Natasha Leon Guerrero Perez
October 21, 1990 - June 9, 2006
A Writer, A Dreamer, A Fighter
From a young age, Natasha Leon Guerrero — lovingly called Tash — dreamed of becoming a writer. She was devoted reader, eagerly awaiting new edition of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and often filled notebooks with favorite quotes and reflections. Her biggest dream was to attend Columbia University and turn her love of words into a career as a writer.
But at just 11 years old, Tash’s life took an unexpected turn.
A Courageous Journey Through Cancer
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, Tash faced years of treatments that took her far from her home on Guam. From Guam to Michigan to New York, undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and countless treatments. She endured it all with grace—losing her hair, struggling with nausea, facing isolation—but never losing her faith or hope.
Despite long months in a wheelchair, she gradually regained her strength. After treatment, she even walked again with the help of crutches and then a cane. Even through exhausting treatments, Tash stayed focused on her promise:
“I made a promise to myself that I would never give up on life or anything else I was doing.”
A Wish Beyond Herself
When offered her Make-A-Wish opportunity, Tash chose something deeply personal. Rather than concerts or shopping sprees, she asked for something only God could provide:
“Mommy, everything I need or want, you can give me. So I want something you cannot give. I want a blessing from the Pope.”
In July 2004, she traveled to Rome, and on August 4th, Pope John Paul II blessed her personally during the Angelus. It was a moment that reflected both her faith and humility.
Her Faith, Her School, Her Strength
Tash was more than her illness—she was a top student at the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, earning a scholarship and consistently ranking among the top of her class. Even when her health declines, she remained disciplined, organized, and dedicated.
During this time, she also said “yes” to becoming a lector, reading God’s Word during Mass, while also attending services at Guam Memorial Hospital. Her faith only deepened.
From Personal Struggle to Public Action
Tash’s health challenges made even simple activities like dining out risky, as secondhand smoke threatened her weakened lungs. Frustrated by repeated episodes of choking and coughing while trying to eat in public, she and her mother began advocating for smoke-free public spaces.
Beyond her personal battle, Tash recognized that secondhand smoke endangered others like her.
“We were tired and frustrated of running away from smokers….we needed to do something about it.”
They approached restaurant owners and eventually Senator Lou Leon Guerrero, who worked with Tash to introduce legislation banning smoking in enclosed public spaces on Guam.
“The bill got its public hearing in April 2005. Natasha was there alongside her mom as her mom testified in support.”
— Sen. Lou Leon Guerrero
Leading by Example: Lone Star Goes Smoke-Free
In October 2005, Lone Star Restaurant in Guam became one of the first to voluntarily adopt a smoke-free policy—months before the Natasha Protection Act was enforced. Owner Bryan Artero led the change, prioritizing not only customer satisfaction and ambiance, but also the health of staff and guests alike.
This proactive move reflected the growing support for a healthier, smoke-free Guam—an effort deeply aligned with Natasha’s advocacy. Lone Star’s early adoption set an example for other local businesses, proving that community wellness and customer experience can go hand in hand.
The Natasha Protection Act
The Natasha Protection Act was signed into law in December 2005. It aimed to protect the public from secondhand smoke in enclosed public places—a deeply personal issue for Natasha, whose condition was further complicated by secondhand smoke, especially during her return to Guam, when indoor smoking in restaurants made it difficult for her to dine out.
Though the law faced legal challenges, the Superior Court upheld the law—delivering its final decision on June 9, 2006—the very day Tash passed away.
“We have lost a hero in our community today, and today is also the first day of the implementation of the Act under her name—the Natasha Protection Act.”
— Attorney Mike Phillips
Her Final Moments, Her Lasting Impact
Tash approached life with grace, faith, and a quiet determination to make the world better for others. As her illness progressed in 2006, Tash remained at peace with her faith and family.
On June 9, 2006, Natasha Leon Guerrero took two final breaths and went home to God.
Today, her legacy continues—through this film, through Guam’s smoke-free spaces, and through everyone who is inspired by her courage. Though her battle with cancer eventually ended, her voice lives on in the law that bears her name.