ICONS OF HOPE: Alya Honasan

ALYA HONASAN, writer, editor, furmama

My dog Kikay was a constant, reassuring, calming, and loving presence throughout my treatment. It was a point of contention with my doctor whether or not to allow her on the bed with me even after chemotherapy, but I insisted that I needed her for my mental health. We compromised by making sure Kikay was always very clean, but my dog took it upon herself not to come too close, only sleeping near my feet—as if she knew I was immunocompromised—but still watching over me diligently. Kikay was my 24/7 nurse and a source of great strength and comfort by simply being there and loving me as only an animal can, with no questions or conditions. She passed on in 2023, on my 10th year of survivorship, because her work was done. I miss her every single day.

I’m grateful to my friends, who supported me and stepped in when my family didn’t quite know what to do. The dynamics are different when you are single, have no children, and are perceived as being independent and having your own life; everybody assumes you can handle it by yourself. It was my friends who were constantly by my side, from my diagnosis to my last day of treatment. I am also grateful to Kuya Kulot, my driver and caregiver throughout the journey, who was more than family to me.

#ICSat25
#UnitedByUnique
#SurvivorStories

Photos by: Patrick Uy

Icons of Hope is a social media campaign that features cancer survivors who share their own stories, learnings and the lives they now live. It is part of ICANSEVE Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration in collaboration with Camera Club of the Philippines. With thanks to Owen Santos and Zonia Bandoy.