‘Ating dibdibin’

It is really an issue that we should take to heart — not just because it can be fatal, but more because we can all STOP it from being fatal.

I have personally known or know of people who have had breast cancer. Our beloved founding chairman Betty Go-Belmonte had breast cancer. The former assistant editor of this section, Anne Montemar-Oriondo, passed away from breast cancer about 10 years ago. She was barely 40.

But many of those who had the disease won the battle and are winning the battle against breast cancer. And a lot of them said the first volley of fire against the enemy came from early detection.

***

A week ago, I was invited to write about the 15th anniversary of ICanServe, a group of breast cancer survivors whose primary advocacy is early breast cancer detection.

Founded by Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Crisann Celdran and Bet Lazatin, ICanServe in the last 15 years has promoted early breast cancer detection through high-impact multi-media campaigns, through forums in schools, organizations, offices, corporations and community-based breast cancer screening programs.

“We have educated more than 15,000 people, trained more than 1,500 medical personnel in the barangays and screened more than 7,000 women and men in barangays,” says Kara, who has been cancer-free since 1997, “with the bonus of a daughter!”

“So ICanServe is my way of giving thanks that I got my answered prayer and I do it for children who will grow up without a mom,” adds Kara.

Actually, a lot of those fighting breast cancer get their courage from their children, whom they know will be lost without them.

During the anniversary program of ICanServe at the Raffles and Fairmont Makati, survivor Tang Antonio Singson shared, “When I was diagnosed in 2003 with breast cancer stage 3, I thought it was the end of the world for me! I was devastated, my husband was devastated, my children, my mom, my siblings...I do not know if they were more devastated than me or not. I just remember that I did not know what to expect, and I did not know what would happen to me.

“When I told my children the news, my son, who was 10 years old then, asked me… ‘Are you going to die?’ Because of my protective nature, I said, ‘NO!’

“But of course, I did not know the answer to that question. Then I realized, I had to be strong for my husband, children and the rest of my family. I did not want to share all the times when I was depressed, scared and feeling sooooo sick because they would worry more!”

Tang was in tears when she related her experience onstage, and in one table, her entire family was misty-eyed, too.

Tang’s brother Ram Antonio called up Kara, and in ICanServe, Tang found solace, support, information and a purpose.

“Then I realized, another important value of this sisterhood, ICanServe,” continued Tang, addressing the other members of the group, who filled up the ballroom, looking in the pink of health in their pink shirts.

“I could ask any question under the sun because you, my sister, understood what I was going through, what I was feeling and you could be strong for me because I had to be strong for my family! I could share my fears, and my pain.

“More importantly, I knew there were many women out there, like me, who were going through this journey. I was not alone. And equally important, I have sisters in ICanServe who survived this journey and they make me strong!” Tang said.

ICanServe’s Flagship Project is called: Ating Dibdibin or Bring your Breast Care to Heart, a community-based breast cancer screening program, the first of its kind in the country. It is a call to save lives by promoting the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

***

I saw in the audience many friends, including my Assumption batch mate Michelle Dayrit-Soliven, Bettina Osmeña and GSIS’ Marge Jorillo.

Michelle is a poster girl for hope, if ever I have seen one. She has battled two cancers. But Michelle’s family and friends rallied around her, making her chemo sessions costume parties to keep Michelle’s spirits high. And Michelle herself never lost her verve and her vibrance. She would even thank God sometimes for her pain, because when her pain kept her up, she would see the moon in all its luminous glory, a giant pearl against the velvet sky. Michelle would find comfort in prayer, finding out that when sleepless, a Hail Mary was more effective than a sleeping pill. This Saturday and Sunday, Michelle will be dancing onstage for Assumption’s velada and seeing her practice, I saw in her the victory of everyone who has ever had to fight off illness.

Bettina is a poster girl for early detection. Because her cancer was discovered right away during a routine check-up, she didn’t need chemotherapy at all.

***

This is what I learned from Tang: the Philippines has the highest incidence of breast cancer in Southeast Asia. Breast cancer is the Number One cancer in the Philippines.

 So you could fight it with hope, with medicine, and better yet — with regular checkups.

Dibdibin mo.

(You may e-mail me at [email protected].)