CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE March/April 2020 | Page 52

QUITTING is not in my
vocabulary
or my DNA
>>> Coach will not start a new prep until all tests were finished and reviewed
On October 19, 2019, I competed at Nationals in Toronto, it
was such an amazing experience. While I brought my best
package of 125 pounds and 10% body fat. I was lean, cut
and chasing a pro card. At the competition I won a 2nd, 3rd
and 4th. I won’t say I was not a little disappointed but, these
ladies that graced the stage next to me were stunning, big
and their awards were well deserved.
Back home I went to plan with my long time coach, Emilio
Ruiz. Coach advised that I take some time to breathe,get my
blood work and all check-ups done. This has always been
his protocol after a competition season. Coach will not start
a new prep until all tests were finished and reviewed. This
helps to ensure the health and safety of his competitors.
>>> CANADIAN
NATIONAL
pro
qualifier
On November 11 th I had a minor operation to remove a small
mass from my breast. The procedure was flawless and I was
home later that day to rest and wait for the results.
When I woke up the next morning the fingers on my left hand
were black. I returned immediately to the hospital for a scan.
They found a blood clot below the elbow on my left hand and
another by the heart on track to my head. This could have
caused a stroke! The doctor’s concern had me back on the
operating table on November 14 th .
A tube was in my arm with a solution to break down the
blood clots in the fingers. I was being hopeful this solution
would work. The surgeon had advised if this did not fix
the clots in a few hours amputating my fingers may be a
possibility.
On November 16 th I woke to find my right breast was
hemorrhaging and I was back to the operation room a third
time. During this final surgery, my breast had to be removed
and I began a 15 day stay at the hospital. When I returned
home I had my fingers still intact but I could not move them.
All December was spent recovering at home under the care
and watch of nurses. Being on bed rest meant I was away
from my heaven, the gym.
During my recovery I had time to reflect on my situation. It
brought out every emotion in me from anger and frustration
to pity. But the one consistency I had was my determination
52
I brought my best
package of 125 pounds
and 10% body fat. I was
lean, cut and chasing a
pro card.