When illness threatened her son’s future, Claudia Cincotto found hope in a stranger’s kindness.
When Claudia Cincotto, Senior Director of Cybersecurity Business Strategy for Latin-America and Caribbean, speaks about volunteering, her words carry the weight of lived experience and the light of gratitude. Her most profound mission began in 2021 when her son was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer during the pandemic. In that moment of despair, Claudia discovered the power of strangers and the life changing impact of volunteerism.
When doctors told Claudia that there was nothing that could be done to help her son, she began relentlessly searching for a sign of hope. Claudia found a small volunteer-led group, PMP Pals, dedicated to helping families affected by this rare cancer called appendicitis. One woman from the group, who had never met Claudia, reached out and said simply:
“I will help you. We will do everything possible to save your son.”
That promise became a lifeline, as she guided Claudia to specialists and resources. Today, Claudia’s son shows no evidence of illness, a testament to the difference one person’s compassion can make.
Grateful for the gift she received, Claudia now pours her heart into giving back to support the same organization. Through initiatives like “Hope Zoom,” patients share experiences, learn about clinical trials, and find strength in community. As a volunteer, Claudia writes letters of encouragement to families facing loss or surgery. Providing a beacon of hope. “Every time someone calls to say how much that letter meant, it makes my day,” she says.
Throughout this journey, one moment stands out vividly for Claudia: connecting her son with a newly diagnosed patient. What began as a conversation about illness transformed into a dialogue about dreams and hope. Both young people sharing aspirations of wanting to study medicine.
“Cancer takes away your dreams. But that day, they talked about the future.”
For Claudia, these glimpses of hope reaffirm why volunteering matters. Her story reminds us that even in life’s darkest moments, kindness can spark light.
