ICONS OF HOPE: Ina Vergel de Dios

Ina Vergel de Dios
Board of Trustees Member, ICanServe Foundation

“You will find a way through.”

I had my first bout with cancer when I was only 27. I didn’t know much about breast cancer then. I did not even know anyone with breast cancer, for that matter. There weren’t many materials yet available except those from my doctor’s office and from relatives who gave me some from abroad. We were still a young family then. My children were only 7 and 2 years old. They didn’t have much memory of it yet. I also really wasn’t sure how I was going to come out of it then. Twenty years later, I found out that I had breast cancer again. I was in the shower when I felt a lump on my chest. I disregarded it at first but, after a few months, it was still there so I had myself checked.

I got the courage and energy to deal with cancer the second time through the people I love… My mother and mother-in-law became my number one prayer warriors! The first thing they asked me was if they could ask for people to pray for me. Of course, I agreed! The more people praying for me and storming the heavens, the better! My husband was really my rock. He helped me with every test I needed, every doctor’s appointment, and made sure he got all the medicines I needed for chemo and after. He did everything to make it easier for me. My two boys are now 27 and 22. I was also blessed to have another son after cancer who is now 11 years old. They came with me through every chemotherapy session. They kept me company and made sure I had everything I needed. I also had the support of my ICanServe sisters who messaged me and prayed for me, as well as my friends who visited and sent me flowers and food. It meant so much to have that love and support.

It wasn’t without its challenges, though. The toughest for me was going through chemotherapy again. I was so traumatized with chemo the first time I got sick. Back then, I had all the worst symptoms. I was nauseous, vomiting, I had bad stomach acidity, I was weak, and I was hospitalized all the time. So just thinking about having to go through it again really made me feel so sad and anxious. It pulled my spirits down. I didn’t know how I would get through it again. But what I discovered about myself is that I am capable of enduring more than I ever thought possible. Even when I was afraid, even when I was in pain, even when I felt sorry for myself, I kept going. That strength was always in me.

The biggest change in my life since my cancer diagnosis was really to stop sweating the small stuff — I became more patient, more forgiving, more understanding. I do not worry about tomorrow because it’s not here yet. I try to focus on today… I’m grateful for every waking moment. I try to do everything with intention. I do not stress over little things. You also discover what truly matters — family, friends, and meaningful relationships. You find joy in the small things. The most important lesson I want to share is that we are way stronger than we think. Cancer teaches us to be resilient. Even when you’re scared, tired, or broken down, you will find a way through.

I volunteer for ICanServe as a way of giving back. When I first got cancer 20 years ago, I was scared and I felt alone. I didn’t know anyone until (ICanServe co-founder) Kara Magsanoc Alikpala called me and introduced me to ICS. We were a small group then — some were in treatment and others had just finished. It helped me knowing I wasn’t alone and that I had “sisters” who have walked this path before me giving me support and assurance that things will fall into place. At ICS, we advocate for early detection. If you feel anything in your body, go see a doctor. You know your body best. Set aside fear. I truly believe that early detection saves lives.

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Photos by: TJ Davocol

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.