Cyrill Sy during her sit-down interview with Pru Life UK
For 14 years, Cyrill Sy worked overseas, building a career and a future for her family. Like many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), she took on different roles while working in Dubai—from receptionist to sales coordinator, logistics coordinator, and document controller.
While the work was challenging, it allowed her and her husband to save and eventually pursue their dream of returning home to the Philippines.
"In 2018, I had a miscarriage," Cyrill recalled. "I was already in my late 30s, so my husband and I decided that it was time to go home and focus on building our family."
The couple returned to the Philippines in April 2019 and started a business together. Around the same time, Cyrill was looking for an opportunity that would allow her to earn additional income while making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
"I wanted a side hustle with a mission," she said. "I didn't want something that would just give me extra income. I wanted something where I could have a personal touch and help other people."
That desire led her to become a financial advisor with Pru Life UK. Today, she serves as an assistant unit manager, helping individuals and families prepare for life's uncertainties.
Practicing what she preached
Before becoming a client herself, Cyrill admits that she and her husband focused primarily on savings and managing their finances.
"My husband was the one handling most of our finances. We had savings, but at that time, I didn't have life insurance," she said.
After becoming a financial advisor, she realized the importance of having protection herself. "Before I could offer protection to my clients, I felt that I should have my own insurance first," she said.
She eventually purchased PRULink Assurance Account Plus policy with critical illness coverage. Her decision was influenced by her family's medical history.
"My father passed away because of a stroke. I told myself that even if I was living a healthy lifestyle, it was still better to be prepared."
She never imagined how important that decision would become.
An unexpected diagnosis
In late 2024, while visiting her family in Mindoro for her mother's birthday celebration, Cyrill began experiencing pain in her breast.
At first, she thought it was caused by carrying and playing with her young niece.
"Whenever I carried her, I would feel pain. I thought it would go away if I stopped lifting heavy things," she recalled.
But on November 24, she woke up in severe pain. "I woke up at four in the morning because it was hurting so much. When I touched the area, I felt a lump that wasn't moving. That's when I knew something was wrong."
Medical consultations and tests later confirmed the diagnosis: Stage 1A ER/PR-positive breast cancer.
"When the doctor told me I had breast cancer, I felt sad, of course," Cyrill said. "I didn't cry, but I kept thinking that if someone in the family had to go through this, I was glad it was me and not someone I loved. It would be harder for me to watch them suffer."
Focusing on healing, not finances
For many families, a cancer diagnosis brings not only emotional stress but also financial strain.
For Cyrill, having insurance made a significant difference.
"When you have protection, you can focus on getting better," she said. "You don't have to worry about where you will get money for treatment and medical expenses."
During her treatment journey, she met fellow patients who struggled to continue their care because of financial constraints.
"I met people whose treatments were delayed because they didn't have enough money for chemotherapy or medicines. It was heartbreaking because some patients were forced to postpone treatment while trying to raise funds."
She also frequently saw appeals for financial assistance on social media. "You see people asking for help online because medical expenses are overwhelming. It's difficult. That's why financial preparedness is so important."
For Cyrill, the benefits she received helped preserve not only her finances but also her family's stability.
"My husband and I have a business, and because of the insurance proceeds, we didn't have to touch our business capital or use up our savings," she shared. "The claims paid for my medicines, laboratory tests, and treatments."
A promise fulfilled
Cyrill had two insurance policies with Pru Life UK.
Through her first policy, she received Php 800,000 in critical illness benefits. With the second, PRULink Elite Protector 15 policy, she received an additional Php 2 million in critical illness benefits. In total, she received approximately Php 2.8 million in claims.
"Both claims were released in less than 30 days," she said. "The process was fast and efficient, giving me the support right when I needed reassurance and support."
For Cyrill, the experience reinforced the value of financial protection. "My story is proof that insurance is real," she said. "It's not a scam. When I needed it the most, it was there."
Gratitude and protection
Today, Cyrill continues her treatment journey with gratitude and a renewed commitment to helping others understand the value of protection.
"No one plans to get sick. No one wants to have cancer. We don't know when life can change," she said.
Looking back, she believes one of the most important lessons from her experience is the value of preparing before a crisis happens. "When I was diagnosed with cancer, I didn't panic financially. I focused on healing and fighting the disease."
She hopes more Filipinos will start taking steps toward financial protection, even if they begin small.
"You don't have to start with a big policy. What's important is that you start. Even a small amount of protection can help when unexpected illness, accidents, or loss happen."
For Cyrill, insurance goes beyond financial benefits. "Insurance is not just about money. It's about peace of mind. It's about protecting your family. It's about preserving your dignity during difficult times."
She continued, "While we're still healthy and able to prepare, let's not wait until we need protection before we realize its value."
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