Community

Clarkstown Teen Coca Bernard, Leukemia Survivor, Launches Coca Strong 5K/10K for Rare Disease Awareness

Published

11 months ago

July 21, 2025

Clarkstown, NY – At just 17 years old, Coca Bernard of Clarkstown has already faced more medical challenges than most people encounter in a lifetime. A leukemia survivor and advocate for rare disease awareness, Coca is now channeling his journey into action by organizing the inaugural Coca Strong 5K/10K at Rockland Lake State Park on August 3rd.

Coca was first diagnosed with leukemia at age 13, a life-altering moment that led to two years of intensive chemotherapy treatments at Westchester Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Just as he began to recover, another setback arrived. In December 2023, he was diagnosed with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)—a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease likely triggered by his prior treatments.

“Everything changed overnight—twice,” Coca said. “But what kept me going was hope and the kindness of others.”

While still adjusting to the reality of requiring lifelong care for aHUS, Coca was approached by Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, which had been following his journey. At the same time, he ran his first 5K for breast cancer awareness—and something clicked.

“Seeing people come together for something bigger than themselves lit a spark in me,” he said. “It gave me a sense of hope I hadn’t felt in a while and made me think about the families who are battling rare diseases in silence.”

Instead of using his Make-A-Wish opportunity for a personal experience, Coca chose to give back. He envisioned the Coca Strong 5K/10K, a community race to raise money and awareness for families living with rare diseases. With the help of Make-A-Wish, which has fully covered event expenses, nearly 100% of proceeds from race registrations and sponsorships will go directly to Global Genes, a nonprofit supporting those affected by rare genetic conditions.

Set for Sunday, August 3rd from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Rockland Lake State Park in Valley Cottage, the event is expected to draw hundreds of participants from around the region.

Coca has been hands-on from the beginning—meeting with sponsors, creating social media content, designing race shirts and medals, and even recording training videos.

“He’s poured his heart into this,” said a spokesperson from Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. “It’s more than just a race—it’s a movement of hope led by a young man who’s been through more than most adults.”

Coca’s message is clear: even though rare diseases often go unseen, the people living with them are all around us.

“They deserve just as much support, compassion, and hope as anyone else,” he said.

Event Details:

🗓 Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Rockland Lake State Park, Valley Cottage, NY
🔗 [Link to Register or Donate – Available in the Comments Below]

For more information, visit the Coca Strong event page or follow @CocaStrong5K on social media.

Community

Bass Fishing in Rockland County: Where to Go and What Anglers Need to Know

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With warmer weather settling into the Hudson Valley, bass fishing season is in full swing across Rockland County. From local lakes to the Hudson River shoreline, anglers have several opportunities to target largemouth and smallmouth bass without traveling far from home.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, knowing where to fish and understanding New York’s licensing requirements can help ensure a successful and legal day on the water.

Top Bass Fishing Locations in Rockland County

Rockland Lake

Located in Valley Cottage, Rockland Lake is one of the county’s most popular freshwater fishing destinations. The lake supports a healthy population of largemouth bass and offers excellent shoreline access for anglers. Early morning and evening hours are often the most productive times to fish.

Congers Lake

A favorite among local anglers, Congers Lake provides opportunities to catch largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish. The lake’s accessible shoreline and calm waters make it a great option for beginners and families.

Hudson River

The Hudson River offers anglers the chance to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Productive areas include coves, creek mouths, docks, and rocky shorelines along the riverfront communities of Piermont, Nyack, and Haverstraw.

Lake DeForest

Lake DeForest is known for quality bass fishing, though access is more limited than some other county waters. Anglers should verify current access rules and regulations before planning a trip.

Lake Tappan

Straddling the New York-New Jersey border, Lake Tappan is another productive fishery for largemouth bass. Boaters and shoreline anglers alike have reported consistent success throughout the season.

Best Time to Fish for Bass

During the summer months, bass are most active during the early morning and late evening hours when water temperatures are cooler. Anglers often find success around weed beds, fallen trees, docks, and shaded shoreline cover.

Popular lures include:

Soft plastic worms
Senko-style baits
Spinnerbaits
Topwater frogs
Crankbaits

Fishing License Requirements

Anyone age 16 or older fishing for freshwater species in New York State must possess a valid freshwater fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online through New York State or from authorized sporting goods retailers and license issuing agents.

Current license options include:

Annual Resident License: $25
Annual Non-Resident License: $50
7-Day License: $12
1-Day License: $5

Anglers should carry proof of their license while fishing and be prepared to present it upon request.

Know Before You Go

Before heading out, anglers should review current New York State bass fishing regulations, including season dates, size restrictions, and daily possession limits. Regulations can vary by waterbody and are updated periodically by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

For those looking to explore the outdoors close to home, Rockland County’s lakes and waterways offer some of the Hudson Valley’s most accessible bass fishing opportunities. With the proper license and a little patience, anglers can enjoy a productive day on the water while taking advantage of the county’s natural resources.

Community

D-Day Remembrance Day: Honoring the Allied Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944

Published

1 week ago

June 6, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched D-Day (Normandy landings), part of Operation Overlord — the massive amphibious assault on Nazi-occupied France along the beaches of Normandy.

It became one of the largest and most consequential military operations of World War II, involving thousands of ships, aircraft, and ground troops from multiple Allied nations. The landings took place across five beaches — Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword — in a coordinated effort that would shape the course of the war in Europe.

The operation marked a decisive turning point, eventually leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The fighting on D-Day came at a tremendous cost, with thousands of soldiers killed or wounded on the first day alone.

Today, D-Day is remembered not only as a major military milestone, but as a moment defined by extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and unity among ordinary people called to an extraordinary mission.

We honor and remember those who never made it home.