ICONS OF HOPE: Doctor Moms

Cora and Dr. JC Masangkay
Irene Lee and Dr. Chelsea Manalansan
Mimi and Dr. David Martin

“Our children inspired us to keep fighting. Now that they are doctors, they care for us like no one else can.”

We were all diagnosed around 20 years ago, when our children were still of school age. None of us hid our diagnosis from our kids, who were already interested in science at the time. Having a mother go through cancer sparked their interest in understanding how this and other illnesses are treated. Much to our pride and delight, they went on to study medicine. Our children are our greatest blessings from God. They were our reason for living, our inspiration to keep fighting. Now that they are licensed physicians, they care for us in a way that no other doctor can. And seeing how hard they work gives us a new respect for the medical profession.

Cora Hidalgo-Masangkay: I was a widow with four children, ages 9 to 18, when I was first diagnosed at stage 3 in 2004. The side effects of chemo were so unbearable that I once thought of giving up. But I looked at my four children sleeping and cried, thinking of how miserable they would be without me. They are the greatest blessing God has given me. JC, as the eldest, always dreamed of becoming a doctor. By God’s miraculous love, he achieved his dream and passed the Physician Licensure Exam in 2014, ranking 8th in the country. Indeed, my life is a living testimony of God’s miracles in each of us. JC is now the head of our family and runs two aesthetic dermatology clinics. Although it may not be in the exact field, having a doctor by my side has been incredibly helpful. He has taken care of all my medical needs since I was diagnosed with metastasis in 2020. With the support of his medical colleagues, I’ve managed to survive this far. I’m still able to enjoy life with my children and have the chance to take care of my beloved grandchild, which inspires me to live an even longer life. JC is a gift from God to our family. He is truly a handiwork of the Lord, and he is making a name for himself in the medical field. I can proudly say that he is the pride of our family, and I am a very proud mom.

Mimi Andaya-Martin: I was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer in 2005. I was 40 and David was 10. I wanted to live because of him. If I did not have a kid I would have gone alternative and probably would have died. When I told him I had breast cancer, he went online to research it. From being into history and Lord of the Rings, he started gravitating towards House MD. He became very interested in medicine— the human body and diagnosing illnesses became his thing. I have renewed respect for doctors because of David. They work such long hours and get super low pay. Even on their “non-duty” days they are basically still on duty. They really sacrifice so much to be able to become experts. He bubbles over with excitement when he gets to contribute to saving a life—that is when I get a precious text. Though I hardly see him as he’s busy with his residency, it makes me happy he is part of this matrix of healers.

Irene Lee: Chelsea was 12 during my first stage 2A diagnosis in 2005. She cried, and asked what we would do and if I would die. I explained the medical procedures like they were transactions, knowing that she would try to understand because she liked science. She enjoyed studying biology in high school the year after my initial diagnosis, influencing her personal decision to take up Medicine. Now that Chelsea is a doctor, I have 24/7 care that I cannot find anywhere else. She knows my medical history better than anyone. I am fortunate to have caring children by my side since my metastasis started in 2020. Having a doctor daughter who lives with me is beneficial to calming my nerves and paranoia. Chelsea helps me deal with the side effects of chemo, while my youngest daughter, Nina, is my constant weekly chemo companion. When I consult Chelsea about medical issues, I make it a point to listen to her as I would with other doctors. It’s sometimes weird because I can still look at her as my chubby toddler who follows me around.

“Our mothers’ cancer diagnoses shaped our futures and gave us a sense of purpose at a young age. Watching them bravely battle the Big C with courage, strength, quiet determination, and faith taught us to face our fears. They inspired us to persevere no matter the challenge, and to place our trust in God.”

Dr. JC Masangkay (son of Cora): Our family may not have been perfect, You might feel like you’ve been a burden, You may believe you weren’t the perfect mother, But if I had the choice in every life to come, I would always choose to be your son. I love you, Ma!

Dr. David Martin (son of Mimi): I wouldn’t be a doctor if it weren’t for you, and I wouldn’t be able to help as many people if I didn’t see you in so many patients I treat today. Thank you, mom, for being the best mom ever.

Dr. Chelsea Manalansan (daughter of Irene): Mama, I know things have been such a rollercoaster ride. Thank you for being there through our lives’ ups and downs. No matter where life takes us, your legacy will always live in us. We love you to infinity, our Mama duckling.

#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories

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.