Genaro Hernandez Diagnosed with Rare Cancer

By
Michele Chong
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23
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Interview with “Chicanito” as he prepares for his biggest battle ever

Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez fought many battles in the ring and now he is facing the biggest fight of his life. The former two-time Junior Lightweight World Champion has been diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer of the head and neck. He needs everyone’s help and support during this extremely difficult time.

After speaking with the champ, it will surprise no one that his positive attitude, sense of humor and optimism are all still intact since first learning in October that he had this aggressive and rare form of cancer. Hernandez (38-2-1, 17 KOs), was a fan favorite in his hometown of Los Angeles and is well-liked in boxing circles. Even during his own health crisis, he’s still thinking of others, “I hope this helps others to get checked early like I did. I don’t drink; I don’t smoke; I live a clean life and stayed out of trouble–you just can’t take anything for granted.”

Unfortunately, the disease runs in his family and he tells me during our conversation that both his father and mother had cancer. Genaro, 42, says with disbelief, “I had no symptoms, just a little lump near the jaw area that I thought was fatty tissue. So I went to the doctor to have it removed back in September. Then after about a week, I noticed two other lumps near my collarbone, so I had a CAT scan. At first they didn’t think it was cancer–the tests came back negative. But after a biopsy, they found tumors growing in my sinus and my lymph node. I have a rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma that is usually only found in kids.”

The former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion continues, “I thought I was just in the early stage, since I have no pain…well, I can take pain,” the former boxer laughs. And what about a fight of this magnitude against cancer? “I’ve been through fights, so I will get through this like a pro fighter–with hard work, dedication, and support.”

As for support, Rudy Tellez, WBC Supervisor is planning a fundraising benefit, including a dinner, autograph signing and silent auction for Hernandez on January 17, 2009, “This dinner will be a big function. We’ll have a lot of diplomats coming down and we want everyone to participate. ‘Chicanito’ will be surprised to see how many people love him.” Hernandez was inducted into the WBC Hall of Fame in June of this year.

“The Mouthpiece Doctor” Tellez is also Chairman of the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum (where the event will be held), located at the American Sports University in San Bernardino, Calif. He’s counting on the boxing community to help out one of their own, “I really want boxing fans, managers, trainers, and fighters to come out and do what we have to do for him. The WBC has been 100% supportive and maybe we can change something for ‘Chicanito’.” Hernandez will need ongoing medical treatments that may not be completely covered by his insurance, so donations are more than welcome at this time.

While at the WBC 46th World Convention in Chengdu, China, Tellez first heard the shocking news through WBC President Jose Sulaiman, “We all choked up when we got the news. Sulaiman protects these boys like his own sons; we all do the same thing and we want to help. And Jill Diamond is the ‘mother nature’ of the WBC–this lady is awesome and a wonderful woman who’s been helping ‘Chicanito’.”

Diamond, Chairman for World Boxing Cares (a charitable children’s organization founded by the WBC), told me how she first met Hernandez and of later witnessing his generosity first hand, “I met Genaro at the “Celebration of Champions” in Cancun in 2005. He was one of the many champions who joined us for that incredible event. But I didn’t really know Genaro until he accompanied me on our first World Boxing Cares visit to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. After spending time with the children, he went back, got the dates of their birthdays and sent them gifts!”

Diamond, who’s also a WBC Championship Committee Co Chairman, speaks of the organization’s loyalty for the champ, “This is a small slice of life. The WBC’s relationship with Genaro is much longer. He has proved himself over and over to be a kind and devoted friend to all. That’s why they want to support him. He is a beloved athlete and an admired man. He is a light and an inspiration– a champion, as we were raised to believe how champions should be.”

Others are also quickly stepping in and lending support as word spreads about Genaro’s prognosis. Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo of Thompson Boxing Promotions will be dedicating their January 30th fight night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. to the champ.

  

The devastating diagnosis has no doubt shocked Hernandez, his wife, his daughter, 16, and his son, age 9, and again, always thinking of others, Genaro says is saddened the most for the stress it’s caused his family, who reside in Mission Viejo, Calif. He will begin chemotherapy and radiation therapy on December 2nd and keep your fingers crossed–no surgery for now. “Doctors say eventually they may have to remove my right eye,” Genaro tells me. “The tumor is eroding the bone of my eye socket.”

But do not underestimate a true champion’s spirit as Genaro, who scored victories over Jorge Paez, Azumah Nelson, and Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, among others during his career, explains, “There’s a Spanish saying that translates to ‘A bad weed never dies’: Hierba mala nunca muere.” He adds with determination, “And I’m not gonna let this beat me.”

The humble World Champ and former HBO alum is definitely not letting his current condition slow him down one bit. On Saturday night, he accepted a World Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Award for Akihiko Honda, the Japanese boxing promoter who was instrumental in Genaro’s career. And on Sunday, he went to an amateur boxing show at Eddie Heredia’s Boxing Club to support his brother’s fighters. Again, Genaro continues to amaze everyone with his kindness, support, and loyalty to others, traits that are sometimes a rarity–in or out of the ring.

Genaro’s gentlemanly acts of kindness–both small and large–have reached out to many people through the years, impacting them in various ways that he himself probably doesn’t even realize. Our own MyBoxingFans.com publisher Edgar Gonzalez has been just one individual touched by “Chicanito’s” kind and generous nature. The champ was friends with Gonzalez’ dad, Raul, and gave the father and son complimentary tickets to his fight against Pedro Arroyo in 1991. This bout at the Forum in Los Angeles was the very first live fight Edgar saw in person, thus instilling such a love of the sport that eventually led him to create this boxing website.

So with the support of Dr. Sulaiman, the WBC, Tellez, Diamond, Thompson Boxing Promotions, and many others in the boxing world, Genaro has countless people in his corner, including all of us at MyBoxingFans.com. He will continue to need everyone’s support during his toughest fight yet.

Please keep “Chicanito” in your prayers and continue to check this site for updates.

If you’d like more information regarding the January 17, 2009 benefit, please e-mail Rudy Tellez at: [email protected]

Photos by Raymond Rodriguez
Photo of Edgar Gonzalez and Genaro Hernandez courtesy of Edgar Gonzalez
Photos of Genaro with Erik Morales courtesy of Jill Diamond and www.worldboxingcares.com

Donation Information
Please mark them “Genaro” and make payable to World Boxing Cares
All money is tax deductable and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Genaro Hernandez family.
Send to:
World Boxing Cares
36 West 22nd Street
New York, New York 10010
Tax ID number: 26 2665978
(A beautfiul WBC Lifetime Certificate will be sent to you to acknowledge your donation)

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Michele Chong
Michele Chong
Michele Chong has been involved in the sport of boxing for over a decade. Her “Chatter Box” column covers a variety of subjects in both professional and amateur boxing, and features exclusive one-on-one interviews, recaps of fight events, shows and tournaments, book/film reviews and much more. Inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008, she is also a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Golden State Boxer’s Association and the Burbank Boxing Club. Michele is also involved in many non-profit and charitable organizations.
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23 COMMENTS

  1. GENARO YOU WERE A REAL GENTLEMEN , WITH A BIG HEART ALWAYS HUMBLE WITH YOUR FANS, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, AND MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. YOU WILL BE MISS

  3. i had the pleasure of meeting Genaro at the maywood boxing club a few years back and this man talked to me as if i was someone special. i am just a normal human being but Genaro wasn`t, he was a giving man who i heard always stopped to talk to children and give them words of advice. Genaro died yesterday but his legacy lives on in Maywood, Huntington Park, Bell and surounding ares throughout so cal. Rest in Peace brother and thanks for the great memories inside the ring.

    Boxing Fan A Gonzalez

  4. Hola Genaro,
    mi esposo es un fan tuyo y te encontro un dia en la calle, me dijo que eras a todo dar y que se sentia orgulloso de haberte visto en persona. Hemos visto lo de tu salud. Creemos que si podemos contactarte para pedirle a nuestros pastores que te visiten y oren por ti. El poder de la Sangre de Jesucristo es Maxima. Hemos sido testigos de sanidades y yo misma mori y Dios me consedio regresar y hoy decirte que Jesus es tu respuesta chicanito. Escribenos para que recibas tu bendicion. Estamos pidiendo por ti. Jesus te ama.

  5. Heavenly father All of us in prayer ask you to please put your hand on Genaro please heal him, please make your precence be seen,give him peace..you said if we gather in prayer you would listen…Father please bless his family give them guideness to be able to be a help to Genaro…Genaro we love you!

  6. Hello ‘Chicanito” well i don’t think u remember us, i hope u do! well i’m sure your wife Lilianne does. we use to live @ the apartment’s that pedro & maria were the managers!!! my dad mario, my mom alicia and my lil sister & my self us to stay @…. well we heard about the sad news, and we truly do hope the best for you and your family. may god bless you and your family and we hope to hear that you are doing much better!! take care and think positive that everything is going to be ok*****

  7. Sr. Genaro Nosotros somos fanaticos de usted,mi esposo mis hijos y Yo
    todos los dias ruego por usted,tenemos fotos de usted y uno de mis hijos Gerardo Salinas, El paso por algo parecido, gracias a dios ya esta bien, por eso le digo que usted va estar bien,hechele muchas ganas,esperamos que pronto este bien porque lo estranamos mucho en la TV, lo queremos mucho y ojala que dio9s lo ayude y lo proteje para su familia y el publico,para adelante ,para delante y no mire para atras.

    Familia Salinas,con amor y carino

  8. este mensaje es para chicanito hernandez. no mas te quiero decir que yo conosco une medicina muy buena para esa enfermedad. y es muy buenisima. con fe y pidiendole a dios te aliviara. con esta medicina se salvo mi primo y mi cunada. ellos estaban desausiados. y en menos de dos meses tuvieron rapida respuesta y ahorita parece que estan bien. si puedes contactame en mi e-mail que es chuy [email protected]. o mi telefono (562)699-5623

  9. este mensaje pa chicanito hernandez. no mas te quiero decir que yo conosco une medicina muy buena para esa enfermedad. y es muy buenisima. con fe y pidiendole a dios y te aliviara. con esta medicina se salvo mi nprimo y mi cunada. ellos estaban desausiados. y en menos de dos meses tuvieron rapida. y ahorita parece que estan bien. si puedes contactame en mi e-mail que es chuy [email protected]. o mi telefono (562)699-5623

  10. Chicanito, our best wishes of recovery are with you, along with our daily prayers. JESUS TEN PIEDAD Y MISERICORDIA DE GENARO
    HERNANDEZ
    JESUS SANALO
    JESUS SALVALO
    JESUS LIBERALO DEL CANCER
    AMEN,AMEN Y AMEN

  11. genaro’s event was a wonderful evening full of heart, warmth, and generosity–all qualities “chicanito” is known for! everybody came together in support of this amazing person that is genaro hernandez. thank you to everyone! michele chong

  12. I don’t consider “Chicanito” a friend but a close family member of ours, like I’ve told him, I believe in miracles and prayers go a long way. I am very humble and honored to have chicanito and his family in our lives. There was never a moment when Chicanito would turn his back on any of his fans, he didn’t know what it meant to say “NO” in signing an autograph or taking pictures with anybody, he’s always humbled his fans. He’s a Great Person.

  13. hola yo también, tengo un problema de salud, hoy al leer en el periódico está noticia,me dió mucha pena por él, aunque no recuerdo haber escuchado su nombre en las noticias (no m gusta el boxeo) .en mis oraciones lo incluiré. ustedes que están en estados unidos, podrán hacerle llegar los factore de trnasferencia, para fortalecer su sistema inmunologico, yo los tomo,no m ha dado gripe, apanas llevo la primera quimio. que DIOS LO CUIDE SEÑOR. si alguien por medio del correo m dice como enviar una donación aunque sea muy pequeña, desde mexico, se lo agradeceré. bendiciones-

  14. Hi there to all, I have a very special priviledge in the fact that Genaro is one of my closest friends. This man is beyond words….He is rich with integrity, character and love. His family is a product of his leadership, all beautiful, loving, and enriching people. I know we have all watched Genaro throughout his career and he has managed to touch us all from a distance, but I can tell you with honesty that this man is all heart….He would do anything within his power for anyone in his life and if it weren’t in his immediate grasp, you can be assured that he would figure out a way to obtain success. I imagine that everyone has someone in their life that they aspire to mirror, someone that challenges them, inspires them, stretches and grows them, without contest, he is that man for me…..I challenge all of you to give the greatest gift…..Prayer, it is free, and powerful beyond measure. I know that he will make us all proud yet again with another victory, so let’s show him our dedication through prayer, good thoughts, and faith in his heart. I know what a blessing you all are to him, and I am humbled just to know him. God Bless Genaro Hernandez!!!!

  15. deceo a mi gran amigo todas las bendiciones de nuestro sennor y su muy pronta recuperacion DIOS TE BENDIGA HOY MANANA Y SIEMPRE TU AMIGO RAMON RUFFO DIOS TE CUIDE CHICANITO MI HIJITAY YORESAREMO POR TI

  16. hello champ!i am HERVI ESTRADA you have always been a kind and a happy person,every time that i see you you have a big smile on your face, its always fun to be aroud you, you are a real friend. i knew you as a very tuff person you will fight this diseased the same way you fought your tuffest battle and you will end up on top, along with our preyers from all of us in the boxing world, please hang in there champ we love you.

  18. Thanks, everyone-here’s a personal message from “Chicanito”: Thank you for all that you and your website are doing not only for me, but for the people themselves who are actually reading your article. I only say this because it may help people understand not to leave any thing rare appearing on their bodies go without being checked out by a Doctor. Once again “Thank You”! Genaro

  19. HAVING MET GENARO ON A FEW OCCASIONS, THIS YOUNG MAN IS A CREDIT, NOT ONLY TO BOXING BUT TO SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. GENARO REPRESENTS ALL THIS IS GOOD ABOUT BOXING AND HUMANITY. MY PRAYERS, ALONG WITH THOSE OF OUR ‘GLOVE2GLOVE’ MEMBERS ARE WITH HIM IN HIS STRUGGLE AGAINST CANCER. GENARO IS A FIGHTER, AND IF ANYONE CAN KICK THIS DISEASE’S BUTT, HE CAN….RUSTY

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