ICONS OF HOPE: Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim

DR. ANNA LISA ONG-LIM, Professor and Chief of the Division of Infectious and Tropical Disease in Pediatrics, UP-PGH

People say that cancer is the worst thing that could possibly happen to someone, and I agree; it’s not an easy challenge. In hindsight, I can only say that I thank God for the chance to experience Him through that health crisis. I was in my mid 40’s when I was diagnosed, not even an age when routine screening was already being recommended. Cancer was the farthest thing on my mind when I noticed a mass during a family vacation, so getting checked was not even a priority when I got back to work. But the series of events that provided the opportunity to consult and have a mammogram done, was truly heaven-sent. I’m sure if I wasn’t seen right there and then, I wouldn’t have thought to make time until it would have been too late.

Early in the pandemic when the response was just being organized, I mostly had my “infectious disease specialist” hat on (as a member of the DOH Technical Advisory Group, the IATF Technical Working Group on COVID-19 vaccines, and the Interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group for COVID-19 vaccines), thinking about how best to address the growing problem with the limited resources available…I have to admit to having second thoughts about being in the front lines, since being a cancer survivor seemed to pose a higher risk. Over time, though, we all learned how to work effectively where we were most needed, despite the limitations. (We continued) to be productive through guiding infectious disease subspecialists as we cared for our pediatric COVID patients, mentoring our pediatric residents who still had to complete their training despite the chaos, and giving inputs during the many (over 500!) meetings that were held to define national policy.

I was always so encouraged when I read about someone with my exact same diagnosis sharing her experience—it gave me hope that I would someday be on the other side too. So, when I got a message from an ICanServe volunteer (Lian Chua), asking if I wanted to sign up for their e-groups, I said yes right away. It’s been a joy being with the sisters and to offer a hand, especially to those who are still just coming to terms with their diagnosis… (We) all bloom where we are planted and, for the time that we are here however long that is, we continue to have an impact.

#ICSat25
#UnitedByUnique
#SurvivorStories

Photos by: Miko Montifar
Acknowledgment: Philippine General Hospital

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.