Finding a healthier lifestyle for both body and soul was another significant factor in the couple’s decision to depart from the United States, particularly for Ward-Hopper’s cancer recovery journey. In April 2016, just months before her wedding, Ward-Hopper received the sobering diagnosis of stage 2B breast cancer.
“Undergoing chemotherapy was undeniably one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” she reveals. “I only managed to complete half of the prescribed infusions because I genuinely believed that doing more would be detrimental to my health.” Ward-Hopper decided to pause her treatment right before her wedding.
She braced herself for feeling unwell during the ceremony and honeymoon, yet to her astonishment, she found herself feeling better than she had in months while vacationing in Costa Rica. “Suddenly, I found myself with enough energy to engage in morning yoga sessions, embark on hikes, and I noticed an improvement in my appetite,” she shares.
“I genuinely felt like I was on the path to healing during our time there, largely owing to the abundance of fresh fruit, the pristine air, and water.” The Nicoya Peninsula stands as one of the original five Blue Zones, regions known for the longevity of their inhabitants and their high life expectancies, as noted by longevity researcher Dan Buettner.
Buettner’s investigations revealed that some of the contributing factors to Nicoya’s Blue Zone status include the locals’ dietary habits, which center around fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as their strong emphasis on familial and communal bonds.
Both Ward-Hopper and her husband attest to experiencing immediate health benefits from residing in a Blue Zone, including reduced susceptibility to illnesses, weight loss, heightened energy levels, and a decrease in stress. An unexpected blessing came in the form of the birth of their son Nico in 2020, despite medical prognoses indicating that chemotherapy had rendered Ward-Hopper unable to conceive.
“I became pregnant within just 13 months of living here, which I had believed to be impossible,” she marvels. “It felt like a small miracle.” Finding a healthier lifestyle for both body and soul was another significant factor in the couple’s decision to depart from the United States, particularly for Ward-Hopper’s cancer recovery journey.
In April 2016, just months before her wedding, Ward-Hopper received the sobering diagnosis of stage 2B breast cancer. “Undergoing chemotherapy was undeniably one of the most challenging experiences of my life,” she reveals. “I only managed to complete half of the prescribed infusions because I genuinely believed that doing more would be detrimental to my health.”
Ward-Hopper decided to pause her treatment right before her wedding. She braced herself for feeling unwell during the ceremony and honeymoon, yet to her astonishment, she found herself feeling better than she had in months while vacationing in Costa Rica. “Suddenly, I found myself with enough energy to engage in morning yoga sessions, embark on hikes, and I noticed an improvement in my appetite,” she shares.
“I genuinely felt like I was on the path to healing during our time there, largely owing to the abundance of fresh fruit, the pristine air, and water.” The Nicoya Peninsula stands as one of the original five Blue Zones, regions known for the longevity of their inhabitants and their high life expectancies, as noted by longevity researcher Dan Buettner.
Buettner’s investigations revealed that some of the contributing factors to Nicoya’s Blue Zone status include the locals’ dietary habits, which center around fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as their strong emphasis on familial and communal bonds. Both Ward-Hopper and her husband attest to experiencing immediate health benefits from residing in a Blue Zone, including reduced susceptibility to illnesses, weight loss, heightened energy levels, and a decrease in stress.
An unexpected blessing came in the form of the birth of their son Nico in 2020, despite medical prognoses indicating that chemotherapy had rendered Ward-Hopper unable to conceive. “I became pregnant within just 13 months of living here, which I had believed to be impossible,” she marvels. “It felt like a small miracle.” Nico’s birth brought added stability to their lives, qualifying the entire family for Costa Rican citizenship.
Formerly residing on tourist visas, they had to exit the country every 90 days, seizing the opportunity for trips to neighboring nations or visits to relatives in the U.S. In 2017, Ward-Hopper’s U.S. doctors confirmed no signs of cancer cells in her body, a status reaffirmed in 2021. She attributes part of her recovery to their Costa Rican lifestyle. For many breast cancer survivors, the risk of recurrence decreases significantly five years post-diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Health-wise, I did a complete 180 after moving here,” Ward-Hopper reflects. “I healed both physically and emotionally.”
Costa Rica’s healthcare system also contributed to her well-being. As citizens, they enjoy comprehensive coverage through the CAJA system, spending about $83 monthly for their family’s healthcare plan. Even when uninsured, their medical expenses remained minimal.
Before their move, the Ward Hoppers left their corporate jobs to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in Costa Rica. Ward-Hopper balances four part-time roles, including health coaching and hosting wellness retreats. Meanwhile, Hopper manages his remote logistics business. Their combined income comfortably supports their lifestyle, with earnings totaling about $30,000 annually for Ward-Hopper and $19,500 for Hopper in 2023.
Their expenditure, detailed in a monthly breakdown, averages $2,909, including food, rent, utilities, and their son’s tuition. Despite the distance from loved ones in the U.S. and the unavailability of certain American products, the Ward-Hoppers find the quality of life in Costa Rica far superior. They plan to remain there permanently, occasionally traveling elsewhere. For them, Costa Rica is home, where they aim to build a lasting legacy for their family.
“The lower cost of living and the sense of community here outweigh any feelings of homesickness,” Hopper explains. “Living in Costa Rica has brought back my family, allowing us to explore our dreams with newfound freedom.”
