“What is for you will not lower your vibration; what is for you will feel warm, light, and right.” - Jenine Lacorte 

FOR the past six months, Jenine Lacorte, an alumna of San Beda College Alabang (SBCA), has gone through a journey of self-reflection and resilience. Drawing strength from the special people in her life and the overwhelming support of her batchmates, ‘CMS2015’, through the “Isang Eyyy Para kay Jay” gig for a cause event, she remains determined to stay strong in her battle against thyroid cancer.  

Maxed Out? Now what?

     Before she knew about the disease, Jenine first went through a difficult time with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 2019, a hormonal condition that affects women and girls during their reproductive age. The condition made her incapable of conceiving a child. But amidst this trial, she received the comfort she needed from her loving husband, Ian Lacorte. “Ian is very patient and kind; he knows the right words to say, and he knows when to just be there for me,” she mentions in a Facebook post. 

     Earlier this year, she was still unable to bear a child despite the news from her doctor that she was ovulating properly, which left her confused about the whole situation. “Di ko magets yung okay na daw katawan ko pero wala nangyayari. Parang ang lala ng hormonal imbalance ko.” But last January, as she was lying down, browsing on her phone, Jenine was shocked and found herself in tears upon seeing a big lump on her neck. Immediately, she had herself checked that weekend. Then, on June 27, it was confirmed a week after her right lobectomy and the total removal of the lump on her neck that she was positive for cancer according to her biopsy results. What makes things harder is that she had already maxed out her health card, which won’t be able to cover her next set of expenses. 

Something Wrong? Get Yourself Checked!

     When Jenine was diagnosed with PCOS, sudden changes came to her body, which brought her to question what was going on. But based on her initial diagnosis, she blamed it on PCOS, overlooking other possible causes, which is difficult to consider in her position since thyroid cancer develops without showing obvious symptoms. According to her doctor, the cancer had already been developing for years. “There are a lot of women out there experiencing unexplained weight gain or weight loss. You know that you’re eating right, you’re exercising. But something is happening to your body.” Jenine wishes to raise awareness so that women can have themselves checked if they feel something is wrong with their bodies. “Don’t settle for less when it comes to your health.” 

Nestled In The Arms of Fellow Bedans

     Earning her Communication and Media Studies (CMS) degree in SBCA, Jenine wasted no time as a college student. In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, she reminisces about going through integration, joining the cheering squad, and bagging dean’s list awards, some of her most memorable achievements as a CMS student. Today, in her professional life, she has been featured in Thought Catalog and Philippine Daily Inquirer. She proudly shares that she is now a freelancer, writing for an Australian-based company. 

     By putting herself out there, Jenine was able to foster many good relationships in college. She specifically mentions her deep appreciation for her friends who took the initiative to help financially through fundraising gigs, specifically the CMS batch of 2015. “These friends are the same people who are lifting me up now. They are the ones organizing the gig for a cause.” “Isang Eyy Para Kay Jay” is a fundraising event featuring Autotelic, Sunken Roots, Panic Bar, and Dreamcast. All the proceeds will be used to support Jenine’s medical needs for her treatment. This will take place in Gighouse, Poblacion,  Muntinlupa this August 17, starting at 8 PM. 

Owning Courage and Fostering The Love

    Anything can happen within a span of years. It can be surprising how much a person can change while in their most vulnerable state. Even while still battling cancer, Jenine holds valuable realizations that are close to her heart. “Life is short. It's time to stop wasting our energy on things, people, and also jobs that are not for us.” According to Jenine, anyone can get so used to the idea of putting things off until tomorrow. But tomorrow is not always guaranteed. As much as possible, people should heavily place importance on what they know is good for them. 

     Because of her current experience with cancer, she thinks more wisely about her health. “Don’t focus on stress. All the doctors that I’ve been to have been saying that.” When she was diagnosed in 2019 with PCOS, her obstetrician gynecologist (OB-GYN) mentioned that stress could be one of the factors that caused the hormonal condition. The same goes with thyroid cancer, as it lowers her immune system. “Don’t focus on it, and don’t make it your life,” she emphasized. 

     When it comes to her relationships in life, she loves heartily. It is to love sincerely with warmth and fondness to an important person. “There is no reason to stop yourself from telling people that you love them; you treasure them. Be vocal. Make it known.” In her interview, she also didn’t hesitate to express her gratitude to her Bedan friends and the community's support. These are the people helping her get through the tough mental challenges that come along with cancer. Jenine first wanted to keep it to herself but then learned she could lean on the people around her. 

     “If there is one thing I learned during this journey, marami palang nagmamahal sakin. 'Di ko pala kailangang solohin ang mga gantong bagay.”