(JULY 18) WBAN has been asked many, many times about the highly successful female boxer, Vanessa Juarez, who came from the amateurs with over 70 amateur bouts, and nine pro fights (undefeated) and then just seem to disappear from the boxing scene all together in 2008.

WBAN had stopped hearing from one of her strongest supporters--Raquel Juarez (mother), who had always kept WBAN updated on Vanessa Juarez.

This week, I emailed Raquel Juarez, to find out JUST what had happened.....Raquel responded and told me the following:

"Her last fight was in June of 2008.   I had a good idea that my cancer had returned but didn't want to go to the doctor until after her fight. Sure enough my cancer Angiosarcoma, a rare type of cancer had returned."

"When I started fighting cancer, Vanessa stopped boxing to help me get through my surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. It was 1 1/2 years of pure hell, traveling back and forth to Houston, Texas, for treatment. Vanessa put her career on hold to help with me."

"Vanessa is planning to return to boxing, and get in the gym. She misses the sport. " 

I spoke to Raquel about her cancer, as I related or so well due to past issues of dealing with the disease. 

Raquel said, " I do believe knowledge is a part of the fight to kill cancer---Early detection is the key to survival. If I wouldn't have insisted on a biopsy, I probably would not be here today. We have been through a lot, however, God and our faith has gotten us through this. You of all people know how early detection can save a life."

WBAN would like to wish Raquel a complete recovery, and that we are looking forward to seeing Vanessa back in the ring!