CARMELINA

Carmelina Vargas is a singer/songwriter, warrior against cancer and aspiring author. The daughter of a merengue musician and born in Barahona, Dominican Republic, she now lives and works in New York City.
Carmelina Vargas first appeared on the national music scene in the summer of 2008 with the release of her first single "Mueve Las Caderas," a rhythmic modern Pop/R&B track infused with a tropical style. ASCAP Latino highlighted Carmelina's debut album titled "Morena" (Morena Records, June 9, 2009) as one of the most anticipated albums of the coming year.
As things were heating up for Carmelina, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. After undergoing surgery and treatments, and being true to the fighter and positive spirit that she is, Carmelina returns to her music and her fans as a survivor.
"I never let fear inside my heart and learned that I had already beaten breast cancer through a self-test. My breast cancer diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy were just stepping stones to my new birth as a stronger, more compassionate spirit. LOVE conquers all," shares Carmelina.
Using her music as a platform, Carmelina actively promotes breast cancer awareness through performances at numerous events for The American Cancer Society. She also hosted her own 1st annual fundraiser at Latin Quarters in mid-town Manhattan, which benefited the Columbia University Medical Center Survivors Squad and The American Cancer Society. Her endeavors received national recognition from Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York's 15th District.
Carmelina's survivor story, professional accomplishments and musical talent have been featured on GlobalGrind.com, New York Socialite Examiner, Corrientelatina.com, Allthingsgirl.net, as well as in the pages of DTM Magazine, El Especial Newspaper and Metro International. Carmelina has also appeared alongside Sesame Street icon "Maria" (Sonia Manzano) at the Children's Aid Society to raise funds for New York Public Schools after budget cuts. She also appeared at the Latin Trendsetter Awards presented by LatinTrends Magazine.
In 2012, Carmelina is committed to telling her story both on paper and in the recording studio. She is currently writing a book and will detail her experience battling early breast cancer with a bilingual twist.
Her latest musical endeavor is called "Alegria (Joy)," which says it all, in one simple yet powerful word; Carmelina has returned.