The Strand That Kept Us

Together

by Jasmin Arsenio

Filipinas grew up with the belief of not cutting your hair since birth–not because it can grow longer but because it can hold so many memories. It might be a silly little tell tale to most of us, but for women with Alopecia like Ms. Dayanara, it’s the simple truth.

Ms. Dayanara Gayuca has shared how her alopecia journey has been made lighter by her late partner, Mr. Mark Anthony Mansalapuz, who became one of the pillars of her courage and passion to advocate for alopecia awareness. When we first asked Ms. Dayan about her most cherished person that helped her in her healing journey, there was no doubt nor hesitation to immediately mention Sir Mark’s name.

“…Gawin ko lang daw yung sa tingin ko na magiging kumportable ako, magiging masaya ako…full support siya sa mga ginagawa ko…”, Ms. Dayan expressed, telling how Sir Mark pushed her to fully come out of her comfort zone, be her source of strength especially during check-up appointments and follow-up medication intakes. She emphasized how important his optimistic mindset was for her. Sir Mark was there to reassure her that the greatest thing they could do for her journey was to try. She felt weak when facing Alopecia right after giving birth to her first son and going through post-partum, but Sir Mark strengthened her resolve. However, just like hair strands, some people are meant to leave during unexpected times. In the following year, September 24, 2023, Sir Mark joined his Creator and was peacefully put to rest by Ms. Dayan and their family.

Being strong on your own is one thing, but for women with alopecia like Ms. Dayanara, having a great support system does wonders for her mental health and uplifts her to push for her own development and healing. This is why they say the family that sticks together stays together especially in both sickness and health.