This is a super late post. I hit a spot where I fell tremendously behind on my blog posts for events that I attended. My philosophy is “Better late, than Never,” so I’m sharing this post that I started back in October. In my effort to catch up on my posts, I’m sharing it now edited for today, albeit a few months later.
I have this friend.
She’s fighting a fight. A really hard fight. It’s the kind of fight where your whole world shifts, perspectives change, and life becomes even more precious because of “The Big C.”
“I wake up every morning and remember that it is a gift.” -Patty Buencamino Balquiedra
You love deeper, you appreciate the little things, and you stop sweating the smaller things. This fight is the same type of fight that changes you…forever. It makes you stronger…stronger than you ever knew you could be, simply because you HAVE to be…
I’ve come to realize that my friend is a pretty amazing woman in the short time that I have known her. We have had a few intimate exchanges that have enriched our friendship and deepened my respect for her. I know that I will continue to learn from her because she’s one smart cookie, and my life will continue to be enriched by her simply, because we are friends.
Her name is Patty Buencamino Balquiedra, and last October, she was honored by Physiogel as one of their brand ambassadors. Patty, together with Alya Honasan, and Michee Cadhit are all fighting the same fight. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Physiogel asked these extraordinary women to share their extraordinary stories.
Patty, Michee, and Alya share their stories and take the time to answer questions about their treatment and how it has affected their lives. Official Photo from Physiogel event photographer
We all know what stories do for us as women…When someone shares their story with us, we take from their learning experiences and their story somehow becomes intertwined with OUR own story. Women bond through conversation, sharing , laughter, and sometimes, tears…it’s what we do. It’s what helps us get through…
I have heard many a women say that “If my story helps just one person, then I will share it…gladly.” And Patty, Alya, and Michee did just that. They shared their stories…and they shared their fight.
Quite a few SoMoms were present to support Patty. We aren’t just mom bloggers who have our own advocacies, we support each other as well. Pictured here are Tin, Jackie, Cai, Thammie, Patty, Fleur, and myself.
Patty shared how Physiogel helped her through some of the side effects of chemotherapy. Specifically, she shared how the Physiogel cleanser (which is the mildest of mild cleansers out there) and the lotion helped soothe her dry skin. She even shared how she was a Physiogel user even before she was diagnosed with cancer. I’ve actually used both of these products myself because we all have very sensitive skin in my family, so I know that Physiogel is a great product to use, regardless of whether you are prone to dry skin or undergoing treatment which would cause your skin to dry out.
SoMoms REPRESENT! Some of us made sure that we could attend this event, not JUST because we believe in the product, but more importantly because we support and LOVE Patty. Photo Credit: Physiogel Official Photographer
Physiogel is made by Glaxo Smith Klein and is so effective because its formula closely resembles the natural building blocks of the skin. Because we live in the tropics and we move from intense heat to air conditioning frequently, our skin can have the tendency to dry out. Physiogel not only prevents the drying out of your skin, but it can also repair damage done when skin is dehydrated.
This entire day was pretty inspiring. The time I spent supporting Patty, breast cancer awareness, and learning more about how Glaxo Smith Klein helps people get through the tough times when they being treated with chemotherapy reminded me of others who I know who are fighting the same fight. I have sorority sisters who are fighting. I have had family members who fought different forms of cancer as well. If there is anything that I can share with them because I have learned about it through my friendship with Patty, I will certainly do just that.
I think there is a saying for that?
“Sharing is Caring.”
