Having breast cancer

IT HAS BEEN 16 years, but GMA actor Rocco Nacino can’t help but weep whenever he remembers the day his mother, Linda, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

In a press conference for Avon’s I Share the Fight Against Breast Cancer awareness campaign on Sept. 8, Mr. Nacino was emotional when he narrated his mother’s story. It was 1999, they were living in Singapore. He was only 12 years old. His mother was 35 when she found out she was sick. It was a test of faith.

“I was watching TV on my belly when I touched something on my breast. I had it tested. It was cancer,” said Ms. Nacino, “Ironically, I took mammogram and [had] ultrasound checkups every year. It just goes to show no one is exempted.”

Though she did not suffer hair loss during her treatment, she did undergo five years of oral chemo, radiation, and surgery. “I consider myself strong because I’d go to a hospital in Singapore alone,” she said. She had to conceal any sign of weakness when in front of her children and husband.

Her family returned to the Philippines for her surgery, then decided to stay here for good. “There’s no place like home. Iba pa din ang support group, like my sisters and relatives, nandito sa Pilipinas (It is different when your support group, like my sisters and relatives, is in the Philippines),” she said.

With prayers and support from loved ones, she eventually overcame cancer.

Now 51, Ms. Nacino enjoys life to its fullest. Thankful for her second life, she and her son have made it a point to give back to the indigent, especially those with cancer. She told ����ý the family gives gift packs during Christmas. When her son became a TV actor — he joined the talent search TV show Star Struck V in 2009 — the gift packs grew bigger. Today, they hold thanksgiving parties at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), among others.

“Volunteering to work at the PGH Breast Care Center was a humbling experience, to say the least. I was able to extend a hand to the breast cancer patients there by doing charting, checkups, and biopsies. I was able to practice my skills,” said Mr. Nacino, who, aside from being an actor, is also a registered nurse and an aspiring doctor.

This also prompted them to start the “Piso Para sa Chemo” (A Peso for Chemo) bottle campaign. The mother and son tandem gave an initial 200 water bottles to serve as piggy banks, distributing them to their family, friends, and Mr. Nacino’s fans. Since starting the campaign two months ago, they have collected P53,000 which has been donated to the PGH Breast Care Center.

Ms. Nacino and her son, along with GMA actress Jennylyn Mercado, are the ambassadors of Avon’s cancer awareness campaign that aims to empower cancer patients. As part of the program, there will be a fun run on Oct. 10 at the SM Mall of Asia, with PGH as the beneficiary.

“Beating breast cancer is tough, but we can be tougher. There’s life after cancer. Do not lose hope. Positive attitude helps in the healing process,” said Ms. Nacino. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman