The making of G.I. June

If we all have potential cancer lying dormant in each of us, we also have a body designed to fight the process of tumor development. It is up to us to use our body’s natural defenses.

“We all live with myths that undermine our capacity to fight cancer. For example, many of us are convinced that cancer is primarily linked to our genetic makeup, rather than our lifestyle. When we look at the research, however, we can see that the contrary is true.

“Those who are better informed about the disease, who look after their minds and bodies, and who are given what they need to improve their health can mobilize the body’s vital functions to fight or prevent cancer.”

These are part of the notes on living the anti-cancer way of life from Dr. June Pagaduan Lopez, herself a patient and an advocate.

Diagnosed with early-stage non-Hodgkins lymphoma, this trooper has decided to take the bull by the horns, bravely rejecting the victim mindset and proactively strategizing her victory plan against the dreaded invader. Aside from the medical preparations to lessen the discomfort of chemotherapy, she decided to meet the challenge literally head-on. In a let-your-hair-down-party, she shaved her head, collected a chic and happy set of turbans, bandanas, do-rags plus some wigs — and dubbed herself G.I. June — bald, bold, and beautiful. Then, knowing that the other burden would be the financial toll, her friends quickly offered to organize a fundraiser to help defray her medical bills that easily run into the millions.

“June in September” is an appreciation dinner song-and-dance to be staged on Sept. 1 at the Forbes Park pavilion for all the generous friends of G.I. June. The chemo warriors sponsored one session each. Wilfrido T.Ong, Che-che Lazaro, Cora dela Paz and Evelyn Singson were among those who immediately opened their wallets and their hearts. Family and friends followed suit. UP, UPSCAns, PGH, TOWNS, Stellans, NGOs, Siguion-Reyna Law Office, Ayala … all those who somehow crossed paths with June these past years. It was heartening to see the outpouring of support. Soliciting donors, despite their admitted dislike for this activity, we had no less than Teresa Jayme-Ho, Marl Villapando, Marivic Anonuevo, Leni Sunico-Mata, Usec. Oscar Palabyab, Atty. Mario Andres, Lory Paredes, Millet Mananquil, Maureen Pagaduan and Rollie Gosiengfiao all lend a hand. The love and encouragement somehow made the first three therapy sessions go much faster and easier. It seemed like the TLC and the medicine combined was no match for the tumors that quickly melted away. She’s hopefully halfway through.

June’s only mandate to the event organizers was “Please make it a fun night where people can dance to life!” So following the patient’s orders, at first we jokingly dubbed the project “Yugyugan Para Kay Pagaduan.” But less wacky heads prevailed and “June in September” was conceptualized in July. The show presents a long list of stars headlined by the brilliantly funny and sharp Willie Nepomuceno and the jazzman extraordinaire Richard Merck. Acoustical fans will enjoy the harmonious collaboration of Lory Paredes, Mario Andres and Lester Demetillo; and those with dancing feet can groove to the music of three popular bands: Area One, featuring heartthrobs John Lesaca and Cash Manalang; the celebrity-studded Electromaniacs with no less than former Malacañang PMS chief Lenny de Jesus; and the newly reconstituted Mulatto in their maiden performance! All performers have given their talent and time gratis con amore. With flowing wine, good food, great company and remarkable performances, the Big C takes on a whole new meaning as the Big Celebration! 

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