How Kindness, Faith, and a Miracle Helped a Filipino Teen Survive Cancer in Thailand
Sometimes, life takes us far from home before we are ready. In a new country with unfamiliar faces and strange languages, it can feel like you are walking alone in a vast, quiet wilderness. But in those moments of uncertainty and struggle, unexpected kindness can light the way. Hazel’s journey from a shy Filipino teenager to a cancer survivor and a young woman rooted in faith and community is a testament to the quiet strength found in connection, hope, and resilience. This is her story.
“I was just a teenager when I left the Philippines to be with my mum in Thailand. It was only the two of us, starting over in a place where everything was unfamiliar. I had no friends, no familiar faces, and no idea how to fit in. But somehow, Thailand wrapped me in its warmth. The people, their kindness and generosity, and the food made me feel welcome.
It sounds small, but even learning to eat spicy food and vegetables became a turning point. As a picky eater, it was a big adjustment, but it made me feel more connected to the culture. I realised that sometimes, embracing little things helps you belong in big ways.”
“Learning Thai was not easy. In the beginning, I felt shy and often mixed up words, but my classmates would laugh with me, not at me. They made me feel included, even in my mistakes. That patience and hospitality gave me the courage to open up. I learned that connection is not built on perfect words but on shared moments, smiles, and the effort to understand each other.”
“But halfway through high school, everything changed. I was only 15 when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. It began with a cough that lasted for months, until one day I started coughing up blood. My mum was working hard to support us, but the cost of treatment was overwhelming. That was when God showed me that even far from home, I was not alone.
Friends, the Filipino community, and Thai friends I had only just met came together. They prayed for me, raised funds for my treatment, and stood by me in the hardest season of my life. It reminded me that family is not only about blood. It is about love.”
“My faith became my anchor. Growing up with my grandparents, I learned to pray anytime and anywhere. Worship became my way of speaking to God when I could not find the words. Songs like ‘In Jesus Name’ reminded me that God was fighting for me, even when I felt too weak to fight for myself. There were days I felt fragile and broken, but I knew God was holding my hand.”
“When I eventually returned to school, I was welcomed back with open arms. I carried with me a deeper appreciation for life and for the people who stood by me. Graduating from high school and moving to university felt like stepping into a new chapter, but with a stronger heart. University in Bangkok brought new adjustments, with classmates from all over the world. It was overwhelming at first, but once again, I found my place through friendship. Thai culture taught me that success is not just about standing out. It is also about lifting each other up and treating friends like family.”
“Today, I continue to serve the Lord with the talents He has given me. I lead worship at church, playing drums and guitar, and use music as a way to encourage others and express my faith. It is through worship that I find healing and hope, and I hope my story can inspire others who face their own battles to keep trusting and moving forward.”
“Now, as a survivor, I see life differently. I try to live each day as if it could be my last, cherishing time with my loved ones and creating memories that matter. I do not have everything figured out, and that is okay. Life is not always about having the full plan. Sometimes, it is about taking it one step at a time, trusting that God will guide you, and remembering that even in your weakest moments, you are never walking alone.”