Connect with us

Community

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

Published

10 months ago

on

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Community

Help Cookie Find a Forever Home After 4 Years at Rockland County Shelter

Published

1 week ago

on

May 2, 2026

By

Meet Cookie — a beautiful, sweet soul who has spent far too long waiting.

Cookie has been at the Rockland County Animal Shelter for 4 years. She’s now over 8 years old, meaning she’s spent half her life in a shelter.

Despite that, Cookie remains incredibly loving and full of life.

She:

  • Loves car rides and adventures
  • Enjoys running around and soaking up the sun
  • Walks well on a leash and knows basic commands
  • Absolutely adores people and loves to snuggle

Cookie does need to be the only dog in the home, which can make finding the right match take longer—but the right person is out there. There are people looking for that one deeply loyal, affectionate companion—and Cookie is exactly that dog.

She also has a dedicated advocate, Jessica Hyman Garcia, who regularly takes her out to experience the world beyond the shelter. But what Cookie truly deserves is a home of her own.

Recently, volunteers say she seems more resigned… and that’s the hardest part. After all this time, she’s still waiting.

We can change that.

If you or someone you know is looking for a loving, devoted companion, please consider meeting Cookie.

📞 Call: 845-414-9700
📍 Location: Rockland County, NY

Please share and help Cookie finally find the home she deserves.

Continue Reading

Community

Spring Valley High School Names 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Published

2 weeks ago

on

April 30, 2026

By

Spring Valley High School has announced its top academic honors for the Class of 2026, naming Pablo Monzon-Lemus as valedictorian and Kristian Vetchy as salutatorian.

The designations recognize the students with the highest and second-highest weighted grade point averages in the graduating class.

Monzon-Lemus, this year’s valedictorian, plans to pursue a path in law and advocacy, inspired by his upbringing in a marginalized community. While he has not yet finalized his college choice, he intends to double major in political science and computer science.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and Math Honor Society. His extracurricular involvement includes YMCA Youth & Government, where he served as a bill sponsor, as well as Model United Nations, where he held the role of president. He is also active in Key Club, Yearbook, and the Superintendent’s Circle.

Outside the classroom, Monzon-Lemus has worked as a tutor and instructor at Mathnasium and a local retail store. He also volunteers his time at school by tutoring classmates during lunch periods to help them prepare for the New York State Regents exams.

Vetchy, named salutatorian, plans to pursue studies in computer science or engineering and is considering a future career as a computer programmer or game developer.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and Science Honor Society. His extracurricular activities include participation in Thespian Troupe 721, the varsity golf team, and the school orchestra.

Vetchy has played the piano for more than a decade and also enjoys drawing, cooking, and baking. In his free time, he is an avid gamer.

School officials praised both students for their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the school community.

Continue Reading

Trending