Guatemalan TV presenter Raquel Escalante has passed away at the age of 28 after facing a long and difficult battle with cervical cancer.
Known for her charisma and strong presence on social media, she openly shared her journey with the disease over the past year, inspiring thousands of followers.
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The news of her death was confirmed by TV Aztec Guate, the network where Escalante worked as a presenter. In a statement, the company paid tribute to the young communicator.
“Her charisma, her joy, and that special light that always accompanied her made every moment by her side unique and memorable,” the broadcaster wrote. “Today we say goodbye to a colleague and friend who left a profound mark on our hearts. Her smile, her energy, and her passion for communication will continue to inspire us every day.”
Before winning over television audiences, Raquel Escalante was crowned Miss Intercontinental Guatemala 2021, a title that helped launch her media career.
Fight for life and calls for help
In August 2024, Raquel revealed to her followers that she had been hospitalized due to a severe drop in hemoglobin levels. Two months later, her cousin publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer at the beginning of 2024.
As her condition worsened, family and friends created a GoFundMe campaign to help her with medical expenses.
“We are reaching out to all kind-hearted people who want to support her with her medical expenses, as Raquel is very sick,” the page stated. “She has spent most of her time in the hospital since February and has had to pay very high medical bills. Her adoptive family has helped her, but some situations are beyond our control.”
On social media, Raquel described herself as a “cancer warrior,” sharing emotional accounts of her fight for life. Her final Instagram post, published on July 6, was a heartfelt message dedicated to the network where she worked.
The presenter’s premature death leaves the Guatemalan public in mourning and reignites awareness about the importance of early diagnosis of cervical cancer — a disease that, when detected early, has a high chance of cure.
Images: Instagram @raquelescalantegt. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
