In honor of Don Eddie’s heartfelt wish of reaching those who might be saved, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) at the core of its mission, has been advocating for health including individuals battling cancer. In 1988, RAFI officially created a program dedicated for cancer advocacy, education, screening, and treatment assistance known as the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC).
Since then, RAFI EJACC has been advocating for early cancer detection and providing appropriate care for Cebuanos with cancer. Meet two of our beneficiaries, Wendy and Erika as they share and prove that there is hope amidst a daunting challenge and their journey towards rising above cancer.
WENDY
Had it not been for a stranger who approached her and introduced RAFI EJACC while she was hardly contemplating how she will be able to afford the radiation treatment, Wendy, diagnosed with Stage 1 Thyroid cancer might have been unable to pursue doctor recommended radiation treatment due to financial constraints. Living as a working student then, she didn’t have anyone in her family to help her fund the treatment.
“Nagpasalamat gyod ko ato niya kay dili gyod ko magparadiation. I didn’t know about RAFI EJACC before, and I was really glad she came with me when I asked her to come with me to the office. I really made sure to comply with all the requirements so that I will be eligible to receive assistance from RAFI since I really didn’t have funds for my treatment. My family weren’t very supportive of me getting the radiation treatment, but I was determined to try everything with hopes to get better. I’m very thankful that God somehow provided even when I had nothing. When I had laboratory fees, there were people and organizations like RAFI who provided financial support,” Wendy shared.
Cancer free for 6 years now, Wendy is happily married with 2 kids and maintaining yearly check-ups.
ERIKA
Fight with a smile because life is beautiful. Radiating positivity and hope, Erika inspires her fellow cancer survivors and fighters to embrace their journey with optimism. As a breadwinner facing Stage II cervical cancer, she relied solely on her own strength. She pondered why, out of all individuals, she was chosen to bear this condition. Despite this formidable challenge, Erika remains hopeful of overcoming it. She shared how acceptance and finding the will to fight are the hardest yet the most powerful thing someone battling with the Big C can do.
“I made it through because of people with a big heart. EJACC supported me sa akong radiation. I’m very grateful and thankful sa EJACC. Today, cancer is treatable unlike in the past, when the prevailing belief was that it was invariably fatal. Ultimately, I conquered the challenges of cancer by adopting a mindset of fearlessness, which empowered me to fight for life,” Erika expressed.
Erika passionately advocates for early detection, believing it to be a life-saving measure. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and promptly seeking medical attention if any unusual symptoms or discomfort arise.
“My personal beliefs resonated with RAFI EJACC’s emphasis on early detection. Initially, I had apprehension about undergoing a check-up and uncovering my condition. This fear stemmed from the uncertainty of how the diagnosis might impact my daily life, given my circumstances. However, upon learning of my condition, I came to understand how short life is. Confronted with our own suffering, we must confront our fears head-on. Therefore, I urge fellow cancer patients to embrace acceptance and move forward, acknowledging the reality of their condition,” Erika added.
Nearly seven years cancer-free, Erika continues to embrace life with a smile, seizing opportunities to share her journey and offer support to fellow cancer patients.
Just like Wendy and Erika, RAFI EJACC aspires to extend its reach to more patients, offering hope and support, particularly to those in dire need. Let us continue to spread awareness, support one another, and champion the life-saving message: Early detection saves lives.
