Meet the Models, SoCal: Rocio Martin Hoyos

Rocio Martin Hoyos was feeling the best she had in years in 2023, after focusing on her health for some months. That’s why it came as a big surprise when she felt a lump that turned out to be breast cancer: “in a weird way, cancer came when I was ready for it.” She would go on to have a lumpectomy and radiation. 

A biochemist herself, she had greater awareness of cancer than most, but she relied on her tribe to help her navigate treatment and recovery. Her cousin, a doctor in Spain, helped talk her through various aspects of treatments, as well as keep her parents, also living in Spain, informed. Her sister stayed with her during surgery and friends organized a meal train. 

For her part, Rocio focused on what she could control. She does yoga, goes to the gym and walks a lot. In addition, she eats a plant based diet: “I am focused on keeping my body strong, which also keeps my mind strong.” For Rocio, she is solely focused on her well being and supporting her children, ages 9 and 7: “cancer made me aware about the reality of death, but it resulted in seeing things with a different eyes and prioritizing what matters.”