Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — A Brownsville mother is using her own breast cancer experience to help other families find support through a local nonprofit.

Lisa Cornejo was 38 when she learned she had breast cancer in 2017 after she found a lump during a shower. She was an active teacher and coach, she underwent surgery to remove her right breast, completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and entered remission.

“I was scared. I was scared. I was shocked. I broke down crying,” Lisa Cornejo said. “Before, my priority was my career. But I no longer have that because of my disability, so that transformed into something else.”

Four years later, on her youngest son’s birthday, she woke up unable to feel her feet and legs. She could not get out of bed.

“I told my husband, 'Take care of the kids. Don’t let them worry about me. Let my mom take me to the ER,'” Cornejo said.

Cornejo says testing showed the breast cancer had returned and spread. She learned she had stage 4 breast cancer.

“Believe me, I do have hard days sometimes, and I don’t let anybody see it except for my husband and my kids,” Cornejo said.

She said running and exercise provide an outlet, while her family and faith supply steady support. She now works through Brownsville nonprofit Lucha Against Cancer to connect other families with support she once struggled to find.

“When you have someone asking you how your day is, how are you doing, and do you need anything? That wasn't around. And I want people to know that there is that help,” Cornejo said.

The group helps with needs such as food, cleaning, and emotional support.

“We have to have that belief that it’s not going to overcome us. We’re going to overcome it,” Cornejo said.

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