Canyon Lake resident Cayla Roberts, 21, is having to put her dreams of being a firefighter on hold as she battles stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer she was diagnosed with in March 2025.
Since high school, Roberts has pursued her dream of becoming a firefighter, inspired by her father, a battalion chief at the Canyon Lake Fire Department. She has worked as an EMT, volunteered as a firefighter, and enrolled in the Moreno Valley College Fire Academy in the fall of 2024.
During week 10 of the academy, Roberts tore her meniscus and ACL in her right knee. Despite the injury, she pushed through and graduated in December. But as 2025 began, she had to slow down to focus on healing her knee—around the same time she noticed swelling in her neck and was later diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Though her firefighting career is temporarily on hold, Roberts says her passion has not faded. “I am hopeful to return to that goal in the future and come back stronger and better,” she said.
Roberts has been relying on a combination of natural healing methods—including healthy foods, supplements, her faith, and ozone therapy—to strengthen her body since her diagnosis. Recently, she was offered the opportunity to become a patient at the Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine, which provides treatments and in-depth testing she believes will be a major turning point in her recovery.
“I have confidence that the center will be a big turning point in my healing journey because it is not conventional medicine,” Roberts said. “The hardest part about this holistic healing journey is the lack of knowing—knowing which methods are working, knowing what I should do more or less of. The center will give me a doctor who can create a personalized treatment plan specific to my body.”
Because the treatments at the Cancer Center are not covered by insurance, the costs are significant. Roberts has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover expenses and is asking for community support. More importantly, she is requesting prayers for complete healing, peace of mind during waiting periods, and strength as she continues this difficult season.
“I’ve been very grateful in the way God has provided for me these past few months,” Roberts said. “Through my friends, family, and the people at Impact Church, I’ve been surrounded by an amazing community.”
Despite her challenges, Roberts said this chapter of her life has brought unexpected blessings. She has been able to go on mission trips to Mexico and Africa, form deep friendships, strengthen her Christian community through Impact Church, and grow in her faith.
“This road has required me to learn to trust God deeper and lean into His plans for my life instead of my own,” Roberts said. “This time has allowed me to grow exponentially in my faith and even begin planning a future with the love of my life. So many blessings have come through this hardship.”
Roberts remains hopeful that, with the support of her community, she can continue her healing journey at the Cancer Center for Healing and one day serve as a firefighter.
Those wishing to support Roberts can contribute through her GoFundMe campaign.
