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

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9 months ago

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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.

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Rockland County Family Injured in Tragic Crash on Way to Florida

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3 weeks ago

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April 3, 2026

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On March 28, a Rockland County family of five—mother Yuliya, father Yuriy, and their three sons, Deny (15), Mark (12), and Dave (9)—set out for what was meant to be a joyful family vacation to Florida.

Tragically, their journey was cut short when a pickup truck crashed into the back of their vehicle.

Today, two of their young sons, Mark and Dave, are fighting for their lives in critical condition in the ICU at WakeMed Raleigh Campus in North Carolina.

While Yuliya and Yuriy did not suffer severe physical injuries, the emotional toll of this unimaginable tragedy is profound. No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain and uncertainty.

The Hlovatsky family, along with their friends and loved ones, are asking for prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time. Right now, Mark and Dave’s lives hang in the balance.

A GoFundMe link to support the family is being shared on our Facebook page.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Katelyn Tuohy – Rockland County’s Record-Breaking Distance Runner

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1 month ago

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March 12, 2026

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In recent years, few athletes from Rockland County, New York have captured national attention the way Katelyn Tuohy has. From record-breaking high school performances to championship victories at the collegiate level, Tuohy has become one of the most accomplished distance runners of her generation.

Tuohy first rose to prominence while competing for North Rockland High School. As a teenager, she dominated cross country and track competitions across New York and the United States. Her performances regularly shattered course records and national marks, quickly turning her into a household name in high school running circles.

During her high school career, Tuohy earned multiple national honors and repeatedly claimed the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award for girls cross country and track. Her ability to maintain both speed and endurance allowed her to excel in events ranging from the mile to longer distance races. Coaches and analysts frequently described her as one of the most talented high school runners the country had ever seen.

After graduating from North Rockland, Tuohy continued her career at NC State Wolfpack, where she quickly proved that her success was far from over. Competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics, she became a key member of the university’s powerhouse distance program.

Her biggest breakthrough came when she captured the individual title at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, cementing her place among the elite runners in college sports. The victory not only highlighted her consistency and determination but also helped bring national recognition to the NC State program.

Despite competing on a national stage, Tuohy’s story remains closely tied to her roots in Rockland County. Many local runners view her as a role model who demonstrates what dedication, discipline, and perseverance can achieve. Young athletes throughout the region continue to look up to her as proof that world-class talent can come from their own community.

As Tuohy’s career continues to evolve, many expect her to pursue opportunities on the international stage and possibly compete in global championships or future Olympic events. Regardless of where her path leads next, her journey from Rockland County standout to national champion has already secured her place among the most inspiring athletes to come out of the region.

For runners across New York and beyond, Katelyn Tuohy’s success sends a powerful message: with talent, hard work, and determination, even the longest race can be won.

Photo courtesy Wikipedia

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