Voices from the Border and the Patagonia Public Library hosted a book talk in early November with Dora Rodriguez, of Tucson, regarding her recently published memoir, “Dora: Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain.” The book is a poignant recounting of her being found near death from heatstroke and dehydration in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in 1980. The now-iconic photo of a completely limp 19-year-old Dora being carried out of the desert by a Border Patrol agent who pleaded with her not to die made the cover of The New York Times.
As a student activist, Dora fled El Salvador’s civil war to find safety in the U.S. following the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. She was one of 13 survivors of a harrowing desert crossing that claimed the lives of the other 13 members of her group. As a result of the intense media exposure, Dora became the face of the emerging Sanctuary Movement in Tucson. In the ensuing decades, she has become a U.S. citizen, a social worker, and a humanitarian leader in the borderlands. Founding a nonprofit called Salvavision, Dora and her volunteers have helped countless people fleeing their home countries and seeking asylum in the U.S. She has dedicated her life to helping people just like her in the unimaginable circumstance of leaving behind everything they have ever known in search of refuge—and risking their lives in the process.
Cynthia Matus-Morriss facilitated the engaging book talk at the library, followed by questions from the audience. I have always said of Dora that “to know her is to love her,” and the tenderness, admiration, and affection shown towards her by those in attendance was palpable. The talk was followed by a book signing and refreshments provided by Anita Clovesko-Wharton in the library garden courtyard.
After her talk, Dora Rodriguez signed copies of her new book in the library’s garden courtyard. Contributed photo
Rodriguez’s book is available at the Patagonia library and on Amazon, as well as via her website: dorarodriguez.org/memoir
If you’re interested in hosting Dora in your own community, she can be contacted at dorarodriguez.org/speaking-engagements