OFW's leukemia aid drive gets Michael Cinco's support

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A 36-year-old single mom from Bohol, working as seamstress for fashion icon Michael Cinco, has embarked on a leukemia aid drive with the famed couturier behind her for support.

Margie Mae Suyman Mahinay, eldest of four children, said she decided to launch the drive in memory of her eldest son, who died of the disease at the age of seven on March 16, 2012.

“Gusto kong tumulong sa mga batang may leukemia kasi nakita ko talaga kung paano 'yung hirap na dinaranas ng mga batang may ganuong karamdaman,” Mahinay told GMA News Online.

(I want to help children afflicted with leukemia as I have seen the hardship that leukemia-stricken children go through.)

Mahinay recalled how it all happened for her son. “Mabilis lang po ang pangyayari, nag-birthday siya, then one week pagkatapos ng birthday niya nakitaan ko siya ng malaking pasa sa likod.

“Tapos 'yun na po, seven months namin nilabanan 'yung sakit niya with chemo pero ‘di niya kinaya.”

(It all happened so fast. He celebrated his birthday, then a week later I saw a huge bruise on his back. He underwent chemotherapy for seven months but he did not make it.)

Mahinay said the pain of losing a child still lingers, 14 years since her son’s death. 

“Kung buhay pa siya, 20 years old na sana siya. Masakit pa rin, pero kailangan ko pong lumaban para sa natitira kong anak,” she said, referring to her youngest son who recently turned 16.

(He’d be 20 years old if he was still alive today. I’m still hurting, but I need to move on for my other son.)

Cinco, who designs gowns for celebrities and royalties, said he will stand behind  Mahinay’s cause.

“It's wonderful to hear about a mother turning her personal tragedy into a meaningful cause to help others, especially children suffering from leukemia. Her efforts can make a significant difference in raising awareness, funding research, and supporting families affected by this illness. Such compassion and dedication are truly commendable,” he said.

“Yes of course I will support her,” Cinco added.

Cinco described Mahinay as a “hardworking and honest person.” “I’m lucky to have her in my team,” he said.

Mahinay was 4th runner-up at the inaugural Super Mom UAE beauty contest recently held in Dubai to honor mothers from the Philippines working abroad. Organized by a Filipina businesswoman who sells beauty and wellness products, the pageant had 18 contestants.

“Sabi ko, ‘Why don’t we hold a pageant for OFW mothers? They deserve to be highlighted and recognized pero hindi nabibigyan ng highest respect and appreciation,’” said Malou Jane Polangco, the event’s founder, when asked why she thought of coming up with the event.

(I said, ‘Why don’t we hold a pageant for mothers who are overseas Filipino workers? They deserve to be highlighted and recognized but have not been given the highest respect and appreciation.’”)

A high school graduate who worked as saleslady before she left for Dubai on June 6, 2012, Mahinay was employed as a domestic helper until 2018, after which she got the job as seamstress at Cinco’s fashion house. —KBK, GMA Integrated News