The Warriors Way Cancer Fund Swim for Angela

Hello everyone my name is Braulio Fonseca; thank you for taking the time to visit this page. I was first diagnosed with Cancer when I was 19 years old, and after 15 years of being clear, I was diagnosed with Cancer for the 2nd time. After radiation and chemotherapy and the grace of God, I was able to walk away from that hospital bed and have been Cancer free ever since. This year was my 8 year anniversary. While I was fighting, I told myself over and over that I would do anything to get out of that hospital bed, and I vowed that if I survived, I would do everything in my power to live a meaningful life.

Exercise and movement became my obsession as I could not bring myself to sit for an extended period of time and swimming became my way to let my mind process what had happened and a way for me to try and give back. I have been attempting to raise awareness and funds to fight Cancer and support those who are suffering now.

4 years ago, I attempted to swim Alcatraz as my first tribute and collected 100 names that were written on my body for the swim. That year I was plucked from the bay with hypothermia and did not make the crossing successfully. I realized in that attempt that the Alcatraz crossing wasn't about finishing; it was about trying and fighting, just as those of the names I was representing. The names on my body give me the drive to fight and the passion to give everything I have.

1 year later, I returned to San Francisco with over 400 cancer warrior names on my body as a tribute and had raised around 6000 dollars toward the cause. I entered the water prepared for anything, and after 40 minutes, I found myself standing on the shoreline... triumphant. I will swim Alcatraz every year for the rest of my life because I would rather die in that water than in the hospital bed, where I swore I would do anything to escape it.

Last year was another successful swim making it my 3rd successful crossing of the bay with over 800 names on me as I swam.

So once again, this year on March 16th, 2024, I will attempt once more. I am asking you for your support and for you to join me on this adventure. If you know anyone who is fighting cancer, has fought cancer in the past or has passed away from the fight, I urge you to share their names and their story with me. Each name will remain on my list and will be written on my body for as long as I continue to swim, which will be for the rest of my life.

This is my tribute to those who suffer and are suffering and my way to honor everyone who has been affected by this horrible affliction. A portion of the donations will be used to get me to San Francisco for the race and travel expenses.

I would like to introduce you all to this year's Warrior, Angela Monnet . All of the donations will be going to support her during her fight. Please read her story and support if you can. My swim is just the beginning. Please consider sending a prayer and give her your support through love and encouragement. Let's all come together and show her she is not alone in this fight.

The Warriors Way

A warrior by definition is “a brave or experienced soldier or fighter.” When most people think of that word, or that meaning, we don’t always think of cancer… until you have experienced the tribulations personally or witnessed a loved one attempting to triumph this invasive disease.

Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2021 after discovering a lump in her breast that was not detected in yearly mammogram. Like most women, she was concerned and called her doctor. Cancer can very much be a game of hurry and wait. Hurry to get a test done… anxiously wait for the results. As Angela stood by to hear her fate, she remained positive, rarely sharing her concern for her health. Once it was confirmed she had breast cancer, she charged on ready to defeat this illness that affects 1 out of every 8 women.

Angela, Angie to most, is a sincere, patient, strong, funny, loving, loyal, and honest human. Always wanting everyone to feel safe and happy, she is more concerned with others’ wellbeing than her own. But with a young child to care for, a waning marriage, no family nearby, and her cancer team hours away, she knew she needed help. She turned to her friends both near and far for support. This tribe of hers soon became known as the “boob crew.”

In 2022 Angie conquered four surgeries, a divorce and the stresses related, two parents passing, and adapted to her role as a cancer survivor. Her tribe tended to her son, helped her recover physically and emotionally, stood by her as she laid her parents to rest, and assisted in moving her to her new home. She had started over and truly began a new life. Happy and at peace, she had hope for her future after a turbulent year.

There was a returned zest for living a healthy life. She was able to enjoy the beauty of mothering her young son. Her friendships became stronger and her village grew. She met the man of her dreams, whom unfolded an unfamiliar feeling of true love in her life. Her career as a medical aesthetician had starting to blossom again. In Angela’s own words, “this is the happiest I’ve ever been. This is the best version of myself I have ever lived”.

In February 2023, almost 2 years to the day of her double mastectomy, the results of a routine scan confirmed the return of breast cancer in her bones and lungs, but this time it carried a new label, stage four.

Most people would not know of Angela’s misfortunes. She is known for her positive attitude, her smile and her laugh. She is kind and inclusive to everyone she encounters. She is overall, happy. Like a lotus flower, she blooms through the mud.

Angela has embarked on a new journey of chemotherapy, hormone blockers, and immunotherapy. Coupling conventional treatments with integrative approaches, she hopes to attack this disease from multiple angle. With fresh bravery and determination, she now begins this new journey. Ready to overcome, she arises everyday with courage and resolve.

Join our community today to help make a difference in Angie’s life during this challenging time. Your contrition will enable her to pursue the treatment she needs while alleviating the stress of medical expenses, lost income, and supportive therapies.

Thank you for supporting Angie and her fight against cancer. No donation amount or loving words are too small. Together love wins. Welcome to the tribe.

Please consider donating in any way, either with a name or with funds or both, to make this year another successful tribute. Last year we raised roughly 6000, and I would love to beat that mark this year!! The goal for 2024 is 15,000 dollars, and together I hope we can make that happen!!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this. Alcatraz 2024 is sure to be a great success.