PATTY BETITA, image enhancement speaker, model coach,
talent mentor, Binibining Pilipinas International 1991
“I am a survivor. I am whole and beautiful.”
I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2008 but only came out and announced it in public in 2015 via the Fashion Can Serve fundraising show. I was initially hesitant because I was afraid people will look at me in a different way. I was scared that having gone through breast cancer, I am scarred for life. But after getting encouragement from my fellow survivors Kara Magsanoc and Crisann Celdran (of ICanServe), Ms. Bibeth Orteza, Melissa de Leon, and Maritoni Fernandez , I started feeling confident and believing in myself again. Of course, my family was always there for me, too, but I have very good friends who were with me all throughout this experience.
Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, who I fondly call Ateng Des, accompanied me to my chemotherapy sessions and would always check on me. Sometimes, she would invite me to sleep over at her place and spend time with her family so I wouldn’t feel alone. That was much appreciated.
Cancer does not discriminate. It could happen to anyone. But I also learned that cancer is not a death sentence. I believe people can beat cancer. That’s why it’s important to have ourselves checked. For women who have a family history of breast cancer, have yourselves checked. Do a baseline mammogram. I still believe that prevention is best than cure, and early detection can save lives.
#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories
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- “I am a survivor. I am whole and beautiful.”
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- PATTY BETITA, image enhancement speaker, model coach, talent mentor, Binibining Pilipinas International 1991
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- Patty, standing, with friends and fellow models Tetta Ortiz-Matera, left, and Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, right.
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- Patty with her friends, from right to left: Miss Universe 3rd runner up 1984 Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, model and fashion consultant Tetta Ortiz-Matera, model and entrepreneur Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez.
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- “I am a survivor. I am whole and beautiful.”
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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 and Necy Juat
Acknowledgment: Chef Jessie
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.