“I can survive this”, these words kept echoing in Geselle’s mind as she faced one of the biggest challenges of her life. For some, it might seem empty, but for her, this affirmation is what drives her to face life’s uncertainties.

As a child, Geselle D. Cipriano is grateful for being blessed with a life filled with abundance and love. Her family played a major role in influencing her and filling her heart with compassion for others. Growing up in their household, Geselle would often spend time with her aunts, one of whom is a Social Worker at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the other is a nun. Little did Geselle know, these two aunts would help shape her destiny.

With a yearning for service, Geselle entered college at the Saint Louis University Baguio. After years of studying, she finished her course, Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and passed her board examination with ease. Eager to start her mission, Geselle took on a job as a social worker in a faith-based Non-Government Organization called UNBOUND. Afterward, she found herself applying at DSWD Field Office 01 in 2014, to continue her dreams of serving others as a social worker. Luckily enough, she got in.

Geselle endured and proudly took on the responsibility of becoming an Angel in Red Vest. Accompanied by a loving spouse, she had every bit of strength to face whatever challenge life threw at her. Unfortunately, life threw more tests.

In 2016, Geselle was diagnosed with cervical cancer. At a young age, she had to face a struggle that would either result in life or death. She had to find balance as she juggled her work with her treatment. Despite her efforts, Geselle’s body couldn’t handle the stress. They had to find a way to ease her burden. That is why in 2019, after her husband passed the bar examinations, they both decided to go to Cagayan Valley.

Despite her condition, Geselle still longed to serve others through social work. Wanting to continue her work as an Angel in Red Vest, she applied to DSWD Field Office 02 as a Social Welfare Officer II. By grace, she got the job.

Geselle managed to balance her work and treatment as she is surrounded by loving family members and understanding co-workers. As fellow Angels in Red Vests, they made sure that Geselle’s health was in good condition and that it would remain her number one priority.

After years of treatment and struggle, Geselle was finally diagnosed as “cancer-free” in 2021. She recalls how the agency has helped her during her journey to survival as she states that, “DSWD has played a huge role in my recovery. I am thankful that they were considerate of my health condition. They didn’t look at me like I am weak because of cancer; instead, they looked at me as someone who still had a lot to offer to society. That gave me hope.”

With renewed strength, Geselle, now 36, continues to serve as the Children focal person and head of the Minors Traveling Abroad program in the Field Office. Clients who come to her aid always leave positive feedback about her, describing how lively and lovely she is. She always serves the people with extra love and extra care, making sure to genuinely smile at each one. “Serve with Compassion as you are offering every work of your hands to God,” she would often remind herself.

Indeed, Geselle is a survivor. As she proudly states, “With a grateful heart and a burning passion for service, I am an Angel in Red Vest. I am a cancer survivor and a warrior. My illness does not limit my heart to serve and share my second life with people who need help, especially children who are the most vulnerable sector of our society.”

Truly, she has proven that she CANCERvive.