ICONS OF HOPE: Bettina Osmeña

BETTINA OSMEÑA, founder, Gourmet Corner PH
Member, Board of Trustees, ICanServe Foundation

“I never knew I had it in me to be very strong.”

I used to sweat the small stuff, but stopped doing that a long time ago. After my diagnosis in 2003, I have had a few adversities and I was able to deal with my problems with some measure of calmness.

I joined ICanServe because I needed a support group. Back then, I had zero knowledge about breast cancer. I got to meet survivors and people who were undergoing treatment — I learned so much from them. As the years passed, I thank God I was able to share some of my own words of wisdom with newly-diagnosed ladies. I wanted to share my blessings with my time.

Having cancer made me realize that life is truly fragile. But I do feel lucky because my breast cancer was caught early, and I continue with the annual check-ups. I became more grateful and appreciative of whatever came my way, including difficult situations. I also made sure that I am not going to waste my life with trivialities. I became more mindful of my blessings, and I came to appreciate that health really is wealth.

#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories

Photos by: Marivic Lopa Silva, Necy Juat and 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.