ICONS OF HOPE: Sheilla Gagui

Sheilla Gagui
Triathlete

“When you keep fighting cancer, life becomes your biggest victory.”

One of the hardest challenges I faced was fatigue. My family and I would go to the park so the kids could bike while I ran. In the early stages of chemo, I could still run with them but, later, the fatigue became overwhelming. One day, I just couldn’t keep up anymore. I went home and watched them from the window. It broke my heart because I had always been so strong — before cancer, completed full Ironman races (3.9-km swim, 180-km bike, and 42-km run). Now I couldn’t even walk a kilometer without feeling exhausted. I coped by focusing on small victories and reminding myself that my strength was still there, just in a different form.

I’m grateful, though, that my years of training had prepared both my body and my mind for this fight. People often asked why I did Ironman races when they were so exhausting. Now I know my answer — God was preparing me for the biggest battle of my life. And I’m proud to say I came through it with flying colors.

Cancer made me realize the value of time. Life is short, so you have to live it fully and be happy. I’ve become more appreciative, not just of big moments, but of everyday life and the little things I used to overlook.

My biggest support came from my family — my husband and my daughter, who was seven years old at the time. But the most unexpected, and heart-melting, support came from my then 5-year-old son.

When my hair began to fall out, my husband and I decided to shave my head. My husband said, “I want to shave mine too,” and I agreed. Then my little boy said, “I want to shave mine as well.” I was stunned. At just five years old, he understood in his own sweet way that this was about standing in solidarity with me. It was a big gesture from such a little boy, and it touched me deeply.

Don’t let cancer make you afraid. Don’t let cancer define you. You can get your life back, and you can be just as strong as before. Cancer may change part of your journey, but it doesn’t have to take away the things you love.

I spend as much time as I can with my family. I travel, still train and compete in triathlons, aquathlons, and open water swims. I even started learning tennis in June and I’m preparing for my first tournament — perfectly timed for my 5th “cancer-versary” this year. I fill my life with the things that make me feel alive and happy.

Do what you love. Live like each day could be your last. Stay positive and happy, and keep balance in everything you do. For me, sports aren’t just about fitness anymore — they’re proof that I fought hard and won.

I want other cancer patients and survivors to know that you don’t have to be afraid. You can fight, you can heal, and you can come back stronger than ever. Cancer may change your path, but it can never take away your passion, your strength, or your will to live.

#ICSat25
#SurvivorStories

Photos by: Adel Samson

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.