Blogamole › Cancer

By Michael Lopez

Mexican movie fans are in mourning today after news broke that legendary screen actor Pedro Armendariz Jr. passed away from cancer. Known for his commanding presence and dramatic flair, Pedro made quite a mark in America too, with appearances in Antonio Banderas' Zorro movies and Once Upon A Time In Mexico.

Pedro actually came from an acting dynasty. His father, Pedro Armendariz Sr., was a popular Mexican movie star during the 1940's and 1950's. He too crossed over, entertaining American audiences in the classic James Bond film, From Russia With Love.

Armendariz Jr. started his career in the 1960’s and went on to make hundreds of classic Spanish movies. By the 1980's, Hollywood came calling and Pedro began appearing in a ton of star-studded films. He acted alongside Diane Lane in A Walk On The Moon, Brad Pitt in The Mexican, and even nabbed a role in a James Bond flick (just like his dad), appearing in 1989's License To Kill.

Sadly, Armendariz had been battling cancer in the past several months and succumbed to the disease this past weekend. Mexican President Felipe Calderon issued a statement immediately after the news broke, saying Pedro was "a great actor who reflected well on Mexico at home and abroad."

Several of Armendariz' co-stars took to the Twitterverse after hearing the news, expressing their love and sympathies.

"Noooooo! I am filled with sadness!” Eiza Gonzalez posted. "I can not believe Pedro Armendariz is gone. RIP an incomparable talent!"

Lucero wrote,

"I'm so sorry the loss of Pedro Armendariz Jr. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Much love."

"My deepest condolences to the family Armendariz. We will really miss Pedrito. A marvelous actor and a wonderful human being. Very sad news," Sandra Echeverria Tweeted.

Diego Luna, who will be in Pedro's final film, Casa de mi Padre, also shared some heartwarming memories.

"Pedro is one of those people who made you smile just seeing them," he wrote.

With so many friends and fans, we imagine Armendariz will have quite an emotional funeral later this week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Were you an admirer of Pedro Armendariz Jr.? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cancer, Casa De Mi Padre, Celebrities, Diego Luna, Eiza Gonzalez, Felipe Calderon, Lucero, Mexico, Movies & CineMás, Pedro Armendariz, Pedro Armendariz Jr., RIP, Sandra Echeverria, twitter

By Michael Lopez

We have to admit, our minds have been on Robbi 'Draco' Rosa quite a bit recently. The Latin music maestro is still in the midst of battling a deadly form of cancer and, by the looks of his latest Twitpic, things may not be going well.

Rosa appears to be shockingly thin in the photo he Tweeted this week, but thankfully his spirit is still strong. Posting in English, he quoted author Isaac Watts and offered inspirational words to all of his well-wishing fans.

"The hill of Zion yeilds a thousand sacred sweets before we reach the heavenly fields or walk the golden streets," he wrote.

Draco has been keeping a very low profile since his publicized interview three months ago. Clearly in a much weaker state now, Rosa's withdrawn face and shaved head reflect the ravages of chemotherapy. Hopefully the treatments are working and he'll have positive news to share in the coming year.

Our prayers are with you Draco!

What do you think of the latest Draco Twitpic? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cancer, Draco, Draco Rosa, Health, Isaac Watts, twitter

By Michael Lopez

It's no secret that in 2005, Adamari Lopez dealt with a very scary cancer diagnosis. Thankfully the novela beauty beat the disease a year later, but she most certainly hasn't forgotten about it. In fact, Adamari has now become a very vocal proponent for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Speaking very candidly about her experience, Lopez confessed that there were times she worried about covering her treatment costs. That's why she's helping to raise money now. In fact, Adamari claims that a big reason she joined the Univision dance show, ¡Mira Quién Baila!, was to increase awareness about the disease.

But don't think that Lopez is stopping there. She also happens to be a new Latina spokeswoman for Yoplait’s "Save Lids To Save Lives" campaign. The popular yogurt company has plastered Adamari's face all over their site and launched a program that donates 10 cents to the Komen Foundation for every one of their bottle lids redeemed.

With all of this noble work that she’s been doing, it’s no wonder that People en Español named Lopez one of their "Estrellas del Año." We're extremely proud of Adamari and you can bet we'll be rooting for her to take down that Spanish mirror ball on ¡Mira Quién Baila!

Do you know anyone who's been impacted by breast cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adamari Lopez, Agentes De Cambio, ¡Mira Quién Baila!, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Save Lids To Save Lives, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Yoplaiy

By Michael Lopez

Yes, we're a little bummed that Hispanic Heritage Month has now wound down. But with the end of one 30-day commemoration, comes 30 more days of another. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is now in full swing and several high-profile Latinos showed their support for the cause at Las Vegas' PADRES Contra El Cancer event this past weekend.

Hosted by the very charitable Eva Longoria, PADRES brought out stars like George Lopez and Edward James Olmos (just to name a few). Make It Or Break It lead Josie Loren caught the eye of quite a few fashion blogs with her sexy red dress.

Tweeting about the gala, she said,

"Boarding my flight 2 vegas 4 a special trip 2 attend the PADRES annual gala! We work tirelessly to fight childhood cancer and now we get to have some fun and raise lots of money for this wonderful cause!"

The event actually had some huge corporations behind it. Companies like Verizon and AEG contributed to the evening's festivities, which included the opportunity to play Texas Hold 'Em with some big name celebs.

But it was Eva who proved to be the true belle of the ball. She hosted an exclusive afterparty at the Tropicana's Club Nikki. The night reportedly included top Vegas DJs and free-flowing cocktails (though sadly, no burlesque transvestites).

Do you support any cancer charities? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Charities, Edward James Olmos, Eva Longoria, George Lopez, Josie Loren, Las Vegas, PADRES Contra El Cancer

By Michael Lopez

For the past several years, Hollywood's Stand Up To Cancer charity has raised millions for those struggling with the deadly disease. But, as we all know, cancer isn't just centralized to the United States. It affects people all over the world and has a strong presence in Latin America. That's part of the reason SUTC has extended its campaign into Spanish-speaking countries with Unido Contra El Cancer.

Ana Maria Polo is one of the first high-profile Latinas to attach herself to the cause. Known as the Hispanic Judge Judy, Polo hosts a hugely popular Español court show called Caso Cerrado and is seen as a role model for her sharp wit and legal expertise. Now she's using her fame to help spread awareness.

"In 2008, five years after being operated for breast cancer, I saw an event on television that was on all the channels. It was Stand Up to Cancer," she said. "When I looked into it and saw what it was all about, I realized that we Latinos need to be more informed about that organization."

You can see clips of Ana Maria on the UCEC website, sharing her story and encouraging viewers to pledge their support (by purchasing a sporty t-shirt). But Polo's colorful video is just part of the online UCEC experience. Visitors can also learn about medical breakthroughs, read cancer-related blogs, and sign up for UCEC tweets.

Interestingly, Ana Maria's news comes on the heels of some discouraging stats. According to Reuters, Latinos are less likely to get checked out for cancers than Anglo Americans (which makes the awareness campaign even more important). Their study showed that Hispanics are generally 26 percent less likely to screen themselves for colon cancer than Anglos.

Heather Orom, a researcher who was mentioned in the study, seemed to think that language barriers may play a role.

"It seems very plausible that this is not happening for Latinos because of access barriers and language barriers," she said. "We don't know if those messages about family history and risk are resonating culturally with Latinos."

Hopefully some stern lectures from Judge Polo will ease their discomfort about getting checked out.

Has anyone in your family been impacted by cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Ana Maria Polo, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cancer, Cultura, Health, Stand Up To Cancer, Unido Contra El Cancer

By Michael Lopez

Menudo fans felt much more comforted this week after seeing Draco Rosa on Univision's Primer Impacto. The former boy band star appeared healthy, strong, and full of optimism when discussing his current cancer treatments.

For many, it was a sign of relief to see Draco's smiling face. Since his diagnosis back in April, rumors were flying that he was clinging to life and possibly near death.

Speaking with reporter Barbara Bermudo, he adamantly put those stories to rest.

"Estoy aquí con mucha fe," Rosa said. "Lo primero que preguntaron fue si la gente se muere por esto. La contestación fue un No!"

The film crew actually went to Draco's Puerto Rico estate to shoot the interview. There they got reactions from the singer's wife, Angela, and his two children. Though he admitted that his health wasn't 100 percent in the clear, Rosa did seem to be at peace with whatever cards life deals him next.

Has anyone in your family been impacted by cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cancer, Draco Rosa, Health, Primer Impacto

By Michael Lopez

Forget Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. If you want to know a true "fighter," look no further than Draco Rosa. The Grammy-Award winning musician has been battling his cancer diagnosis head-on, and recently gave fans an update about his condition.

In an interview with El Nuevo Dia, Rosa said he was "happy to be alive" and called his family's support "incredible and amazing." Still undergoing treatments at Dr. Stanislaw R. Burzynski's clinic in Houston, Draco is trying several unconventional approaches to beat the disease.

Stainslaw's clinic uses non-surgical and low-toxic regimens to fight various types of cancers. Per Burzynski's website, doctors at the facility offer personalized treatments for each patient and do not use chemotherapy or radiation. Draco happens to have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which attacks the blood cells.

Throughout the ordeal, Rosa still seems upbeat and also revealed another source of inspiration during this difficult time. According to the interview, he now attends church mass virtually every day.

Do you believe in “alternative methods” for curing cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cancer, Celebrities, Dr. Stainslaw Burzynski, Draco Rosa

By Michael Lopez

Within his 30-year career, it’s clear Draco Rosa’s music has touched millions. And now several famous fans are tweeting messages of love for the Puerto Rican rocker as he prepares to battle the cancerous tumor discovered near his abdomen.

Celebs like Roselyn Sanchez, Daddy Yankee, Carlos Ponce, and more have started a massive chain of online well wishes. And even though Draco is currently confined to a bed in a Houston hospital, we’re sure he’s aware of the ongoing support.

Ricky Martin, a former Menudo bandmate and Draco collaborator for over 25 years, posted,

"Usted es un guerrero hermano!

Adamari López, who herself is a cancer survivor, sent out blessings as well,

“Ten fe, mucha fortaleza, luz, bendiciones... Estás en mis oraciones".

"Mis mejores energías para mi amigo Draco. Sé que te vas a mejorar hermano," came from Calle 13’s Twitter account.

And El Big Boss made sure all of his fans were aware of his love for Draco,

“Fortaleza mental, espiritual y el corazón optimista. Adelante varón que para Dios no hay nada imposible!!!".

Other celebrities who posted shout outs include Tego Calderón and Tommy Torres. And that’s not even including the everyday tweeters who have been sending an onslaught of virtual “get wells”. We’re certain that this massive outpouring of love will help keep Draco upbeat during this very difficult time.

Have you sent out get well tweets to Draco? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adamari Lopez, Calle 13, Cancer, Carlos Ponce, Celebrities, Daddy Yankee, Draco, Ricky Martin, Robi Rosa, Roselyn Sanchez, Tego Calderon, twitter, Well Wishes

By Michael Lopez

Amazingly, just one day after hearing the shocking news about Draco Rosa’s cancer battle, Jenni Rivera revealed that she has discovered a tumor in her breast! Thankfully it appears as though the lump is not malignant, but La Diva de la Banda will undergo surgery to have it removed.

The bombshell was dropped during Rivera’s popular reality series, I Love Jenni. On the show, the singer revealed that she discovered the tumor back in February, but chose not to tell her family until now. And, as you would expect with reality television, the reaction by those close to her was over-the-top shock.

Even though the tumor was not life-threatening, Jenni is now on a crusade to help spread awareness about breast cancer. She has recorded public service announcements for the Revlon Run/Walk For Women and is expected to participate in the Los Angeles event on May 7.

As shown on the series, it was Jenni’s quick responses that led to her getting checked out and nipping any cancer in the bud. Early detection is essential in the fight against this deadly disease and we applaud Rivera educating others on the topic.

Has anyone in your family been impacted by breast cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Breast Cancer, Cancer, Celebrities, Chisme, Health, I Love Jenni, Jenni Rivera

By Michael Lopez

The Latin pop world got rocked with some terrible news today as word got out that Grammy Award-winning performer Robi "Draco" Rosa has been diagnosed with cancer. A musical presence for over 25 years, Rosawas a member of the “classic” Menudo lineup and co-wrote some of Ricky Martin’s biggest hits.

Draco’s agent Angelo Medina broke the news to the world,

"En este momento, se encuentra en un tratamiento especializado en la clínica Burzynski en Houston, Texas. Draco está combatiente y con mucho carácter enfrentando este reto que le ha traído la vida,” Medina said.

Just 41-years-old, Rosa was one of Menudo’s earliest heartthrobs. He sang on their major English crossover hits like “Hold Me” and “Like A Cannonball.” In 1988, his popularity grew even more, landing him a starring role in the now classic movie, Salsa: The Motion Picture.

But all of that early success doesn’t even begin to define Draco’s talents. He co-wrote Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” released four highly-received solo concept albums, and became a trailblazer for the alternative Latin music movement.

Now Draco is fighting for his life, diagnosed with a cancerous tumor near his liver. He has promised his fans that he will fight the disease and offered plenty of gratitude for the enormous show of support he’s received so far.

“Gracias. Ustedes siempre estarán en mis oraciones,” Rosa recently stated.

We know we are not alone in wishing Draco a speedy and safe recovery.

Are you a fan of Draco Rosa? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cancer, Draco, Health, Música, Menudo, Ricky Martin, Robi Rosa