STAND WITH ZYL! ZAP THE CANCER! #Hangawáy

My name is Matthew Paul (19), the younger cousin of Zyl Ceballos (26), with her being born, raised, and currently residing in Iloilo, Philippines. Having grown up as an only child in the USA, cousin Zyl was my big sister and best friend. A fiery spirit with a capacity to love beyond words. Having studied and trained to become a certified nurse, Zyl had established herself in a career aligned with what she finds fulfilling in life; saving lives, instilling smiles, and with giving to others being her underlying drive. But as life can prove time and again, it is a journey impossible to experience unscathed. No matter how heavy the weight is Zyl’s shoulders, she refuses to have her diagnosis deter, defeat, and define who she is. Surrounded by love and support at home and abroad, we all stand together with her to achieve great feats. Faced with Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer at 25 years of age, I created this GoFundMe page so we can contribute a verse towards Zyl’s mission in kicking that Big C off the center stage! Having passed her exam to travel abroad in the United Kingdom and with a working VISA ready to go, she could further her career in what she loves to do while financially helping her parents and two younger siblings back in the Philippines. But all the things defining that plan for early 2020 would come to a startling halt. In late-November of 2019, she felt a sharp pain in her back which led to her seeking medical help with haste. Of the various examinations conducted, her ultrasound revealed the alarming presence of a cyst. The sharp pain had worsened to the point where she had to undergo a surgical operation. A caesarean section was conducted to remove her peritoneal fluid, appendix, and left ovary. Her left ovary was where the cyst was present, which upon further analysis was deduced to be malignant; infected, swollen, and about to burst. The biopsy results arrived soon after, saddening her as she was diagnosed positive for Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer. Then she went to an oncologist, who advised that her survivability is a very high guarantee of 95% if she is to undergo four whole cycles of chemotherapy to eliminate the resurgence of cancerous threats. She will not be able to travel to the UK until she has completed the four cycles, been tested accordingly, and recovered properly. But by living in an economy that forces operating under tight parameters, Zyl’s access to the necessary treatments exceeds what she and her family can afford. However, through the heartache, tears, battle scars and fears, she views this condition as another challenge to conquer. With the strength, mentality, and heart of a warrior! That’s why she started a movement demonstrative of the spirit she upholds and what we all can strive to be: Hangawáy. GoFundMe is a service accessible in key territories. However the Philippines is not one of those territories. Zyl’s approach to fundraising was by selling shirts rooted in the movement. Living in the USA, I intend to contribute a verse by administrating this GoFundMe campaign where we can aid in Zyl’s mission through our prayers, our love and our support. Through monetary contributions, our goal is to reach $5000.00 USD. All proceeds will go towards the beneficiary’s remaining 2/4 chemotherapy treatments, prescribed medications which will aid in recovery, and to additional supplements that will provide her body a greater boost through essential vitamins and nutrients. Even with my inexperience, I refuse to sit behind the line in the pavement wishing and wondering and worrying what could happen to my cousin. My intent is to take that major step in experiencing what can be done now and what opportunities can be made moving forward. For each move that she takes, I will be right there with her every step of the way. No matter where you reside, I encourage you all to do the same. To join in the fight. To be a part of a movement where we strive to be greater. To inspire others to strive for greatness. To be a member of our growing family molded by the bonds that are forged. Where we can contribute a verse in my cousin Zyl’s mission to kick that Big C off the center stage! With every fiber of my beating heart, thank you for taking the time to listen! Now let’s take the call to action and ignite great change to happen! STAND WITH ZYL! ZAP THE CANCER! #Hangawáy