Niño Maclang

A Journey Through Darkness and Love: A Survivor’s Story

In 2019, my life took an unexpected and terrifying turn—I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was serious, and the road ahead was uncertain. What followed was a grueling battle that included dozens of chemotherapy treatments, a trip to the emergency room, and a three-week hospital stay for a stem cell transplant. But today, I stand on the other side of that fight with a new lease on life—I am in remission. I am cancer-free.

While this could easily be a story about my personal battle, I want to shift the focus to the unwavering support and love that carried me through it—my wife, Lisa Evans. From the moment I learned about the 14 cm tumor in my chest to the incredible day I was declared cancer-free, Lisa never left my side.

Throughout this journey, Lisa became my rock, my advocate, and my source of strength. She attended every chemotherapy session and doctor’s appointment, carefully monitoring my treatments to ensure everything was done correctly. She meticulously planned schedules so our young children - a two year old and a 6 month old infant at the time - were cared for while I underwent treatment, all while taking time off work and putting her own life on hold to support me. Even amidst the chaos, she took care of our dog, Dexter—who, in a cruel twist of fate, was also battling cancer—ensuring he received his own treatments.

Despite carrying the weight of it all, Lisa did so with a resilience and grace that only those who truly know her can understand. She faced every challenge with a smile, never wavering in her support, never once showing signs of exhaustion in front of me, even when I knew she must have been overwhelmed.

As my family and I now celebrate this second chance at life, I am filled with gratitude—not just for my own survival, but for the love that surrounded me through it all. Lisa’s actions redefined for me what it truly means to love and be loved. She showed me that love is not just words but actions—sacrifices made, responsibilities carried, and an unbreakable presence during the darkest of times.

To those who have someone who stands by them, unwavering and steadfast, cherish them. And to those who are that person—who love unconditionally and put others before themselves—thank you. You are the light in a world that sometimes feels dark, especially those that are undergoing cancer treatment.

There were moments when my mental state reached its lowest points. The physical and emotional pain my family and I endured was immense. But as the saying goes, “Sometimes you must walk through the darkness to become a light.” And Lisa, you are that light.

To my love, Lisa—I can only hope to be even a fraction of the support and strength that you have been for me. I’ve got your back forever, penguin. I am endlessly grateful that you are my partner in this life.