From cancer survivor to magna cum laude

At 3 years old, Seve Perez was diagnosed with cancer. Last week, at 22, he received a diploma that not only states a degree, it symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit


By JUNEP OCAMPO
 

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Cancer survivor Seve Perez is all smiles before receiving his magna cum laude honors from Fordham University. Below, he is shown as a toddler with his parents and as a teenager speaking to senators for a law benefiting cancer patients.
 

At just three years old, Seve Perez was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, beginning a remarkable journey of resilience and triumph. Over the weekend, Seve, now 22, graduated magna cum laude from Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics.

Seve’s father, Paul Perez, who founded Project Brave Kids to raise awareness about childhood cancer, expressed his immense pride in a heartfelt Facebook post.

"Bear with me. Seve is our first college graduate, and if you know his medical history, his bravery facing all the challenges which inspired us to set up Project Brave Kids, this day is doubly meaningful," Paul shared.

A different childhood

Paul agreed for Manila Bulletin to print Seve’s story, having known this author since 2012 as a fellow volunteer for the Philippine Children’s Medical; Center (PCMC) where Seve was treated.

Unlike other boys, Seve’s earliest childhood memories were not of toys and playgrounds but doctors and hospitals. He was merely a toddler when diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer that sent him to the intensive care unit several times and into a coma once. After two and a half years of treatment at the PCMC, doctors declared him cancer-free.

“You should never let cancer bring you down,” he often told younger cancer patients. “I used to interact more with doctors than teachers, slept in hospital beds more often than my own bed. But I didn’t give up. Neither should you.

Always stay positive and always pray to God.” In some cases, he would even show them his toddler picture to make them feel better.

Seve has been sharing his inspiring story with anyone who cares to listen. He eventually became an ambassador for childhood cancer, and Project Brave Kids, where he served as one of the poster boys. He became instrumental in passing the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), a landmark cancer control legislation aimed at increasing cancer survival rates and reducing the burden on patients and their families.

The battle continues

Cancer remains a significant public health burden among Filipinos. According to studies, it is still one of the leading causes of death, with over 153,000 new cases and more than 92,000 deaths recorded in 2020.

Although much progress has been made in terms of finding better treatment and care for cancer patients in the Philippines, treatments have been financially catastrophic for thousands of Filipino families, making cancer care inaccessible to many, especially the poor.

 Paul said that Seve is ever willing to support the cause of chidren with cancer. “He is planning to write some reflections, especially on not allowing cancer to define you. And despite currently pursuing a career in the US, he is very much willing to lend his voice and story to the cancer fight in the Philippines,” Paul noted.

Career in sustainability

 For his career moving forward, Paul mentioned that Seve wants to apply his studies by working in companies focused on sustainability and ethical practices. Seve developed this plan after interning at Estée Lauder for marketing research and sustainability and representing Fordham University, where he won second place in the International Business Ethics Case Competition at the University of Massachusetts last April.