Port Orchard Navy veteran and breast cancer survivor, Maria Yuvienco, has recently found sports as a way to regain her confidence and break barriers in her healing journey.
Yuvienco is currently in remission but was last stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI, in 2022, after joining the Navy in 2013 as an undesignated airman. Yuvienco later picked up aviation ordnanceman as her rate before being injured on deployment, which led her to cross-rate to personnel specialist. From 2020 to 2023, Yuvienco acted as leading Petty Officer at what is now known as the Regional Support Center in Pearl Harbor. It was then that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“After being diagnosed with cancer in 2022, I entered the Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) Program, which helps active-duty sailors recover from illness or injury and navigate their transition,” Yuvienco said. “I participated as an adaptive sports athlete, and it was through my archery coach at NWW that I first learned about Semper Fi & America’s Fund.”
Semper Fi & America’s Fund was created by military spouses in 2003. The organization was first established as the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in 2004, but expanded to all branches of the military in 2012.
The nonprofit has three main programs for military members and veterans. The Service Member and Family Support Program aims to provide financial assistance for combat-wounded, critically ill, and injured service members and their families. Helping community members transition from injury to recovery, Semper Fi also has a Transition Program, which includes education assistance and career support. Long term, they provide holistic-health plans through their Integrative Wellness Program.
“I was getting ready to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to my next duty station in Norfolk, Virginia, when in April 2022, I received the news that I had breast cancer. I had surgery in May 2022 and went into remission shortly after. Thankfully, I didn’t need radiation or chemotherapy, but two months after surgery, I developed sepsis and nearly lost my life,” said Yuvienco. “That time in the ICU changed everything for me. It made me realize how much stress can impact your health. Since then, I’ve learned to take things more lightly, focus less on what I can’t control, prioritize my mental and physical well-being, and truly appreciate the time I have with the people I love.”
Yuvienco shared that after retirement from the Navy, she struggled with depression and anxiety. The first six months after retiring, she was hit with denial and flashbacks. “What I miss most about the Navy is the camaraderie, and that’s exactly what Semper Fi & America’s Fund has given me since I became involved,” said Yuvienco. “Despite the disabilities many of us face, I’d say take it one day at a time, focusing on what you can control, giving yourself grace on the harder days, and remembering that every small step forward still counts.”
Yuvienco now lives in Port Orchard, working in real estate. She retired from the Naval Hospital in Bremerton in June 2024, where she had been working since 2022.
“I am currently building my real estate business as both a licensed real estate broker and an investor. It’s something I’ve wanted to pursue since I was on active duty, but the timing never quite aligned. During my time at the Naval Hospital, I served as a personnel specialist, supporting sailors with administrative functions, permanent change of station (PCS) paperwork, and matters related to pay and allowances,” said Yuvienco.
Since 2004, Semper Fi and America’s Fund has helped over 38,000 recipients. The nonprofit hosts events across the country, such as races, golf tournaments, or company fundraisers, to help provide support to those in need.
