I’ve never really given much thought about breast cancer until I met someone who I can say became close to me, got diagnosed more than a year ago. I was lucky to meet Patty Balquiedra, one of the SoMoms who is a breast cancer survivor. I witnessed her journey through the big C. I have to commend her for how strong and positive she was during her treatment. If not for her shaved head and bandanas, you wouldn’t really think she underwent cancer treatment months ago. It was her sunny disposition that made her a ray of sunshine and a great inspiration to other women who are fighting against this killer illness. So it was just fitting that Physiogel, a brand that help replace moisture in one’s skin tapped Patty along with other two breast cancer survivors for their extraordinary campaign that was launched in time for the month of breast cancer awareness.
Meet the three extraordinary women who battled breast cancer. Michee Cadhit, Patty Balquiedra and Alya Honasan.
These extraordinary women shared their stories with us over lunch during the Physiogel Extraordinary event held at Makati Shangri La. All three women shared the same sentiments about how cancer changed their perspective, how losing their eyebrow mattered more than losing their hair. How each of them giddily recalls enjoying shaving their heads and sporting the bald look, wearing different kinds of hats, caps, scarves and bandanas that they really pulled off well. All these may seem so petty, but when you’re in a situation where you’re uncertain of your health, these can be extraordinary.
“Cancer taught me the value of life in its simplest and most beautiful form. It taught me to appreciate the simplest blessings each day brings. That family, friends and relationships are the most important in one’s life. Hence, we should treasure as many fond memories and fruitful relationships with them.”
Michee Cadhit
“Each day is a gift – I don’t remind myself about my breast cancer when I wake up each day. It’s something that stays with you forever and it’s like a thought that’s always in the back of your head. Since that’s the case, I now wake up each day, thankful for the chance to get out of bed and do what I need to do. Every day that I’m alive is a chance for me to do right, serve and please God, take care of my family, love myself, show people how much I appreciate them. I’m 10 times more thankful for every little thing that happens and I now want to make the most of every single day, as a way to show my thanks to God for this second chance at life.”
Patty Balquiedra
“I can already say, unequivocally, that cancer is one of the best things that ever happened to me. Really. It has taught me to take it easy and live again, in the true sense of the word. Although I ate healthy and exercised, my stress levels before I got diagnosed were bordering on the insane. There never seemed to be enough time to do the things that had to be done. Cancer gave me the gift of perspective, and realizing that some things are just more important than money and achievement. It gave me the gift of humility to realize that I cannot always be in complete control of my life and my future, and that’s fine. And it gave me the gift of gratitude, really, for all the love that has been shown me, for the good things I have, and for knowing with renewed certainty that God has been holding my hand throughout all this.”
Alya Honasan
Physiogel has helped Michee, Patty & Alya treat their dry, flaky, and irritated skin which were after-effects of radiation treatments. With the innovative Derma Membrane Structure (DMS) technology, Physiogel® contains ceramide and other physiological lipids that mimic skin’s lipid layers. And because this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Physiogel shows its support to breast cancer patients by allocating a portion of the proceeds of its sales to the I Can Serve Foundation.
Michee, Patty & Ayla also gave some advice to women who are battling with breast cancer:
The first step is to accept change.
It helps if you calm down. Remember that your family will get affected eventually. You yourself will and must set the tone of acceptance and change. It will all depend on you so you better be strong not only for yourself but also for your family.
Focus on getting well and to make informed choices.
Trust that you’ve made the best choice.
Lastly, let the process happen. Don’t lose hope and never get tired of praying. Pray constantly.
SoMoms supporting our very own Patty. Standing: Michelle Aventajado, Jane Uymatiao, Thammie Sy, Patty Balquiedra, Fleur Sombrero, yours truly, Tin Dychiao and Cai Sio.
I feel very grateful that I had met Patty, she has inspired me to be grateful everyday even for the little things and to enjoy life as it happens. Thank you Patty, Michee and Ayle for being such inspirations to us women. Mabuhay kayo! 🙂
Thank you Physiogel for these. I’ve always loved the cleanser as I use it not only for myself but also for my kids.
Physiogel cleanser, lotion and cream are available at all leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.
For more information like Physiogel on Facebook and visit their website http://www.physiogel.ph.
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