#BraveLikeRosa
Name: Rosa Marie Hernandez Coronas
Age: 46.5
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
Years of Survivorship: 2.5 years
Location: Caguas, Puerto Rico
Follow Rosa on Instagram.
How has running or staying physically active affected your cancer journey?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2019, the week before my 45th birthday. It was quite a shock since there is no cancer history in my family. I have been a competitive swimmer all my life and consider myself a healthy and active person. Also, a month prior, I had just completed my yearly sonogram and mammogram and all seemed clear. The first week of May, I noticed something and scheduled an appointment with my gynecologist. She immediately called every specialist she knew and I had an appointment with a specialist that same week. Luckily for me it was caught at a very early stage. Once confirmed, I had to get the courage to tell my family and stay strong for them. Running provided me the outlet to get away from my reality and the strength to support my family during this (yes, I felt I had to comfort them as they heard it). Running reminded me of who I was, instead of who I would become.
What advice do you have for people on staying fit throughout their cancer treatment or recovery?
Exercise and staying active will give you the strength to battle your diagnosis, surgeries and treatment. After my first surgery, all I could ask my surgeon was when I could go for walks. Two weeks after my first surgery, I was walking 3 miles. It felt great to be able to do something for me. As a cancer patient it is hard to let people in on what you are going through. You might have to hold their hand and help them through the process. No one without a cancer diagnosis will understand what you feel and fear. Walking, running or training will clear your mind and help motivate you as you go through it. And in my case, it reminded me who I was.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments since being diagnosed with cancer?
Just 6 to 8 weeks after my second surgery and reconstruction, I did my first full marathon (Chicago 2019) with the support and cheers of my husband, kids (5 and 8 at the time) and my best running friends. This was also my first effort of raising funds for the Brave Like Gabe foundation. I remember crying as I crossed the finish line, thinking how much I had changed and how different things were, but how grateful I was to be there!
How has Gabe's story impacted you or changed the way you view life as a cancer patient/survivor?
I learned about Gabe through the Internet and Brooks. I was so amazed by her story, dedication and courage. She inspired me to continue being myself no matter what I was going through. Her grace and strength is an example to every single one of us to make the best out of every situation and to lead a life full of courage and happiness.
What does being #BraveLikeROSA mean to you?
Being #BraveLikeRosa means never giving up on your dreams and hopes, whatever they are. It’s looking at everything you are and knowing how wonderful you are and how much value you bring every single day. It also means that there are both good days and not so good days. Give yourself time to grieve, heal and cry, but then you have to get up and keep trying. Being Brave also means to know when to ask for help and surround yourself with people that will cry with you and lift you up when you need it!
What are you most looking forward to in the near future?
In 2022, I am looking forward to running the NYC 2022 Marathon representing the Brave Like Gabe community. In the long run, I am looking forward to finishing my medications (hate tamoxifen) or at least getting to a place where I have less side effects!
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you?
I am ever so thankful for this community for giving me the chance to look at things differently, focus on something else than myself during my treatment and learning the true meaning of being Brave!