Finding Strength in Family
For Yarisel, being a wife and mom is one of the most important parts of who she is. Her family is her biggest source of love, motivation and strength, especially her young son, Alexander, who brings so much joy to her life.
Before cancer, Yarisel’s days were filled with work, taking care of her family and enjoying the little everyday moments that can sometimes be taken for granted. Now, those simple moments mean even more. As she shared, “Spending time with my husband and son, watching Alexander play and grow, laughing together, and having a normal day at home are the things that bring me comfort and remind me what I’m fighting for.”
When Yarisel was diagnosed with cancer in 2026 at just 29 years old, her life changed in ways she never expected. Cancer was never something she imagined having to face, especially while raising a young child and trying to build a future for her family.
Navigating the Challenges of Cancer
Yarisel’s cancer journey has included good days and very difficult days. She has faced side effects, hospital visits, fear and uncertainty, along with moments when she has wondered what the future will look like. But there have also been moments of hope. Seeing progress with her treatment and knowing she is taking steps toward getting her life back have given her strength.
One of the hardest parts of cancer, Yarisel explained, has been realizing that treatment affects so much more than your health. It affects work, finances, family, plans and your sense of security. There have been days when she felt physically exhausted or sick from treatment while still having responsibilities at home. Financial stress has added another challenge, with unexpected expenses, household bills and the possibility of missing work or changing plans because of treatment.
Emotionally, Yarisel has had to learn to take things one day at a time. At 29, she never expected to be navigating cancer treatment while wondering what the future would look like. Through it all, her family remains her greatest motivation.
“Cancer has affected my entire family,” Yarisel shared. “My husband has had to watch me go through things that neither of us ever expected, and my son has had to see his mom have difficult days. Even though he is young, he is one of the biggest reasons I keep pushing forward.”
Support When It Matters Most
Yarisel learned about Bringing Hope Home during a time when her family really needed support. Receiving assistance helped ease some of the financial pressure that came with cancer and reminded her family that they were not facing everything alone.
For Yarisel, the impact went beyond help with a bill. “It felt like someone was looking at my family and saying, ‘We see what you’re going through, and we’re here to help.’”
During a time when so much of her life felt uncertain, having an organization willing to step in brought a sense of relief and comfort. BHH’s assistance gave her family some breathing room, allowing them to focus a little more on her health and recovery instead of constantly worrying about every expense.
As Yarisel reflected, the support also served as a reminder that there are people who care about Families facing cancer — not just the person receiving treatment, but the entire household navigating the experience together.
Words of Hope for Others
When asked what advice she would share with someone who has just received a cancer diagnosis, Yarisel emphasized the importance of taking things one day at a time. You don’t have to figure out your entire journey on the day you hear the diagnosis.
She encourages others to allow themselves to feel whatever comes up. It is okay to be scared, angry, sad or overwhelmed, but she hopes they won’t let the diagnosis take away their hope. Her advice is to ask questions, accept help and lean on the people who love you. There will be difficult days, but there will also be good days, moments of laughter and reasons to keep going.
Above all, Yarisel wants others to remember that “you are more than your diagnosis.” Cancer may become a part of your story, but it does not define who you are.
For Yarisel, her family continues to be her biggest motivation. She keeps fighting for the little things — the hugs, the laughs, watching Alexander grow and making memories with the people she loves.
“If my story can give even one person hope or make another family feel less alone, then sharing it is worth it,” Yarisel shared.