public accolades including recognition by Albuquerque Magazine as surgeon of the year.

Now relocated to Denver, Lovato recently joined the team of physicians at St. Anthony’s Hospital. When considering the move, Lovato was encouraged by the faith-based practice at St. Anthony’s. “My family centers ourselves around faith and our church.” says Lovato, “That’s a big reason why we chose St. Anthony’s.”

Coming to Colorado is a bit of a homecoming for Lovato, having been born and raised in Costilla in the San Luis Valley. He takes pride in his Costilla roots but also notes that he is the only doctor he knows from the region. His road back to Colorado wasn’t easy and faith and family served as Lovato’s platform for success.

At the age of nine, Lovato’s parents were killed in a motorcycle accident and he was left to make life-altering decisions for himself and his little brother – decisions that would determine where they would live and where they would go to school. With family in California, Denver, Pueblo and New Mexico, Lovato had many options – and tough decisions for a young child. He no longer had his loving parents with him, he lost the innocence of childhood, but he credits the demands of being the oldest sibling, the influence of extended family and the Catholic faith for helping him make responsible decisions.

Mature enough to determine that his grandparents had already had their turn raising children, Lovato and his brother went to live with his Uncle Dee. With his extended family’s encouragement, Lovato graduated from Menaul School – a Presbyterian founded school originally designed to prepare Spanish-speaking boys from New Mexico for college. The school certainly fulfilled its mission with Lovato who graduated as valedictorian of his class and earned a scholarship to the University of New Mexico.

Reluctant to become a surgeon after learning of the long hours and knowing he wanted to have a family someday, Lovato nevertheless followed his passion into the field. While a resident at the University of Kentucky, he married and had a daughter. Not surprisingly, his daughter, Erika, followed Lovato’s wife, (a nurse), and Lovato into the health profession.

Not surprisingly, Lovato still keeps faith and family as a central part of his life. He speaks of Erika with unbridled pride and talks about her options going back to medical school to become a doctor or continuing as a nurse like her mother. He also talks lovingly about the younger brother Randy that he helped to raise, the brother who lived with him while he was going to college and the same brother who is now a successful architect in New Mexico.

With friends who are already contemplating retirement, Lovato considers himself in the prime of his career while rebuilding his client base in Denver. His knowledge of the Latino community and his ability to speak Spanish gives him a decided advantage. “Our practice steers monolingual Spanish speakers my way and I love it when I see the happy reaction from my patients when they realize I can speak Spanish,” notes Lovato. As for requests from other doctors for services for themselves and their families,

“It’s just a matter of time and I will be honored to serve,” says Lovato.

Original Story Published 10/14/2015, Writer: James Mejia