Mary Anne Alcordo-Solomon, 14 years of survivorship
ACCORDING to statistics from the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, one in 13 Filipinas are at risk of having breast cancer. It is the most common type of cancer among women and the Philippines is among the countries with the highest number of cases.
For the ladies of ICanServe Foundation, Inc., an organization that advocates for early breast cancer detection, the disease is not a “death sentence” but rather a “life sentence” which gives them a new outlook in life as faces of hope, and finding strength and love they never knew were there from the very beginning.
Five ladies shared some of their takeaways and life lessons after their own battle with breast cancer:
The power of faith
Ron Bernabe Flores’ battle with cancer made her rely on her faith and also made her realize that she was not alone in her battle.
“To those who are battling cancer, you just have to allow your faith to carry you through because if God could make a miracle out of my circumstance then He could do the same for [you],” she said.
Having a positive outlook in life
Fely Serafin Atienza lost her husband five months prior to
being diagnosed with breast cancer. Even then she found strength and joy amid the battle for the sake of her young children. Even after her bout with cancer, she carries on a cheerful spirit.
“There’s life after cancer, there’s a life to live. Look at us, I’m 19 years as cancer survivor, and I’m still alive and kicking—serving the Lord, serving the community and advocating that there is life after cancer,” she said.
Finding strength in family
Baby Isoler said her greatest challenge while battling cancer was the financial difficulties that came with it, but she found support from her friends and family who helped throughout her journey.
“Now I’m okay. I’m happy with my friends. I go out with them and enjoy life,” she said.
Giving back and being a hope to others
Mary Anne Alcordo-Solomon said she now celebrates life and finds strength, newfound capabilities and energy in advocating breast cancer awareness, especially for Pink October.
“When you see survivors coming out in the open, you know you’re not alone. We are here together and we’ll fight the fight. So with that, you consider cancer as an eye-opener. You see life in a different perspective, life becomes better after cancer,” she said.
Having survived the “Big C” the ladies are now strong advocates for breast cancer awareness and a face and voice of hope for those who are currently fighting cancer. For them, there is a silver lining amid the face of adversity and they are testimonies that with the proper self-care, treatment, outlook and support, it can be overcome.
Finding a support system
Maria Jennifer Funtanar initially found it difficult to go outside and face people while she was battling cancer. Aside from friends and family, she found company in her ICanServe sisters which helped her break away from her school-to-home routine.
“[With ICanServe,] I see so many of us [who survived and are fighting the battle] and I see hope that everyone can survive, I’m not the only one and I’m really happy about[being part of ICanServe]… Now that I’m with ICanServe, I’m enjoying it and I’m not afraid anymore,” she said.
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This year, ICanServe celebrates its 10-year partnership with Ayala Center Cebu with a range of activities to mark Pink October.
Join the Pink Zumba sessions every Wednesday and Friday of the month at the
ActiveZone by donating a minimum of P50 to ICanServe. Women can also get free breast examination at the Family Lounge on Level 3. To cap off Pink October, an evening of arts, crafts and music was held at the Activity Center last Oct. 21.
To know more about The ICanServe Foundation follow @icanserve and @icanservecebulink on Facebook or
visit www.icanservefoundation.org. For the latest updates, like Ayala Center Cebu at www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu and follow @AyalaCenterCebu on Twitter and Instagram. For more information, contact 888-3808 or 888-3790.
