The news of the death of Sandra Reyes on December 1, 2024, due to complications from breast cancer, shocked thousands of Colombians. The actor, famous for his role in the soap opera Peter Scaly, where she played Dr.Paula, a character who also died of breast cancer, which left an indelible mark on the community. His recent performance i Linewith a accomplished cycling mother, having onc again captured the hearts of the audience.
The 49-year-old woman from Bogota died at home,surrounded by those who were with her until the last days of her life,as confirmed by her cousin Nicolás Reyes,being one of the most alarming news for the Creole entertainer before the closing of 2024: “She faced this stage with courage and dignity,always surrounded by the love of her family and close friends,” he said in statements reproduced by Caracol News.
Reyes’ departure provoked various reactions on social networks, users and colleagues in the art world expressed their sorrow and remembered his legacy. This event also brought to mind other Colombian actresses who died young, such as Adriana Campos and Liliana Lozano.
Adriana Campos, who is remembered for her roles in Neighbors y Lovely calamitiesdied in a car accident with her husband. according to the authorities, the incident occurred when the driver suffered a micro-sleep, which caused the vehicle to leave the road and overturn in the Chuca River. Campos left a young son who was left in the care of his grandmother.
Adriana Campos, remembered for her role in ‘Vecinos’ alongside Robinson Díaz – credit @adrianacampos.fans/instagramFor her part,Liliana Lozano,who participated in productions such as the passion of the Gavilaneswho was murdered at the age of 30. A body was found next to that of her husband, Fabio, brother of drug trafficker Leonidas Vargas, outside a hotel in Pradera, Valle del Cauca. Both of them were tortured and murdered, a situation that shocked the fans of the actress and the soap opera in which she took part.
Another loss that surprised Colombian entertainment was the death of Alejandra Villafañe on October 21,2023 at the age of 34,due to aggressive breast and ovarian cancer. The young actress,who is known for her openness in sharing her fight against the disease on social networks,underwent chemotherapy and surgery in July,but the disease quickly progressed. His death left a void in the world of entertainment, which generated a wave of condolences on social networks.
The actor shared a heartfelt video remembering his girlfriend – credit @ocamporao/InstagramA year after his departure, Raúl Ocampo paid tribute to the Valle del Cauca woman, with whom he had a loving relationship for more than four years, sharing a moving message on his Instagram profile, where he has gathered more than 480 thousand followers .
“I’m lucky to cross paths, Ale. I will continue to dance in the light until the light finds us again. 10/21/infinite”is one of the messages that the actor shared on his profile,referring to the connection that,in his heart,will continue to exist beyond physical life.
The actress also shared an image of her personal notebook, along with a message written in October last year, a few days after the former beauty queen’s death. In the image, you can see a reflection that ocampo wrote in that moment of mourning, showing gratitude to the woman who was his life partner.
“My way of honoring your name will be through actions,” he said with deep emotion. He also asked God, together with Villafañe, to guide his steps in life, showing how their relationship and Alejandra’s departure had been marked before and after.
How can media representations improve public awareness of women’s health issues like breast cancer?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Laura Martinez,Psychologist and Cultural Critic
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. The recent news of Sandra Reyes’ passing has deeply impacted the Colombian community. As someone specializing in cultural trauma and its effects, how do you see her legacy influencing the public’s perception of breast cancer?
dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me.Sandra Reyes was not just an actress; she was a beacon of portrayal for many. Her portrayal of dr. Paula, a character who also dealt with breast cancer, resonated deeply with audiences. It brought the subject, frequently enough stigmatized and surrounded by fear, into the living rooms of countless Colombian families. Her passing may reignite conversations about breast cancer awareness and provide a platform for discussions on women’s health.
Time.news Editor: absolutely. Her character’s battle with the disease was incredibly poignant. Do you think that media representations of illness, as seen in Reyes’ roles, help in breaking down stigmas surrounding such topics?
Dr. Martinez: certainly. When public figures share their struggles through their art, it humanizes the experience. Viewers who might or else avoid discussing their health frequently enough feel a sense of connection and understanding. Reyes’ legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of these conversations. Her courage in facing her illness both on and off-screen can inspire many to seek support and share their own stories.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of courage, her cousin mentioned she faced her illness with dignity and surrounded by love. what role do you think family and community play in coping with terminal illnesses?
Dr. Martinez: Family and community are vital. They provide emotional support,practical help,and,most importantly,a sense of belonging. In many cultures, including Colombian culture, the support system can considerably influence how individuals cope with their illness. Reyes’ journey illustrates the importance of this support, and also the cultural values of love and togetherness during such challenging times.
Time.news Editor: reyes’ passing has also sparked reflections on other young Colombian actresses lost too soon, like adriana Campos.How can we, as a society, honor their memories and also advocate for change regarding women’s health issues?
Dr. Martinez: It’s essential to take this prospect to not only mourn but to also act. We can honor their memories by advocating for better healthcare policies, increased awareness programs, and educational campaigns on women’s health. Each time these narratives are shared, they contribute to a cultural change that can lead to better understanding, prevention, and treatment of diseases like breast cancer.
time.news Editor: That’s a powerful call to action.In what ways do you think upcoming creators and artists can contribute to this dialog around health and well-being based on the legacy left by figures like Reyes?
Dr. Martinez: Future creators should strive to tell authentic stories that reflect the complexities of life, including health struggles. incorporating characters who face real-world issues and exploring the emotional landscape surrounding these experiences can foster empathy and understanding. Art has the power to shape narratives, educate viewers, and inspire change—Sandra Reyes’ work exemplifies that beautifully.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez. Your insights shed light on the importance of representation and the role of community in dealing with health issues. Sandra Reyes’ legacy will certainly inspire ongoing dialogue and action.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s crucial that we keep these conversations alive, not just to honor those we’ve lost but to make a difference in the lives of those still fighting.