For Johana, living authentically has always required courage. At just six years old, she knew she was different. “I felt like a girl,” she recalls. By age eight, a neighbor named Nathaly affirmed what Johana already knew in her heart — she was a girl. Growing up in Central America, Johana began identifying as trans at 14 years old, despite living in an environment where being visible came with enormous risk.

Long before arriving in San Francisco, Johana was already an activist in Central America and Mexico, fighting for the rights and dignity of transgender people. But advocacy came at a cost. After surviving three attempts on her life and living in constant fear of being killed, Johana fled to Los Angeles seeking safety as a refugee. She subsequently made her way to San Francisco.

Though she escaped violence, she still struggled to find belonging.

Then, at 40 years old, Johana’s life changed again when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The period between receiving her diagnosis and beginning treatment was one of the darkest times in her life. She experienced overwhelming depression, anxiety, and isolation.

“How did I cope?” Johana says. “I didn’t.”

At one point, the emotional pain became so heavy that Johana began experiencing suicidal thoughts. She reached out to her social worker and asked for help. That moment led her to Shanti.

For the past three years, Shanti has been a source of healing, stability, and hope for Johana.

Her first connection was with Millie, a Care Navigator who immediately made her feel seen and supported. Through Shanti, Johana gained access to transportation assistance, food cards, home visits, arts and crafts gatherings, and walking groups— resources that became lifelines during cancer treatment.

“Those groups gave me hope for life,” Johana shares.

That sense of community became especially important as she underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Johana says the empathy and encouragement she receives through Shanti motivates her to continue fighting for her health.

“When I come to Shanti and talk with other women, I feel stronger,” she says. “I know I’m not alone.”

Today, Johana regularly participates in Shanti’s Spanish Health Chat group, a monthly gathering for Spanish-speaking clients in the Cancer Program. For Johana, being able to speak in her native language creates a level of comfort, trust, and emotional freedom that cannot be replaced.

“As Latino people, we express our emotions differently in Spanish,” she explains. “It allows us to truly open our hearts.”

Just as important as the services themselves is the feeling of safety and dignity Johana found at Shanti.

“Knowing Millie is here makes me feel safe,” she says.

Johana knows firsthand the barriers many people face when trying to access care and support. But at Shanti, she says she was treated with respect, compassion, and humanity and wants to be there for others who are navigating cancer.

Now, Johana wants to give back by sharing her story and helping others find the same support she found.

She hopes to continue advocating for the Latin, transgender, and immigrant communities while breaking down the stigma and isolation many people experience when facing illness or hardship alone.

“People need to know they don’t have to go through this alone,” Johana says. “Shanti exists.”

Today, Johana dreams of a future where there is a cure for cancer — and where every person, regardless of identity, language, or immigration status, is treated with dignity and care. Through her resilience and advocacy, she continues to turn her pain into purpose and ensure others feel seen, supported, and never alone.