Meet Francisco Freyria | World Patients Alliance

Q&A

1- Patients’ Voice: When did you first get involved in the nonprofit world/community? About 33 years ago, I began giving testimonials and lectures throughout Mexico on topics related to addictions, sexuality, social responsibility, personal development, motivation, and values. One thing led to another, and I became increasingly involved in health issues, initially related to children and older adults, until, years later, I entered the field of cancer.

2- Patients’ Voice: What led you to get involved? When I realized the significant hardships and needs faced by patients, as well as the inequalities in the public health system, I knew I had to do something about it. This, combined with the loss of several very close and beloved friends to various types of cancer, led me to make a personal and community commitment to contribute as much as possible, within my means.

3- Patients’ Voice: Is your background in nonprofit management or were you involved in a career when you began your work? I worked in a completely different field that had nothing to do with Civil Society Organizations, but as I became more involved in this area, one thing led to another, and today 95% of my time is devoted to the organization I lead. I believe that over the years I have grown both personally and professionally, gaining the experience necessary to manage the organization effectively.

4- Patients’ Voice: What would you say is the most rewarding part of working with a nonprofit? When you witness people managing to get back on their feet and recover, their gratitude, and that of their families, for all the support they receive is a feeling that’s hard to explain, but very gratifying. That’s when you realize that what you do has been worth it.

5- Patients’ Voice: What is the most challenging part of working with a nonprofit? I would say that the biggest challenge is having a fragmented healthcare system, where there is no government support and a lack of political will, and where the work we do is harshly criticized, along with the process of fundraising and securing resources to carry out our programs and projects. They should be clear about the cause they want to support, that this kind of work requires a great deal of commitment, dedication, and sometimes sacrifice; that it is an exciting endeavor; and that, in the end, the results are very gratifying.

6- Patients’ Voice: What would you tell someone who was thinking about working or being involved with a nonprofit health organization? They should be clear about the cause they want to join, understand that their work will require a great deal of commitment, dedication, and sometimes sacrifice, realize that it is an exciting job, and know that, in the end, the results are very gratifying.

7- Patients’ Voice: What are you most proud of because of your work? The achievements that have benefited patients in some way, having taken my organization to an international level, and the fact that, as a result of this work, we have become a model for our activities, programs, and care models. I was the main driving force behind the initiative for the decree that DECLARES MARCH 31 OF EACH YEAR AS “NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER DAY,” published in the Official Gazette in September 2019. Participation as a member of the Mexican Delegation at the 3rd High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) within the framework of the 73rd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, presenting the CSO Overview on Cancer in Mexico; and, in partnership with the National Institute of Cancerology, having implemented the Screening Program for CRC (FIT Test), which has now been in operation for 9 years.

8- Patients’ Voice: If you want, you can share a little bit about you.  The number of kids, pets, and anything things else that would put a more personal spin on the article. I am currently 58 years old, so I have devoted more than half my life to helping others. I have been happily married to my wife, Viviana, for 27 years, and I am the proud father of two extraordinary children: Viviana, who is 26, and Francisco, who is 23. We have two dogs and really enjoy spending time together and traveling as a family.