Madibdibang Usapan

No, this is not an entry about my ample 'gift'. Before you start reading this entry, try and watch this i-Witness documentary by Sandra Aguinaldo here: part 1, part 2, part 3.

That kikay breast cancer survivor is our friend Mavic.

Just like what she did in the docu, she showed me her chest when I did not believe that she had breast cancer (ginawa niya pa ngang panakot sa akin 'to). She is just so cheerful and happy to be sick. She tried to live a normal life - she joined our out of town trips and ate boxes of pizzas with us during birthdays and team meetings. She did not use her illness to ask for any 'special treatment' at work except for some time off on days when she needs to take her chemotherapy.

She is also a feisty woman. Pag feeling niya naapi ako o di kaya isa sa mga teammates niya, di siya magdadalawang-isip na ipagtanggol kami. Mang-aaway ito just to defend us.

I became more comfortable talking about death because of Mavic. She even promised to give me one of her wigs as pamana kapag kinuha na daw siya ni Lord. Last year, when I first learned that my father was inflicted with cancer, Mavic was one of the first person that I sent an SMS to. Ironic as it may seem, but I know I will find my comfort in her during those times.

Mavic is one of the strongest people I know, as shown in the docu, she takes care of her mother (who also has cancer) and her two boys. It was not mentioned in the docu - but Mavic also supported his father who was also sick, he passed away November of last year. Now, how is that for a super woman?

December 2006, she already maxed out her HMO's limit and in a month's time she will need to undergo another series of chemo treatments. A number of us were willing to transfer our HMO to her, if only it was possible. So we asked her permission to do a simple 'pass the hat' around the office. Mavic was hesitant but later gave in to our pleading because her mother needed immediate treatments too. We received a very positive response and support from our officemates and managers. We displayed pink boxes in our stations for several weeks. Everyday, during their breaks my agents would get the pink boxes and go around telling other agents about Mavic's story.

Watching Mavic in i-Witness makes me proud that I am one of the lucky people that she has touched. Looking at how brave she faces her struggles makes me wish that other people will also see hope in their lowest of low moments. Mavic can choose to devote her time to herself, her family and their needs... but she chose to go out of her way and give hope and encouragement to her fellow cancer patients. Just the Mavic that we know.

She will remain to be an inspiration to me and to our friends.