ICONS OF HOPE: Melissa de Leon Joseph

Melissa de Leon-Joseph
Co-founder, Stage Zero by Project Pink

“Having cancer twice is humbling.”

A second cancer can feel so overwhelming big time, I know. If you have cancer again, remember you’ve faced this before, and you are stronger than you think. The second time, you understand more … but that also means you carry more. When I had my second cancer, it taught me to lean even more on God, appreciate life’s simple moments, and stay grounded in what really matters. Take it one day at a time, and don’t lose hope! Also, never be afraid to ask for help. Most of all, hold on to the truth that your life still has purpose.

Going through cancer taught me what’s really important. I now focus on building real relationships and being there for others. Having strong, supportive relationships matters so much — the way we build trust, love, and resilience in our family can really make a difference. I’ve also learned that the attitude we choose during tough times can help us be there for others when they face their own challenges

Before my diagnosis, by God’s grace, I had already made the most important decision of my life: to have a real relationship with God. And now I see how vital that decision truly is. It’s not about religion or being perfect, it’s about a relationship with God. And that relationship brings true peace and hope, no matter what we face.

Having a healthy sense of humor helps, too. After losing one breast from my first cancer, I thought I looked like I was from another planet, especially since I was also kalbo because of chemo. One time, I was standing in front of the mirror without a shirt and I told my husband, “Honey, I feel so incomplete.” Right there and then, he grabbed a marker, drew a breast on the mirror, and said, “There you go! Just line yourself up right here!” We both laughed so hard. It was one of those moments when humor helped us through.

I had to decide whether to keep my cancer a secret or to share it publicly. I chose to be open about it because I didn’t want the added stress of hiding it. I also believed that by sharing my journey, I could help others going through the same thing — to let them know they are not alone and that there is life and hope even with cancer.

I belong to a tight-knit community of individuals facing cancer or caring for patients with cancer. It’s a support group called Stage Zero by Project Pink. We come together in a safe, respectful, professionally supported environment. We support each other emotionally, share practical coping strategies from the “12‑step” curriculum, and this was created by one of our core Dra Mae Corvera. (Other core members of the group are Angie Laborte, Joy Trinidad, Mel Aguasin, and Veck Arjona.)

We work with hospitals, form alliances with other patient groups like ICanServe and national advocates. Through its structured, holistic, survivor-led support model, Stage Zero by Project Pink complements clinical care by providing emotional support to cancer patients and their families.

A support group gives emotional strength, it has its shared understanding, and a sense of community during an overwhelming time. It’s also a safe space to talk openly about fears, treatments, and personal experiences with others who truly understand. It can reduce feelings of isolation, help patients like me feel more empowered, and often provide practical advice for coping with side effects or navigating care and, most specifically, spiritual care, too. Just knowing you’re not alone can make a powerful difference in the healing journey.

In Project Pink, we share all these on the first Wednesday of the month via Zoom, and an activity on the last Saturday of the month at the Asian Hospital in Metro Manila.

#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories
#WorldCancerDay
#UnitedByUnique

Photos by: Patrick Uy, Jorge Buenaventura, Jar Concengco

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.