The touching story of a woman with cancer. The young mother decided to move with her family to the “blue zone”, then the miracle followed

The diagnosis that changed everything

Before moving, Kema lived in Houston, Texas, where she was battling breast cancer. A visit to Costa Rica, originally planned as a simple wedding trip, revealed an unexpected potential: an improvement in health. “I felt the best I had since I was diagnosed,” Kema recalls. This experience was a decisive factor for the permanent move.

After their Houston home was destroyed by a hurricane in 2017, Kema and her husband, Nicholas, decided it was time for a big change. “I lost the house, and then I had more problems. We decided that we no longer felt connected to Houston,” explains Kema. The choice of Costa Rica was influenced by the quality of the health system, education and environmental protection.

Life in a Blue Zone

The move to Pueblo Nuevo brought with it not only a change of scenery, but also a notable improvement in health and quality of life. Kema, Nicholas and their daughter Aaralyn were impressed by the tight-knit community and access to fresh, natural food. “It’s incredible to be able to go outside and play without being constantly watched by your parents”says Kema about their daughter’s new life.

In addition to improved health, the family discovered other advantages of life in Costa Rica. In 2019, Kema found out she was pregnant with her second child, a miracle she no longer considered possible. The birth of their son, Nicolai, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, solidified the decision to stay in Costa Rica.

While they are happy with their life in Costa Rica, Kema admits there are also challenges, including homesickness and adjusting to a different lifestyle. However, the benefits, including improved health and deep community connection, outweigh the difficulties. “I think all these things contribute to their long life”Kema reflects on their experience in a blue zone.

The family plans to explore other regions, but Costa Rica will remain their home base. “Costa Rica will be our base, but we have plans to travel to other parts of the world as well,” says Kema.