29/01/2026
Hi, Iโm Belen โ The owner & head coach of Salty Girls Surf School ๐
The ocean, community, and creating safe spaces for women and girls have always been at the heart of what I do.
In November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. With the holiday period in full swing, I chose to stay quiet. I didnโt want to bring anyone down or interrupt special family time. I needed time to process it all and get my ๐ horses in a row before sharing with my family, friends, and community.
After countless scans โ mammograms, MRI, full body and bone CT scans, and biopsies โ we finally had a plan. The cancer was found in my left breast, a small amount in the right, and in both my left and right lymph nodes. Thankfully, it hadnโt spread anywhere else.
With an incredible team at Robina Hospital, I underwent a double mastectomy with lymph node clearance. I know how lucky I am to have walked into hospital with options โ so many donโt get that chance, and I hold that with deep gratitude.
Iโm now just over one week post-surgery and home for six weeks of recovery. In a few weeks, my tissue results will guide the next phase of treatment which will include chemo, radiation and hormone therapy โ but the first part of this journey has officially begun.
Itโs going to be a freaking rodeo โ but itโs not my first rodeo. Iโm buckled up.
For those wondering about Salty Girls Surf School. While Iโm out of the water healing, my amazing coaches are running the show and absolutely nailing it as we come into the best time of year , Please come and join us this term ๐ค
Iโm surrounded by an absolute badass medical and natural support team, and Iโm feeling deeply held.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover allied health, therapies, supplements, and recovery support. If youโre able, any support would mean the world ๐ค
๐ https://gofund.me/04bda41db
Sending love and gratitude,
Belen โจ
