By: Lauren Wesseln
Name: Eric Hernandez
Year: Junior
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments dates back to my childhood. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the age of three years old. After three years of chemotherapy treatment I walked away as a cancer survivor. Having overcome childhood cancer was a great accomplishment as it emphasized the value of life and living everyday to the fullest. Other accomplishments I am proud of are my academic and athletic success, most recently receiving WWPA All-Academic Team honors.
Who is your biggest role model?
My biggest role model is Sunny Garcia (professional surfer). I first made friends with Sunny in the hospital as he routinely visited. Our friendship led to me visiting his home on Oahu in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish foundation. I admire his willingness and desire to help kids battling cancer and cystic fibrosis. He is someone I look up to because he understands the many beautiful things in life to live for.
With everything you have been through, what motivates you to get up every morning with a smile on your face and do what you need to do?
There is so much to live for and to experience. Life is too short, to not wake up every morning with a smile. The idea of adventure, meeting new people and seeing new places, and home, my family and friends, are the main things that motivate each and every day.
What is one lesson you have taken away from fighting cancer?
One lesson I take away from battling cancer (beyond the value of life) is that everyone who walks this earth has their own story to tell. There is something special about each person we encounter. Through such obstacles and challenges allows for the opportunity to rise to the top and overcome anything. The greatest beauty is created by life’s ugliest moments.
Where did your passion for volunteering stem from? What organizational causes are you most involved in and why?
My passion for volunteering originates from my childhood experiences of battling cancer. Since then I have always wanted to give back to the pediatric oncology community and help those in need. I volunteer with organizations like Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and CHOC Children’s.
Why are the Special Olympics/Special Games so special to you?
A main portion of my volunteer service is dedicated to the special needs community. I cherish spending my time serving the needs of the those who are disabled and mentally challenged because I have an older brother, Kevin Hernandez, who has special needs. Having grown up with Kevin who is so involved in sports, I have always been around the Special Olympics community. From cheering on my brother as he competes to getting my friends to volunteer I enjoy being around such an electric environment.
What led you to photography? Where has it taken you so far?
My respect for the ocean has led me to Pacific Coast Surf Photography. From surfing to shooting photography there is no better place to capture the beauty of nature. Shooting film and photography started as a hobby but has taken a more professional direction as I have a website, published book, and sell my prints. I continue to purse this passion as I soon will be releasing my second Pacific Coast Surf book.
You are also an LMU Water Polo player and Newport Beach lifeguard. Can you tell us a little bit about each one and why you decided to get involved?
I have played water polo for the last nine years. Two of my best friends and I decided to pick up the sport together as it was something new and exciting to learn. Playing NCAA Division I water polo has been a fun time to say the least. The best part is traveling on the road for games and tournaments.
During the summer season I go home to lifeguard at Newport Beach. Having been a junior lifeguard and an avid beachgoer I was intrigued to tryout. The tryout was easy yet competitive as everyone was either a high school swimmer or water polo player. I look forward to being on the beach working as a lifeguard because there is no other job like it. As much as its fun to be at the beach working, at the end of the day the lifeguards have a major responsibility to be the first responders to any and all dangerous activity in the water. I have made hundreds of rescues summer after summer and have treated countless of victims for lacerations, broken bones, and dislocations.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself married to the woman of my dreams. I see us raising a child… or two. I see myself living in a beach city, teaching my children everything I know. Also, I see myself having a well established career and stilly carrying out my hobbies of surfing and shooting photography. Lastly, I see myself starting a foundation helping those impacted in the special needs and cancer communities.
Fun/random/interesting facts:
My fact is that I have made two national television appearances: the Price Is Right and Master Chef.