Meet Karina Ureña: a dedicated runner with dreams of completing her first half-marathon. But on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to exotic locales like Key West, Maui, and Mexico, Karina’s plans took an unexpected turn. What started as what she thought was just menstrual cramps soon spiralled into severe abdominal pain and unrelenting nausea. Tragically, after months of feeling unwell, Karina was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to her liver, lungs, and ovaries.
Karina, from Napa, California, vividly recalls the disbelief she felt reading her scan results, confirming a large tumour on her ovary, while sitting beside her smiling mum. Despite the earth-shattering news, she completed the San Francisco Half Marathon—vomiting five times but crossing the finish line with sheer determination.
Now, Karina is bravely sharing her journey through surgery, chemotherapy, and adjusting to life with a colostomy bag. She’s eleven rounds into chemotherapy, facing each day with unwavering resilience. Karina touches hearts on TikTok, giving a raw and honest look at her life as she fights her toughest battle.
Throughout, her mum has been her steadfast companion, attending every treatment session and bringing her the comfort of nature’s quiet beauty. Books have also become Karina’s sanctuary, providing moments of escape and joy. Her father’s own triumph over colon cancer remains a beacon of hope.
Karina’s message? “Listen to your body. Don’t dismiss pain or changes. Early detection can save your life. I may be in pause mode, but I’m still living, laughing, and believing in healing.” Her story is one of courage, reminding us all to cherish every moment and seek help when something feels off. Let Karina’s fight inspire you to stay vigilant about your health.