About the Director
Selena Raquel Martínez is a research technician currently studying genome organization at UCSF. She is not only interested in research, but also in (preventive) health care and its accessibility to all. She grew up in Selma, a small town located California's central valley. She earned a Bachelor's of Science in cellular biology at the University of California, Davis.
Selena was inspired to organize DetectTheMutation due to her family's compelling history with cancer and their recent diagnosis with an inherited condition known as Lynch Syndrome. Since the age of 12, eight of her family members have been diagnosed with cancer, including her father and sister, both twice each. "I knew after these incidences that I wanted to contribute to the fight against cancer either scientifically or in the health community." By creating this organization, she is able to do just that.
After seeking the help of UCSF's Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program she realized the importance of such services to prevent cancer. "I hope others will see the importance of preventive cancer measures such as genetic counseling and testing. People shouldn't be discouraged to seek such services because of lack of insurance." She is also helping the San Francisco community as a volunteer at Circulo de Vida, an organization that offers indispensible support to Latinos diagnosed with cancer. Círculo de Vida is located in San Francisco's Mission District.
Contact Information
Selena R. Martínez
Director, DetectTheMutation.org
mobile: 530-902-4277
DetectTheMutation.org@gmail.com
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