Cancer is often seen as a battle fought inside hospital walls. Scenes of surgery, chemotherapy, and medication are what we often imagine. But beyond the physical toll, the journey brings unseen struggles: fear, uncertainty, and the emotional weight carried by both patients and their families. This is why psychosocial support has become an essential part of cancer care. It reminds patients that they are not defined by their illness and that healing involves the heart and spirit just as much as the body.

Emilee’s Psychosocial Support Journey

For Emilee Serenio of Cordova, Cebu, her cancer journey began in December 2024 when she was diagnosed with Stage II colon cancer. Known for being active and athletic, Emilee was shocked by the news, and her first reaction was denial. Apart from the emotional burden of what she went through, she was worried about the costs that came with treatment. Yet, in the middle of it all, she saw how God provided through unexpected support.

Over time, she learned to embrace acceptance — with the help of her family, friends, and even people online who reached out to her. “Makaingon gyud mi na this is really God’s plan kay gitagaan ko niya ani na struggle. Makaya ra gyud diay nako. We can truly say that this is really God’s plan because He gave me this struggle. It turns out I can really handle it.” Emilee shared.

Psychosocial Support in Cancer Care

It was this kind of shared strength that Emilee also experienced when she joined the recent Kamustahan session, themed “Journey to EmmaUs.” A Kamustahan session is an intimate gathering hosted by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) through its cancer care initiative, the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Care (EJACC) Program, for cancer patients and their families. EJACC believes in the power of psychosocial activities to support patients as they continue to navigate life while battling and surviving cancer. These engagements promote compassion and understanding, creating a safe space where patients can share their stories and find comfort in a community that truly understands them.

The gathering served as a reminder that nobody goes through life’s hardest battles alone. Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus found strength and renewed faith in walking together, cancer patients and their families also discover hope and comfort when they journey side by side through RAFI’s psychosocial support programs.

In Kamustahan, Emilee found courage by listening to the stories of other patients. She said the group sharing gave her space to open up and realize she’s not alone. Her husband also said he appreciated hearing others’ stories, because it made him feel that their struggles are shared, not carried alone.

“Sa sharing, diha nako nahatag or nashare kung unsa akong struggles as cancer survivor. Happy ko kay dili man diay ako ra. Daghan man pud diay pero nakita na ko na strong sila, so of course I should be strong nga parehas pud nila. Nya happy sila dapat happy sad ko kay nabuhat man nila.

Survivor sila, of course, survivor sad ko. In the sharing, that’s where I was able to talk about my struggles as a cancer survivor. I was happy to realize I’m not the only one. There are many of us, and I saw how strong they are, so of course, I should be strong like them, too. They were happy, so I should also choose to be happy because they managed it. They are survivors, so of course I am a survivor too,” she said.

Emilee hopes her journey inspires others to accept their situation, go for early check-ups, and lean on faith and their support systems. Her husband’s message to fellow partners was short but sincere: “Never lose hope, be strong, and always pray.”

For the couple, Kamustahan was more than just an event — it was a reminder that even on a difficult road, they don’t have to walk alone. Like the “Journey to EmmaUS” theme reminds us, every step is lighter when it’s shared. And through programs like Kamustahan, RAFI helps make sure that in every struggle, there is hope, strength, and companionship along the way.

Cancer care is more than medical treatment—it’s about healing the mind and heart, too. Learn how psychosocial support empowers patients and families, and join us in advocating for holistic, compassionate care. Together, we can make every cancer journey stronger.