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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Thyroid cancer patient finishes top 10 in Forester Licensure Examination

Thyroid cancer patient finishes top 10 in Forester Licensure Examination

Published Oct 31, 2021 11:02 am

"Just because I am sick, does not mean I am incapable."

This was the battlecry of Keano Reeves Collado who was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer before topping the Forester Licensure Examination.

"I wanted to think that I am more than my illness I want to think that I can do more despite my condition," Collado wrote in a lengthy Facebook post.

Collado finished his Bachelor of Science in Forestry at Caraga State University last August 2021, which he dubbed as "home of topnotchers."

He revealed that five days after he was diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer, he underwent a 13-hour surgery. Albeit successful, the tumor disabled his capacity to speak because the tumors already damaged his vocal cords.

(Photo from Keano Reeves Collado)

Miraculously, after three months, Collado was able to mumbler words.

"That moment, I felt like I was a toddler who just learned to speak his first word. I could see the trace of happiness of my parents' faces. Everyday, my voice improved. Although it's totally different compared to what it was like before. Nevertheless, I am more than grateful because I can still speak," he continued.

A year after his operation he went back to school to finish his degree and eventually to take the board exam.

"I made my parents proud despite battling thyroid cancer for almost four years now... I prayed, I wanted to be one of the topnotchers. Because I knew from the beginning it was my goal. Not for myself, but for my parents and those people who believed in me."

(Photo from Keano Reeves Collado)
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