Cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is the second most common cause of death in the US and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012 based from the World Health Organization estimated data.
The astounding figures alone are more than enough to set one’s mode in to a panic attack but such is overwhelmingly the effect of environmental factors affecting human conditions.
The word “cancer” is as old as history with its etymology dating back since 400B.C. when Hippocrates, (the Greek scientist regarded as the Father of Medicine) was said to have named masses of abnormal cells “karkinos” (which means crab in Greek) because the swollen veins around them resemble the limbs of a crab.
The complicatedly atrocious syndrome inexorably attacked hard-working and indefatigable community leader Sylvia Labial Avanceña Buhian on October 24, 2009 when she was 58. She felt the initial symptom while occupied with the annual Tapok (Visayan for ‘to converge’) International social fundraising but bearably ignored the pain. She went about the routine and fully delivered what was expected of her as the event’s organizer.
Two days later, the pain grew insufferable as she was threatened unrelentingly only to find out the harsh reality — that she was suffering from uterine cancer.
“I felt numbness all over me upon learning about it,” she inaudibly muttered with misty soulful eyes. “It was such deafening to hear… but I had to be strong. I didn’t blame God for I knew I was just one among those that suffer from cancer… and with His ultimate power and grace, I would be healed!”
The grueling agony of the dreadful disease and the morbid thought of possibly losing her life once crushed in the battle have constantly blighted her daily routine that used to be well-planned and full of enthusiasm. Accepting reality was almost a bitter pill to swallow, “…but such is life!”
Then suddenly her life was shattered… her dreams were doomed… while her hopes grew thin and jilted. There was no other recourse for her but to solely depend on her Creator and embrace her faith even more fervently. Every morning was a blessing… a gifted opportunity to face another challenge.
“I felt like being pushed into some unfathomable couloirs or some kind of abysmal depth that could have left me for dead,” the fierce, well-heeled Sylvia intensely recounted her perturbing encounter during the early stage of treatment. “The tedious 6 cycles of chemotherapy and 28 times of radiation procedures were actually burdensome as they were excruciating and torturing… I had no option but to undergo such unbearable measures because I really wanted to prolong my life.”
She tried to remain tough about the whole situation. There was firmness in her determination to face the trial straightforwardly while insistently struggling to maintain her sanity. She was positive that things would be okay. Despite the fact that she was dwelling in such tormenting predicament there never was a single moment when she would regret having existed or blame anybody… instead her ponderous anguish made her even physically powerful and hopeful that a second lease of life would be possible.
“I regularly saw my doctor for check-ups and up-dated cancer-free development analysis. I tried to manage my emotions. I was concerned not only about my physical condition but also about my mental healing. Through family and friends’ support I was able to take control of my fears, grief, and lonesomeness that inevitably interfered with my life while recovering from cancer treatment,” she said.
And true enough, after 4 years her conscientious therapy, excessive misery and undiminished faith in God, she was pronounced cancer-free in 2013… but with internal complications that were medically addressed.
For others, a cancer survivor would be someone who is suffering from the dreaded disease and still trying to cope up with the situation. And still others define survivorship as crossing the finish line to remission or a cure. For Sylvia: “Cancer isn’t only about that alarming disease but also about the harrowing experiences we encounter everyday that left us stressful, tensed, and sleepless. Successfully overcoming all these makes one a survivor… because these are the negative elements that trigger the rapid production of cancer cells.”
“I’m relating my story not for anything else…neither to catch the attention of the public nor gain sympathy but to inspire others who are affected by cancer and undergoing the same trial and agony that I went through,” the strong-willed lady uttered with full conviction.
Incidentally, having had regained health and with her life back to normalcy, the former secretary of the Minister of DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, is visibly full of zip again and back in circulation… attending to what she loves doing best — organizing and planning fundraising events.
A Commerce graduate from the Liceo de Cagayan, in 1968, she responded early to the call of wedded life when she was barely 16 and he was 25. She was not even a full woman when she started a family but her innately compassionate nature made it undemanding for her to tackle the role of motherhood while being a perfect partner to her spouse.
Sylvia was admirably credited for being the founder of the Oro Women Society, Inc. (OWSI), a civic-oriented organization of humanitarian women from Cagayan De Oro, where she also sits as its President and Chair of the Board.
It will be recalled that OWSI was instrumental in bringing over to the US the Singing Priests from different western archdioceses: Cagayan De Oro, Bukidnon, Bohol, and Cebu; the 2007 grand prayer rally for Typhoon Sendong with a huge latitudinarian and ecumenical attendance; had sent units of computers for community use; annually hosting children’s Christmas Feeding Program in Cagayan de Oro; sponsoring medical and dental pack for distribution among under privileged children; and providing livelihood program for the urban poor.
“Actually, most of the people we are helping are living inside the cemetery compound with menial jobs as either maintaining niches or caretakers. We thought of providing them a good source of income by teaching them how to manufacture hollow blocks and supplied them with bags of cement courtesy of generous NGOs. They earned reasonable amount from burial and niche construction service s until they were able to establish a cooperative store to sustain their livelihood,” Sylvia extensively related with dignified pride.
A divorcee from a 20-year connubial relationship with 3 grown-up children, Sylvia found a more meaningful and rewarding life after being freed from a tormenting matrimonial bondage. She migrated to the US and turned herself into an HHA (Home Health Aide), a trained and certified health care worker providing assistance to patients at home.
For the last 17 years, Sylvia had stanchly adhered to her profession. Each day was always a special one since she would be out again doing things to make other’s life free from stress and strenuous physical activities.
Her daily grind became even more exciting upon meeting a colleague, Gil Buhian, a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Davao. In 2004, Sylvia’s world turned kaleidoscopic again and life became worth living once more when she changed her status, got married and established a home for two in Queens, New York.
“A second wind is indeed achievable. There’s another heaven after losing one,” she quipped.
But Sylvia’s untiring mind never ceases to create huge ideas and ambitiously grandiose projects that benefit the community. “I don’t know why but I always feel contented whenever I could create a worthwhile event that benefits the majority.” She clarifies. “There’s this very rewarding satisfaction in me every time I was able to help even to the point when nothing more was left for me.”
For this coming 2016, this empathetic lady has already a list of what she has planned.
“I’m planning to invite all existing Filipino-American organizations in the tri-state area to participate in a regional dance contest. This may sound ambitious but there never was somebody who has done it so why not me?” Sylvia proudly divulged what’s in her priority list. “I was also thinking of having at least one fashion model from every organization to showcase the best creative design out of a region’s native woven fabric or whatever indigenous material distinctly significant in the area. In that way we can bring together all Fil-Am communities while promoting our regional culture.”
“Unite with Peace and Grace. That’s what I want to aptly dub the project. Isn’t that great?” She conceitedly expressed. “2016 will undoubtedly be a good year for Oro Women Society, Inc….with God’s grace.” And she punctuated it with a candid smile.
Indubitably, there’s still an effervescent life after tempestuous trials. Life doesn’t end after failures and remember, there appears clear open skies after every storm… and these have been Sylvia Labial Avanceña Buhian’s guiding principle in life. No wonder, life has been good to her!
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