CEBU, Philippines - Breast cancer is most curable when detected during its early stages and having breast cancer doesn’t necessarily have to mean death. Awareness is vital and key to survival. This is why SM City Cebu and ICanServe, a breast cancer advocacy group, mounted a photo exhibit dubbed as “Photos for Cure” to increase awareness and send out a message to be mindful of one’s health.
“Photos for Cure” is a display of 17 cancer survivors photographed by two of Cebu’s photographers, Dan Douglas Ong and Michelle Go. Each photograph elicits a light feel and sheer joy, with each survivor aglow in white tee and pink balloons. The pictures send out a message of hope and of freedom from fear. Each photo, printed by The Banana Book, are labelled with names, year of detection, cancer stage and their respective shoutouts like “Cancer is a gift from God,” “There is life after cancer,” “Cancer is the beginning of a new life,” “Cancer gives us an opportunity to reassure our life and to realign our opportunities.”
Rosita Nacilla, 70, diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer 13 years ago, was overwhelmed with the outcome of the photoshoot. “I feel happy,” she quipped. “Di gyud dapat ka mudib-dib sa sakit. Kalimtan gyud ang Big C. Enjoy life. Prayers gyud ang number one nga buhaton kay only God knows kanus-a ta mahuman,” she advised. Nacilla is joined by Evelyn Tison, Vivian Raganas, En-En Albero, Christie Fediles Caballero, Fely Serafin-Atienza, Fely Sy, Nelia Navarro, Me’anne Alcordo-Solomon (ICanServe Cebu chair), Bernie Aboitiz, Marissa Alcoseba, Merle Yap-Dakay, Luz Dagala, Chica Farrarons, Helen Romarate and Mitos Nepomuceno. The ladies are from different support groups in Cebu such as Can With God, Cancer Care Network, Cebu Cancer Fight, Kahayag and Cebu Breast Cancer Association.
“Cases of breast cancer has increased but detected to be in the early stage. So, early detection is helpful. Much has to be done to increase awareness in the community,” said Solomon.
Offbeat: Pink Bowling
The day before Photos for Cure was launched last October 26, SM City Cebu spearheaded a bowling tourney dubbed as Pink Bowling that gathered 16 teams with a three man team from the Cebu Ten Pin Bowling Association. The event raised P10,720 from the registration fees and this was later handed to ICanServe. According to Solomon, the donation will be given to Can With God, a support group that offers free breast cancer screening, and for their projects.
Photos for Cure and Pink Bowling are among the activities in SM City Cebu lined up for its Pink Month celebration. Take time to drop by the exhibit which will run until November 4.