Finally cancer free: A survivor tells her story

To mark the end of the breast cancer awareness month, Simaisma, a Murwab Resort, hosted a Zumba For Breast Cancer Awareness event recently at the resort premises.

The gathering started at 4pm, with welcome drinks and a few words, followed by an hour of Zumba with two instructors, amid the resort’s beautiful waterfront garden. The event was a fun-filled evening, with several activities taking place besides Zumba, followed by an hour of several women from the Al Khor Community in pink caps enjoying good music and exercising away to it.

One of the main participants included Gerley, a cancer survivor, who also coordinated the event. Gerley was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 25, and was declared cancer free a few months ago, almost four years later.

QL caught up with Gerley to hear her amazing testimony:

Tell us your story.

By way of introduction, I’m the events officer of Al Khor community, residing in Qatar for over 20 years, but originally from Manila, Philippines.

Recently I became very passionate about breast cancer awareness and even cancer awareness in general, because I am a cancer survivor myself. I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer at the age of 25.

I did my surgery and chemotherapy here in Doha and last month I was declared totally cancer free. It was a major achievement for all my family and everyone who loves me.

What was the most difficult part for you?

Seeing my loved ones in pain as well. I could tolerate the pain. The word cancer itself raises many flags and people fear the word itself. It sounds very life threatening but being in that situation, I can tell everyone that cancer should not be feared, because there is a cure.

The moment I was told I have cancer, the next thing I asked them was, what is the next step. I knew there was a cure. My grand mother also passed away with cancer and I wanted to make her proud by battling this bravely.

The thought of my mother seeing me in pain scared me, so I would keep joking with her telling her that it’s just cancer, not a fever! Just a bit of reverse psychology. So that was the most difficult part – handling the emotional stress, especially for my family.

How did you stay positive through it all?

I didn’t think of myself as a patient. I wanted to be a living example for those who tried to battle it but couldn’t make it. I wanted to show that cancer should fear people, not the other way around, because we have already found the cure.

It is just a matter of handling the problem. And I am actually looking forward to my first birthday in a few days, after being cancer free.

Any message for those currently battling cancer?

Stay positive and have faith. Turn yourself to God and you will see miracles happen. Doctors can say anything, but there is so much beauty in life. I know it’s difficult, but you can surpass it all.

QL wishes her all the best for her new life!