Faith and Foothill help East Palo Alto woman redefine herself and her futurePsychology Major, Class of 2016

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A cancer survivor and caregiver to her aging parents, Ruth Talamoa is very familiar with challenges. Despite a diagnosis of multiple myeloma that has left her permanently disabled, the 33-year-old resident of East Palo Alto will not let blood cancer prevent her from earning degrees in psychology, biology and oncology.

In addition to completing her associate degree in psychology at Foothill College this summer, Talamoa will return to Foothill this fall to complete an associate degree in biology, while concurrently enrolling in upper-division courses at CSU East Bay. She intends to pursue a career that combines these academic disciplines, and will allow her to provide meaningful support and counseling to other cancer patients and their loved ones.

“I know how it feels to have cancer, endure treatments and go to endless doctor appointments,” she says. “I want to motivate cancer patients to not give up on their goals, their futures and their lives. I want patients and their families to know that we can get through it together. I refuse to let my pain keep me from living and learning.”

She attributes her positive outlook in the face of grave illness and personal tragedy, including the death of her beloved father earlier this year, to her strong faith, strong family, and strong commitment to redefining exactly what it means to be Ruth Talamoa.

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