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North Fort Myers teacher back after battling brain tumor

Posted at 6:42 PM, Apr 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-14 23:04:33-04

NORTH FORT MYERS, FLA — Dianira Rivera has been social distancing long before any of us.

"I've been quarantining for months and I've been wearing masks forever," said Rivera.

But for good reason. In October 2019, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor after a series of bad headaches.

"That's when they found out I had a mass in the cerebellum," said Rivera.

The North Fort Myers high school (NFMHS) Spanish teacher, is over the moon, after hearing the words "all clear" at her latest doctor's appointment.

"I was really happy," said Rivera.

Rivera tells Fox 4 she's now feeling well enough to teach again, and today was her first day back in the classroom, well virtually speaking.

"My immune system is still recovering and my doctor said 'If it's this way then we can start right away,'" said Rivera.

She adds that she's glad to be back and humbled by the outpouring of support the last six months, but those who know her best say they're not surprised.

"It's just a natural response for the community to want to give back and do for her what she has done for so many kids for several years," said NFMHS Principal, Debbie Diggs.

Though her last check-up was a good one, Rivera says she still has a long road ahead of her.

But despite that knowledge, she wants to remind everyone out there, especially during this time, to be stay positive.

"There's gonna be tomorrow and tomorrow is going to be better and even if it's not better, the other day will be better," said Rivera.