Walker Hernandez: The power of resilience: My journey from cancer survivor to community champion

March is not only Women’s History Month, but has also been National Myeloma Awareness Month shining a spotlight on a disease that affects thousands of lives every year. In the midst of this awareness, I stand as a beacon of hope and resilience in the Edinburg and McAllen, Texas region, having not only battled cancer, but also in having dedicated myself to creating positive change in my community.

In 2017, I heard the dreaded words, “you have cancer,” which marked the beginning of a challenging journey in facing not just one, but two types of blood cancer—a rarity in itself.

Reflecting on that time, I was stressed out, had no work-life balance, and was constantly putting out fires. Determined to make a change, I made a promise to my husband to slow down and prioritize my health.

This turning point led me to establish Supporting World Hope Coaching and Consulting, LLC, aimed at helping nonprofits develop essential relationship and leadership skills for successful fundraising. My passion for making a difference fueled me to raise over $70,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) last year, earning me the prestigious “Visionary of the Year” award from the organization.

My journey is not just about personal triumph, though. It is about leveraging my experiences to positively impact others. My career trajectory, which began in the U.S. Army where I honed my leadership skills, has brought me to oversee a $12 million comprehensive capital campaign and establish a substantial $500,000 endowment, demonstrating my commitment to uplifting my community. It also led me to boost operational revenue for the  Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV, increasing it from $750,000 to $2.5 million in just eight years.

In being a myeloma and stem cell transplant survivor, my journey from diagnosis to partial remission has not only shaped my resilience, but also empowered me to impact the lives of over 10,000 individuals.

I would like to highlight the crucial warning signs that people should be aware of about myeloma, such as fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, bone and joint pain, weight loss, and swelling of lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Anemia can also occur in some individuals, signaling the importance of early detection and treatment.

Despite ongoing challenges, I remain actively involved with the LLS, serving on the Nominating & Selection Committee where we identify and recognize individuals who embody the spirit of resilience and impact.

I also co-authored “SuccessOnomics” with bestseller Jack Canfield, and so I am passionate about sharing my story and insights with others around the world. I hope this shows the power of one individual to help create positive change. 

From my over 20 years of nonprofit work, I can tell you that it’s easy to get involved. You can help out with a food drive, organize a pick-up trash day, donate blood, read a book to kids, sing to the elderly, do a walk-a-thon, serve on a board, and so much more.

My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and community impact. As we look back upon and celebrate Women’s History Month and Myeloma Awareness Month, I pray my story serves as an inspiration to everyone, reminding us that with strength and support, we can overcome even the toughest of challenges.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Sabrina Walker Hernandez, a certified consultant, coach, and facilitator who helps small nonprofit staff and boards build relationships that convert into more donations. The column appears in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. Walker Hernandez can be reached by email via: sabrina@supportingworldhope.com.

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