Helena Larrove de Roffo Statue

Was there ever a woman whose heart beat so fiercely for science and compassion? Here, before the Helena Larrove de Roffo Statue, we remember a life dedicated to battling a then-feared disease: cancer. Helena Larroque de Roffo, born in 1882, embarked on a medical journey at a time when few women dared to. She began her studies in 1904, but illness tragically cut short her final year. She married Dr. Ángel H. Roffo, a prominent Argentinian scientist. Together, they delved into histopathological research under Professor Telémaco Susini, conducting experiments that remain relevant even today. In 1919, the Roffos travelled to Europe, studying alongside Madame Curie. Upon returning to Buenos Aires, they envisioned the Instituto de Medicina Experimental para el Estudio y Tratamiento del Cáncer. Helena Larrove de Roffo poured her energy into this project. She faced resistance from a community fearful of the little-understood disease. Undeterred, she championed the cause. In 1921, she spearheaded the creation of the Liga Argentina de Lucha Contra El Cáncer (LALCEC). The institute opened in 1922, and the following year, she established a nursing school to enhance cancer patient care. She also initiated a cultural association within the institute’s grounds. Tragically, in 1924, at just 41, Helena Larrove de Roffo’s life was cut short. Her husband, in a testament to their shared dedication, requested that her portrait be displayed in the institute. The Helena Larrove de Roffo Statue serves as a reminder of her unwavering dedication to science, her compassion for the afflicted, and her significant contributions to the fight against cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire.