Mar Vista Brain Tumor Survivor to Participate in Heroes for Hope Race

Veronica Cappalonga is smart, articulate, funny, a social justice activist and has a passion and zest for life that is infectious. She also happens to have a brain tumor.

The 28-year-old may get around in a wheelchair these days, and sometimes it’s easier for her to write than to speak, but her illness is not something she focuses on.

“I don’t see the word cancer as defining my life,” she types into her computer, while her mother Rocio speaks the words. “This is my life and I’m very proud of my life. I’ll meet the challenges I have and bring joy into my life.”

Having been diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 6, Cappalonga’s dream has always been to become a spokesperson for children with cancer. However, following radiation, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, Cappalonga was later diagnosed with a brain tumor, believed to be due to the heavy cranial radiation she underwent for the leukemia.

In 2005 she underwent surgery and further treatment, which left her with right-side weakness and difficulty speaking.

However, even though she can no longer become a spokesperson, it hasn’t diminished her determination to raise awareness and to help others with brain cancer. That’s why she’s participating in Sunday’s Heroes of Hope walk for brain cancer research at Dockweiler State Beach.

Cappalonga will take part in the race in a team with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s “Tumor Terminators.”

Cappalonga told Patch, “It’s important to give back and let people know that it is possible to get better, feel better, and be out there with friends, family and community.”

 Capplonga, who undertook the walk with her mother for the first time last year, added, “I want to inspire other people to go out there and be unstoppable.”

She certainly practices what she preaches. An avid swimmer despite her mobility issues, she is in training and hopes to join the U.S. Paralympics team in 2012.  Her mother said even if Cappalonga doesn’t make the team she still wants to go and support the team and cheer them on.

Cappalonga continues to swim and take yoga classes at Santa Monica College and said swimming is the thing she loves the most.

“It’s freeing,” she said. “In the water I swim with other students in the college that don’t have disabilities. When I’m in the water, I’m just like everybody else.”

Asked where she gets her positive attitude and can-do spirit from, Cappalonga’s mother laughs and says, “I don’t know.” But Cappalonga chimes in and says “From my mother.”

Her mother adds, “As a family we come together and encourage one another and give each other strength.”
Cappalonga’s sister, Gina adds, “The whole ‘it takes a village’ thing is very true. Veronica has this incredible spirit that you don’t come across very often. It comes from within and I think it’s her willingness to help others that keeps her going. She wants to get well so she can make a difference for other people.”

Come Sunday morning that’s exactly what Cappalonga and her mother will be doing as they take part in the Heroes for Hope Race.  

The race starts at 8 a.m. on Sun. Nov. 6 at Dockweiler State Beach and include a 5k/10k, Kids’ Fun Run and other family-oriented activities. Money raised by the Tumor Terminators will support brain tumor research at Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Neurosurgery and Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute.

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