Luz E. Rodriquez
St. Croix Cancer Advocate
Luz Rodriquez, affectionately known as Lucie, came to St. Croix in 1968 after graduating from college on a weekend trip, and has been there ever since. According to Lucie, in the late sixties early seventies, the Virgin Islands was seeking social workers and counselors with a college degree to work within the community. With a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, she began working in a juvenile prevention program. Shortly thereafter she met her husband Ricky Rodriquez and they have been married for 50 years. They are the proud parents of two children, three grandchildren and have made St. Croix their home.
Lucie worked with the Department of Labor for 26 years and retired at the age of 49. Being a young retiree, she was often called upon to serve the community. Lucie dedicated her time as a volunteer with the Department of Health’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Unit where she educated locals about cancer and early detection. Later, she volunteered with the American Cancer Society (ACS), where she has served the organization for 21 years and counting. As part of ACS support, Lucie participated in Relay for Life walks, survivor support groups and has partnered with government institutions and non-profit organizations to inform and bring awareness about cancer.
In 2017, hurricanes Irma & Maria hit the territory and destroyed the ACS office space. Without a physical building, Lucie did not waiver in her efforts to assist Virgin Islanders battling cancer. In the aftermath of the storms, cancer patients called her for advice and support. She stated that her new office was, and still is, her kitchen counter. People seeking help show up to her home as early as 7am and as late as 10pm. As a cancer advocate, Lucie wholeheartedly believes in the work that she does. Her motto is “Cancer is not a secret anymore. No one walks alone. There is assistance. There is help.”
Lucie recognizes the importance of partnership and said that she could not continue her work without the support of Cancer Support VI (CSVI). With every new case that comes across her kitchen counter, Lucie is sure to provide the patient and/or family with a CSVI application and a copy of the USVI Cancer Coalition’s Patient Resource Guide. That patient is also resourced with information about ACS, P.R. and informed about the Hope Lodge.
Lucie shows no sign of slowing down. “As long as there is a cancer patient in need of help, this advocate is willing and ready to assist. Assisting people in my community is my life,” says Lucie. As a result of Lucie’s work, CSVI has been able to support more cancer patients living on the big island that we may not have assisted otherwise. Lucie, we salute you!
Any cancer patient or caregiver in St. Croix can reach Mrs. Rodriquez at 340-643-5504.