An open mind and heart

Written by Ed Santoalla

Leukocytosis. The word rang strong and clear in Ed’s mind. It was an unfamiliar word, one of many medical terms that twist the tongue, but cryptic and haunting in its likely definition. At the time of the diagnosis, his life was on an upward spiral: a flurry of activity at work, numerous friends from a variety of social plains, and a family to tend to. Suddenly, he had leukemia.

Many who are faced with serious adversaries such as cancer instinctively withdraw into a ball of self-pity. But not Ed. He had never been the type of person to retreat, to give in to the negative energy that cancer inevitably conveys upon one’s mental and physical capacities. After the painful discovery came acceptance. Family and friends were informed, and the necessary treatments were scheduled. Armed with a positive attitude, he began the fight.

Thankfully, Ed did not have to deal with cancer alone. Aid poured in from all sides. His family stubbornly stood by his side as he underwent treatment. His friends came in droves, rooting for him as he fought to overcome his illness. It was a support system that proved to be integral to Ed’s battle. Long time friends in the music business staged fundraisers to cover the amassing cost of his medication. He remembers being called up to the stage at one such fundraiser, and in keeping with his characteristic wit piped up: “I’m so glad to see all of you here, now I know what my necro will look like.”

Such was the nature of his success – a positive attitude, honesty, and open-mindedness in the face of critical times - “Most people who die of cancer start dying the moment they are told that they have cancer. It’s because they have a negative frame of mind – they clam up, they withdraw. Don’t shut people out. Don’t ever, ever do that. I saw a sign once in one of the clinics I went to that said - ‘Cancer does not defeat love, it does not kill love…’ My take on that is that it’s not the cancer that kills, it’s your mind. You have to harness the power of your mind to treat yourself,” Ed said.

The love and support that Ed received throughout his battle took him to a new chapter of his life. After being declared in remission, he organized a fundraiser for children stricken with leukemia, and continues to counsel those who are currently in the position he had overcome. He believes that sharing information about cancer and coping strategies is essential, and emphasizes the importance of dispensing relevant information about a patient’s options. Ed stresses that people need to be aware of what kind of medication and treatments are available in order for them to make an educated decision about their treatments.

Finally, he reminds cancer patients and survivors to harness the strength and hope that only love from family and friends can offer. Loved ones are the integral pillars of strength to stand strong, to endure, to overcome, and to live. For the simple brightness of their love, Ed’s days are now sunnier than ever.

Philippine Cancer Society brings cancer survivors in touch.