On Halloween morning, 2020, I was at work looking forward to the evening when my husband and I would join our friends for a costume party. Little did I know, my friend Rosa, who was hosting the party, was going to see her doctor for a colonoscopy that same morning. She said she had been putting it off for a while, but knew it needed to be done, and when the appointment became available, she took it. What none of us expected was that she would be admitted to the hospital that day.
During her procedure, a cancerous tumor was found in her colon that was causing 80% blockage. A mass this size needed to be removed as soon as possible, and so Rosa underwent surgery just two days after her diagnosis.
After recovering from her surgery, Rosa returned to our CrossFit gym (where she also coaches) and resumed her workouts. In December, she would begin six months of chemotherapy.
Before all of this began, Rosa, myself, and two other friends had intended to compete in a four-person team competition in January, but after Rosa’s diagnosis, we thought it might serve all of us to find a replacement for her. We were not expecting Rosa to feel up to competing, and she wasn’t sure what to expect from her treatments. So, our team found an alternate, but for some unforeseeable reason, the alternate had to back out at the last minute. However, Rosa was ready to step up to the plate.
Not only did we compete, but we WON with Rosa on our team!
So the question is: How does one win a CrossFit competition while undergoing chemotherapy treatments?
According to Rosa the answer is mindset and faith. She has maintained an outstanding perspective about her diagnosis and treatment, and emphasizes the importance of remaining positive. Rosa is a huge fan of David Goggins, and pulls inspiration from his life story. She knows that we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react. In addition, she says she visualizes during her chemo sessions that the treatment is attacking the bad cells and ignoring the good ones. She also prays and listens for guidance from above during her sessions and on her daily walks.
I have so much respect for Rosa and her strength because I know it would be easy for anyone in her situation to feel defeated and lose hope. It’s easy for people to ask “why me” and let negativity take over. But not Rosa.
From my perspective, Rosa takes great care of herself. She is young, eats well, and works out daily. In my opinion, that has played an important role in her journey (despite being a Type 1 diabetic). The only reason I mention this is for those of you who claim that you do not have the time or energy to take care of yourselves because you never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball. Making time for your health could save your life.
So what’s next for Rosa? Well, she is signed up to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) next month!
You can watch her video below about her experience in the Battle of the Ages competition, and subscribe to her YouTube channel to experience her entire journey.
