Making cancer support feel like it was made for Spanish speakers, not translated for them.

Supportive care is too often only available in English. Inova wanted to offer Mind Over Matter to Spanish-speaking patients and caregivers, and a direct translation wouldn't meet them where they are.

Interviewed Spanish-speaking patients and caregivers, researched market fit and how other organizations had launched Spanish cancer programs, and shaped the program's structure, tone and communication for Spanish-speaking audiences.

Mente Sobre la Materia launched as a free, virtual, five-week program in Spanish, open to participants anywhere in the country, and grew into a facilitator training program that brings it to other organizations.

UX interviews

Conversations with Spanish-speaking patients and caregivers about how they experience a diagnosis, where they look for support, and what makes a program feel trustworthy.

Market fit

Whether and how a Spanish program would reach its audience: format, timing, channels, and what would help people commit to five weeks.

Comparative research

How other companies and nonprofits had launched Spanish-language programs for cancer patients and caregivers, and what worked.

Caregivers as an audience

Family plays a central role, so caregivers were designed for from the start, not added later.

Translation isn't enough

Content had to be adapted in tone and examples, not just translated word for word.

Family comes with the patient

Caregivers and loved ones are part of the journey and needed a place in the program.

Trust through community

A familiar, community-based partner made it easier for people to take the first step.

Access matters

Evening, virtual and free sessions removed barriers of time, travel and cost.

Five weekly sessions

Five 90-minute sessions, each building new coping tools, with relaxation exercises and concepts from cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-and-commitment therapy.

Warm, direct, hopeful Spanish

Language that speaks to the big feelings after a diagnosis — fear, worry and sadness.

Bilingual outreach

A clear invitation to plan for all five weeks, with a phone number to call and a QR code to register.

Community partner

Launched in partnership with Duelo Latino, with bilingual facilitators.

Free & virtual

Open to Spanish-speaking patients nationwide.

Designed for families

Patients and caregivers both have a place.

Piloted beyond Inova

Adapted with Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

A training program

Other organizations can now bring it to their communities.