(This is an unknowing guest post from my mom)

(Because I haven't really been able to reflect on this enough to write about it.)

Saludos Amigas quien fueron a El Salvador en el año pasado y conocieron a Alicia de Garcia, (greeting Friends who went to El Salvador last year and who met Alicia de Garcia)

I am afraid that I have very sad news to relay to you all. I know that you met and were deeply touched by Alicia, the director of COMADRES, last summer. Her strength of spirit and generous nature seem to have known no bounds, and her steadfast commitment to non-violence has been an inspiration to many. 

In the late spring Alicia, as well as Patricia, the co-director of COMADRES, both were diagnosed with uterine cancer. It seems that many women who experienced brutal and repeated rape while being held and tortured by the military during the civil war have contracted this form of cancer. Maybe it is spread by sexual contact, the way that some forms of cervical cancer are. 

The cancer and the treatments were very hard on Alicia, and she suffered greatly during her fight against this disease. In early August her body was unable to keep fighting and she died. Many people are grieving her passing, but Patricia says that we can't understand the ways of God, and now Alicia is with Him and with Monseigneur Romero.  I heard of her death while I was traveling out west with my family, and spoke to Patricia on the day of Alicia's funeral. I'm sorry I haven't written to you about this sooner.  

I had been in touch with the women of COMADRES over the summer and talked to Alicia a few weeks before her death. She told me that it was a delight to have met you all, that you were a strong group of jovenes. She was happy that more people had learned of their struggles during the civil war, and hoped that you would not forget.

And so I pass on this thought that motivates me and I hope will motivate you all as well. Whenever there is war, atrocities are committed, people are tortured and murdered. The victims and the perpetrators suffer, as well as family members and neighbors. Communities and whole societies are affected. Our government has GOT to stop perpetrating war. We who have heard Alicia's story know the consequences of war. We cannot be silent on this topic. 

The last thing I feel called to write is that this summer I sent money down to Blanca, Alicia's daughter, who was caring for both Alicia and Patricia. (I haven't talked to Pati for a couple weeks and don't know how she is doing right now, but her condition was still grave when we last spoke). They are unable to cover the medical bills and are struggling with even keeping up with rent and food costs. If any of you would like to send a contribution to help cover Alicia's bills, and Patricia's ongoing health care costs, I will wire it down to Blanca's bank. 

Please hold Patricia and Alicia's family in the Light.

--
Ruby Steigerwald