Pinoy cancer survivor ends up being a doctor

A Filipino cancer survivor had an inspiring twist to his story this year after he achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.

According to Ivan Mayrina's report on GMA's 24 Oras on Monday, Dr. Albien Emmanuel Gacias was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008 when he was just 19 years old.

Even before his battle with cancer began, Gacias had been facing some giants after losing his mom to pancreatic cancer in 2006. At a young age, he took on the responsibility of parenting his six siblings.

His willpower in life was further tested when he endured two years of treatment for his lung cancer.

"Ang naisip ko kasi laban lang nang laban. Parang may mga lowest point pero never ko inisip na ayaw ko na," Gacias said, noting that he drew strength from his family and loved ones.

He returned to school and pursued a degree in nursing before he entered medical school. Gacias recently passed the physician licensure examinations.

The new doctor said he wants to serve patients in public hospitals. He believes that what he went through with his cancer ordeal will now be an advantage in his profession where empathy plays an important role.

"Mahirap po talagang intindihin kapag hindi mo napagdaanan eh. What more pa kung napagdaanan mo, mas lalo mo silang naiintindihan," he said.

Gacias hopes that his journey would encourage people to never give up on their dreams.

"Focus on your goals and tuloy lang 'yung buhay no matter how hard it is," he said. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News