THANK YOU-GRACIAS

In closing of my blog for the semester I want to thank my Professor (Scauzillo) for opening my eyes to a new world of writing.

He instilled in me a new sense of understanding others through writing. And learning a lot about my environment, which I never realized how important that was before.

Most importantly, I want to thank and honor my few friends I was able to feature on this blog.

This semester has been very busy and I wish I could have gotten many more people to share their story..but this is where I emphasize my readers to check out all the foundations I have talked about...they mean alot to me and have helped me get back on my feet.

I want to especially honor my Mother, whom I wish I could hug but I know she is here with me.

I want to remind my readers to always look on the bright side of things, dont let anyone get you down, and most importantly to remember that LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

Through the very very tough times know that God is with you and life will go on...we must move on from past events and look forward to fresh futures.

May all of you be blessed with perfect health and happiness...I wish the best for all my readers and Professor Scauzillo.

Thank you for reading all I had to say,

Viva la vida, God bless, Life IS BEAUTIFUL

Roma Villavicencio <3 <3 <3

Relay for life- Anaheim Hills

If you are in the Yorba Linda/Anaheim/ or Placentia area you may consider joining my community of Anaheim Hills for their annual Relay for Life walk.


It will be taking place on Saturday May 19th beginning at 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m the following day.


The goal for the 24-hour day is to have someone walking around the track (which is held at my very own Highschool) all day long.  Someone must be walking no matter what time of the day it is.


I went last year and it felt so awesome to be in an environment where survivors of all ages, shapes, and forms are honored.


It also felt great to see familiar faces of my community that I had not seen before.




Remember my friends...Life IS BEAUTIFUL! So please consider joining us on May 19th!!!!

Stupid Cancer

Stupid Cancer is another amazing foudnation!!!

When I finished my chemo treatment, I was introduced to this funny and awesome foundation.

Their moto is aimed for young adults battling cancer "Im too young for this".

When I read their moto I couldn't agree more.

With their catchy phrased shirts, and popular "flipping the bird" wrist bands, Stupid Cancer is a positive vibe inspired foundation.

They make it clear to young adults and the world that cancer can literally-screw-off!

Please check them out.

ww.stupidcancer.org

Christine Oh-My classmate, my friend, another survivor.

Here is the story of my beautiful friend Christion Oh. She and I went to Canyon Highschool together. 


My memories of her were always fun...we would always mess around in the quad when class was in session. For some reason she and I were always on a "bathroom" break ;)


When I found out she had cancer I immediately reached out to her, I wanted her to know she was not alone...Thank you Christine for sharing your story with me and every one of my readers.


You have inspired me and shown me true courage.


I am thankful to God for your life.


CHRISTINES STORY:


Started March 2010. Noticed a bump on right ankle/leg, thought it was twisted or sprained from snowboarding. Went in for a biopsy, turned out to be Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

It was a localized high grade malignant tumor. Did 6 months of chemotherapy. Had to leave medical leave from school, couldn't drive, lost my hair, ex boyfriend Kevin cheated on me (asshole!!)

Then August 23 2010 had surgery to remove the tumor. Since the tumor was sitting on the actual bone, had to get reconstructive surgery. Lost nerves in my foot shortly after surgery which was expected by the doctor. Surgeon removed the tumor and took part of the other bone in her leg to replace bone by her ankle. Had to use a wheelchair and crutches for 3 months and attended lots of physical therapy classes. Met new boyfriend Danny (wheel chaired me for months and carried my crutches in my car) November 2010...went back for another 6 months of chemotherapy. Finished. The tumor was dead and there were no signs of cancer anywhere in my body. 

Did some physical therapy, did some traveling and starting BSN program this fall! 

Grand opening of the HAPPY PLACE!

Don't Worry be Happy opened up their store front on Sunday May 6th in  North Laguna Beach.


The foundation which helps pay the bills of cancer patients through the sale of their T-shirts hopes that the store will bring more awareness and help to the cancer warriors they aim to help.


I took a visit to the store opening and ended spending more money then expected.


But I am glad to have participated in a good cause and especially for people who I know can truly use the help.

If you feel like taking a visit to the HAPPY PLACE the address is 1042 N Coast Highway.

Make a wish...

The Make a wish foundation helps make the dreams of those cancer patients who have serious diagnosis come true.


Unfortunately but fortunately at the same time (I know oxymoron) my diagnosis was not as serious as others.


But for those who are in patient cancer warriors or have a stage four diagnosis Make a wish will do their best to accomodate a special wish that one may have.


You can find out more information on www.wish.org


I think it is a foundation that is very giving and those wish serious diagnosis truly deserve to make a wish.

Growing hair!

Now....what is the best way to grow hair fast after chemo-therapy?


Personally I resorted to wearing wigs for a while because for the stage from bald to peach fuzz on the head is really not the most exciting stage.


So wigs it was.  The only bad thing about wigs is that I felt like people were staring because they knew it was a wig or because it was crooked.


But when I had enough hair to rock the "buzzed cut" look, I started taking 5000 mg BIOTIN.  It is a pre-natal vitamin that helps women grom nails, hair, and better skin.


It helped a lot and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to grow longer hair or is coming out of chemo-therapy treatment.


A little warning for those women who are naturally hairy (like me)...the Bitoin made all my other hair grown faster too.


So not only was I growing hair on my head faster but my eyebrows, underarms, and leg hairs were growing faster.


This is when I decided I had to stop taking Biotin.


In the end each woman is different and I have had many friends tell me it didnt make their hair in other parts of their body grow fast.


Try it out!

Food for thought...

The next time you want to stare at someone who is bald you may want to consider why. I'll never forget how it felt when I was going through chemo and I was bald. People would constantly stare and it made me feel sad at first...but when I'd catch them staring, it was like catching a kid trying to get into the cookie jar. They've been caught. But after a while I realized that I too used to do the same thing. Therefore when I caught people staring. Didn't take it to the heart. Certainly seeing a bald guy is more common the seeing a bald girl...so I often felt like I stood out. Since my journey with cancer I have learned to think before I judge upon someone's physical looks. Again...as I've mentioned before...you really don't know what anyone is gong through until you hear their story. * This is my first blogpost on an iPad!

Trycia Carlberg.

Yesterday morning I received some very devastating news.

The beautiful 36-year-old cancer warrior, Trycia Carlberg, whom I was fortunate to interview for my news package titled "Don't Worry Be Happy" passed away from breast cancer.

When I met her two months ago, she was vibrant and had the biggest and most beautiful smile on her face.  I or anybody else for that matter would not have known that she was battling cancer.

She truly knew how to carry the message behind Don't Worry be Happy.

I will forever hold our intimate stories about cancer, family, love interests, and life in my heart.

Trycia,

 Although I only met you once, you made an impact on my life.

I will always honor you and remember you.

I thank God that he brought you to my life and that you are now in peace and in heaven.

Say hello to my Mama.

R.I.P. Trycia Carlberg <3

DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY. <-- Click to view my news package and see what an angel Trycia is.

SeventyK.org

As an assignment for my class, I have just posted a small clip about Seventk.org, a wonderful non-profit.

Please take a peak.

Brittany Castillo - My friend, my fighter, my Angel.

In July 2010 I felt the presence of God in my life in a way that I had not felt in a long time.


It was the fourth of July in Newport Beach, CA.  I finally had enough hair on my head to have some sort of a "style", I had gained energy, and felt ready to have a good time with close friends.


Previous to this day, at a visit to UCI Medical Center for a cancer check-up my angel and nurse Mina had mentioned that a young girl had just been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.


She mentioned how terrified this girl was and that it would be great if I could get in touch with her.


I gladly accepted her request and began calling this girl...all I knew about this girl was that she had long dark brown hair, beautiful big green eyes, and that she and were affected by Ovarian Cancer.


After numerous times of trying to get a hold of her I gave up, I figured she just didn't want to be bothered.






SO back to the fourth of July.




There I was at a friends party.....


I glanced over to my right as I was scoping out the crowd.


This beautiful girl with big green eyes, dark brown hair, and a bandage surrounding her right chest area was standing there.


My body immediately froze  and my eyes widened with amazement.


THERE she was!


It was Brittany...the young girl I had been trying to get a hold of.  The young girl who's life had been affected by Ovarian Cancer.


I KNEW it was her because of the bandage surrounding her right chest area.


Where I also had a bandage, where there was once a Port Catheter under my skin.


I immediately approached her and said "Are you Brittany"?


She looks at me as if I was a mad woman...and replied "Yes, who are you"?


I pause for a second (taking it all in) and respond "I am Roma! and I have been trying to get a hold of you, I want to be your friend, I know what you are going through."


She also took a minute to respond.


 I was so excited and felt that it was God's plan for us to have met at that very moment.


She accepted me with much warmth, we talked for about an hour about everything.  I found out that on that upcoming Monday, she was to start chemo therapy.


I felt like I had come in to her life at the perfect time!


I was ready to be there for her, I was ready to fight the battle with her!




Since that moment I am so happy and proud to say that she BEAT Cancer, she is a stronger and even more beautiful woman then ever before.


She has inspired me and many others.


And I wish her all the joy and great health this world can offer.


She is my friend and my angel, that I KNOW was sent to me by my Mama in heaven.


Thank you God & Mama for bringing us together.


Love ya Brittany <3


I encourage everyone to know more about Brittany's battle with Cancer.


Please please read her STORY. <----click on "story"






Wishing everyone a vibrant week ahead,


and remember....LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!




<3 Roma


P.s.


I refer to a lot of people in my life as ANGELS because that is who they are to me, Angels sent from my Mother.

It's been a while!

So sorry for the lack of posts on my part!


I have been very busy with a news package that I worked on which focuses on Don't Worry Be Happy Foundation!


I need to figure out how to upload it onto YouTube or some form of sharing media.


I have some inspiring stories to share with all of you as soon as I get the approval from these wonderful people I interviewed!


I hope to feature them, and their story on my blog!


 After all, we learn the most through other people's stories.




A couple of things I learned through this experience is that you NEVER know what someone is really going through until you've heard their story.


Somebody may look normal and healthy, or stress-free and happy but you still don't know what they may be going through!


This blog post doesn't really have a main point, but just thought id reflect with my readers on life and how beautiful it is through the eyes of others!!!








Stay warm and dry,




Roma


p.s.


Congrats to my beautiful friends Brittany and Mike, who got married yesterday after 10 years of being together!!! You guys are an amazing example of LOVE!!!!

Marijuana DOES help!

What would you do if doctors told you your toddler was going to die?


I stumbled upon this interesting and informative video about a 3-year-old boy named Cash and his battle with Brain Cancer (a stage four brain tumor).


He has been in and out of remission and marijuana oil has helped his appetite, energy, and made him a happier boy.


But of course, the Federal Government has something to say about this,the DEA says that marijuana has "no currently accepted medical use".


Regardless of this, Cash's parents continue to believe that the marijuana is helping Cash's quality of life.


I LOVED when Cash's father expressed in this video that "Cancer has no rules", this in regards to his dedication in doing whatever it takes for Cash to have a healthy life.


When I went through chemo, a dear friend made me some marijuana cookies, they helped my irritable symptoms IMMENSELY. More then any of the medications the doctors gave me.


As long as the marijuana is given to Cash in moderation, and simply for his condition, I give more power and support to his parents!!!


May everyone have a blessed weekend,


and remember...Life IS Beautiful!!!!!!!




Roma




p.s. Let's keep Cash in our prayers! CLICK HERE FOR CASH'S STORY

HOPE, HAPPINESS, AND LOVE.

What a wonderful message!

 Don't Worry Be Happy is a Cancer charity that helps pay this bills of Cancer Warriors through the sale of their stylish Don't Worry be Happy Shirts.


You can see and read about the story of each Cancer Warrior on the DWBH website.


This inspiring organization was created in honor of Kevin Carlberg, who passed away from complications with Brain Cancer.


While Carlberg was going through chemo therapy treatment, he often wore a shirt that said "Don't Worry Be Happy".


This became his life motto, his outlook for life was positive regardless of his battle with cancer.


My hope is for my readers to help out someone in need. Someone who has thousands and thousands of dollars in medical bills to pay, all while they are battling cancer.


Not only are you helping someone, you are relieving them from stress and you are giving them HOPE.


By purchasing a shirt, you are also spreading awareness!!!!


Please friends and readers, consider helping a Don't Worry Be Happy Cancer Warrior!!!!!!!

www.dwbhshirts.org


Have a BLESSED weekend,


and remember.....Life IS Beautiful....DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY!!!!!!




Roma

Today I have honored the life of my beautiful, strong, humble, giving mother Luz Armida Corona Villavicencio.

Mama (1955-2007) and I

Five years ago she passed away from  stage four Lung Cancer, the cancer took her life so quickly.  Back then we had HMO insurance which SUCKED when it came to getting medical tests approved.


This was the worst experience in my life.  I lost a mother that I took for granted. A mother that was so dedicated to her friends, family, and Catholic faith.


When we found out my mother had cancer, we had no idea what to do, or where to go. We didn't know what the next step would be.  But as a family (my brother, father, and I), we made the best decisions we could for her, since at this point she could not communicate for herself.


 Although I no longer have the most amazing woman in my life, who was the best cook, cleanest cleaner, loyal friend, outstanding wife, and most passionate mother, I know she is with me on my worst and happiest days. She is the reason for my existence, not only in a literal sense, but in a spiritual sense as well.


I am writing this so that my readers know that it is OK to ask doctors questions, all the questions in the world!! We are not doctors, we don't understand the doctor terminology, so cut to the chase and EXPLAIN to us what we need to KNOW!


I have learned that we have to be our own advocates and we do this by asking questions, doing our own research, and getting second opinions.


As cliche as it sounds, there IS only one life to live, it is such a precious one.  Stay on top of your health, look out for yourself, and live a joyous and content life!


Happy birthday mami, I miss you very much and you are in my heart.




God bless you all,


and remember....life IS beautiful!!!!


Roma


p.s.


HUGG and KISS all of your mamas for me xOxO

Top 3 Cancer Centers in the U.S.

According to my research, the top three Cancer enters in the U.S. are as follows:

#1 University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
       Houston, TX


#2 Memorial Sloan Kettering - Cancer Center
     New York, NY


#3 John Hopkins Hospital
       Baltimore, MD


I would have figured that UCI Medical Center and UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center ranked top three, clearly I was wrong!


If you or anybody you know are battling Cancer, please know that I would love to feature you on my blog.


People need to SEE and learn about all types of cancer that affect people of all ages.


I am working on speaking with different organizations and will feauture my first one by next week!


Until then, I will keep posting...


Wishing everyone a LOVEly Valentines Day!!!!


and remember....


Life IS Beautiful!!!




God bless,




<3 Roma <3

Cancer Ribbons

Did you know?

That there are other cancer ribbons than just the pink Breast Cancer ribbon.

These ribbons are the international symbol for awareness.

Two years ago I decided I wanted the teal Ovarian Cancer ribbon tattooed on my left wrist.  I wanted to remind myself everyday of the blessing it is to be alive. 

 My dear friend Carlee Gunderson also got an Ovarian Cancer ribbon on her right wrist as a symbol of our friendship and I am so thankful that she is spreading awareness!

I'm not telling people to go out there and get a tattoo, but I am telling people to get out there and spread awareness. Especially if you or someone you know has been affected by cancer.

You can purchase these ribbons, make them out of different materials, purchase stickers or magnets of them. You can just about do any crafty thing with these symbolic ribbons!

Here are some links to where you can purchase cancer ribbon related products!

http://www.ribbonfactory.com/html/awareness_ribbons.html?gclid=CNa39aP_k64CFQ5_hwodz3zqKQ

http://www.thehopeshop.org/shop/?gclid=COvb5tL_k64CFewZQgod_xAqKQ

http://www.choosehope.com/

Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend!

God bless,

Roma

Greetings, welcome, bienvenidos!


As I pondered what my blog would focus on for my opinion writing class, I debated about the many things I love in life.


Food, music, fashion, travel destinations...but these are all common themes for blogs. I wanted to write about something better!


My passion for LIFE overpowered all my other passions. 


 After losing my mother to lung cancer in 2007 (she never smoked a cigarette in her life), I felt robbed of the core being in my life and my life changed immensely.


I was frustrated and couldn't fathom her death.  Two years later I was diagnosed with stage 1C Ovarian Cancer...this...another shocker.


But as I learned from my Mother, Luz Armida's death, life would continue.  This was just another bump in the road and I knew she would be by my side all along the journey.


 I was diagnosed with a Dysgerminoma tumor which was 17mm wide. The doctors said it hid in my lower left pelvic area for about three months.


The tumor was removed, I went through three months of chemo therapy at UCI Medical Center in Orange, California and here I am two years later.


A healthy, blessed, stressed, happy, confused, social butterfly, ambitious (your everyday) college student.


I am here to give hope and strength and to inform my readers of wonderful organizations that aim to help and make the public aware of the commonality and dangers of cancer.


I am here to honor those who are fighting the battle, to let them know they are not alone, because I KNOW how it feels when your life is put on HOLD.


I am here to be a POSITIVE influence for the souls who need it and look forward to showing my readers that Life IS Beautiful!




Roma