Rosenbar Lagmay, senior consultant at CriticalRiver, faced an agonizing moment in 2010 when he learnt that his mother was diagnosed with Stage 3C Breast Cancer, a revelation that seemed to shatter his world.

Rosenbar’s mom had first discovered a lump in her breast and consulted a physician. She was immediately advised to undergo mastectomy and biopsy. She soon found herself juggling cancer treatments with home.

It was during this time that Rosenbar received the devastating news about his father. In 2011, while his mother was undergoing chemotherapy, he lost his father. His father, who had been struggling with diabetes, passed away on March 11, 2011.

“Our family’s entire world collapsed. However, we all wanted to be strong for our mom who was undergoing chemotherapy then. We wanted to be by her side throughout the entire journey,” he said.

Ten years later, Rosenbar’s mother was declared a cancer survivor. She stopped her cancer medication and underwent bi-yearly medical checkups.

“It was her inner strength, hope and heroic spirit that got her through the long and tiring battle with cancer. Her journey helped me to grow personally as I learned how to value life, health, and family” he said.

Hope is what will get you through the daunting journey when your loved one goes through cancer treatment, says Rosenbar to those who have cancer patients at home. “Show your love and support to your family especially to the family member who has cancer. Boost their confidence and believe that all is God’s plan,” he said.