Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Our People: Fighting cancer ... and winning

Riley Castro was born in Louisiana, but mostly raised in Okinawa, Japan and England. She is a military brat who appreciates the times her family traveled together. She is in the final stages of completing her masters degree in social work.

Castro is a survivor of stage 4 colon cancer. In January 2015, at 17 weeks pregnant, she experienced excruciating abdominal pain and underwent surgery to remove a mass. Following her diagnosis, she underwent a variety of tests and treatments, including chemotherapy. She traveled between Lubbock, Houston and home often. In June 2015, Castro gave birth to her daughter, Bryelle, five weeks early at 4 lbs. 4 oz.

She is now in remission from cancer and continues scans and checkups in Houston. Upon completing her masters degree, she hopes to work in a cancer center as an advocate for those with cancer, but more specifically for young adults because "there's not a lot of research out there,"she said.

She's in the process of starting a cancer support group at Mental Health Resources in Clovis and Portales for survivors, caregivers and anyone who wants to vent or relate to people struggling with cancer.

What do you like about the type of work you do?

I like that everyday it's something different. For example, there is no safe crisis so there's constant learning. A few clients are appreciative of the things I have to say and that's always nice.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Waking up and not having to rush to go anywhere; having an unhealthy breakfast that's full of sugar; having a nice non-windy day so my daughter can ride in her battery-powered Jeep her grandparents gifted her for Christmas.

What are your three words to describe eastern New Mexico?

Windy, calm and dusty. But I do love it here. In March of 2014 I moved here by choice.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

Every Thanksgiving while we lived oversees, we took a trip somewhere. It was extraordinary and I liked to adapt to the culture of wherever I traveled. It's so nice to learn about people. I just wish camera phones and the technology were as great then as they are now.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

I always had a plan to join the service because my dad was a flyer. I was getting my degree for just that because dad always told me not to enlist but to be an officer. I wanted to go in to help military families. My biggest interest was helping those with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I was really focused on that.

Who's invited to your fantasy dinner party and why?

Anna Kendrick, because I think she's such a neat person; Channing Tatum just because he's Channing Tatum, and my family. Also, Drew Breeze because I'm a huge Saints fan.

What's your favorite taste?

Chocolate.

What's your favorite smell?

Anything woodsy. I like the candle Fireside from Bath and Body Works.

What place would you like to travel to and why?

I want to travel more within the US. We're planning a trip Niagara falls this year. I want to travel to Washington D.C. and New York City.

What is your greatest takeaway from your experience as a cancer survivor?

The strength that I never knew I had. Also, the amazing people I've met through my support group online. I have had the opportunity to meet a few in person and hopefully will meet many more sometime this year.

— Compiled by CMI Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield

 
 
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