MARITONI FERNANDEZ, actress, owner, Herb-All Organic Trading Corp.
“There are millions of us living full lives after breast cancer.”
This year, I’m a 24-year survivor of breast cancer. Throughout it all, Jesus was my ally — it is my strong faith and relationship with Him that pulled me through. My daughter, Lexi, was my inspiration. I wanted to see her grow up, graduate, get married, have children. Don’t be afraid to deal with breast cancer. If you have it, it’s better to catch it early and you can only do that by getting checked regularly. If you catch it late or ignore it, it won’t go away. So, the choice is a no-brainer — get checked and make sure you are okay. If you are not and sadly have it, get treatment right away.
Before I was diagnosed, I had been feeling a lump under my right breast but had not decided to do anything about it yet. My mom was sick, and my family decided to bring her to the U.S. to get a second opinion. While there, I mentioned the lump to my uncle (who was a doctor). He then insisted I did a needle biopsy and the rest was history.
It’s different for each patient but, for me all those years ago, it was challenging — I was puking all the time, had massive mouth sores, and was unable to do anything for weeks after chemotherapy. Mentally, the not knowing if I would survive and win the battle.
But I discovered that I was stronger than I thought I was, that I am also mentally very strong, and that I could persevere even when I had very difficult days. I kept my eye on the ball, on getting better.
I now volunteer for ICanServe because I want people who are going through breast cancer now to see that there are survivors like me who have not only survived but are thriving after the battle. I want to inspire and be the picture they envision themselves to be after the fight. I want to give hope.
#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories
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- “There are millions of us living full lives after breast cancer.”
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- MARITONI FERNANDEZ, actress, owner, Herb-All Organic Trading Corp.
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- “There are millions of us living full lives after breast cancer.”
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- Learn about breast cancer signs and symptoms: https://www.icanservefoundation.org/about-breast-cancer/
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- Download the breast cancer patient manual: https://www.icanservefoundation.org/patients-manual/
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 ICANSERVE Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration in collaboration with Camera Club of the Philippines. With thanks to Owen Santos and Zonia Bandoy.