In 2020, Jony Lee faced both joy and heartache as she was preparing for her wedding to Alistair Lee while her mother’s ovarian cancer recurred. Despite the challenges, Lee found a way to make the moment special by shaving their heads during the wedding reception and raising money for charity. The viral moment allowed her to share her mother’s story and raise awareness of ovarian cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and advocacy for one’s health.
Luna Macapagal, Lee’s mother, had a long journey to her ovarian cancer diagnosis due to doctors dismissing her symptoms as menopause or other unrelated conditions. Eventually, after persevering and advocating for herself, Macapagal was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2018. Lee and her mother made plans to shave their heads in solidarity but were devastated when they learned that Macapagal was too weak to undergo more treatment. However, Lee’s husband proposed the idea of shaving their heads during their wedding reception to support Macapagal.
The surprise head-shaving moment at the wedding reception moved everyone in attendance, with guests donating money to a cancer charity in support of Macapagal. The gesture symbolized the importance of standing together in the face of adversity and supporting loved ones through difficult times. The emotional moment touched many guests, highlighting the impact of cancer on individuals and communities. Macapagal, though stunned by the gesture, expressed pride in her daughter’s actions, acknowledging her fierce and unapologetic nature.
Macapagal passed away in January 2021, leaving a legacy of strength and resilience. Despite not being able to experience married life with her mother, Lee finds solace in the fact that their story has reached and inspired many people. Macapagal’s fierce and determined spirit lives on through Lee, who cherishes the newfound closeness she shared with her mother during her illness. Reflecting on their relationship, Lee emphasizes the importance of valuing and nurturing connections with loved ones, recognizing the impact of her mother’s influence on her life and career.
Through the viral reception moment and the subsequent outpouring of support, Lee and her family have raised awareness of ovarian cancer and the importance of early detection. The experience has brought them closer together and allowed them to honor Macapagal’s memory by advocating for health and supporting those affected by cancer. Lee believes that her mother would be proud of the impact their story has had on others and credits her for the success and growth in her life and career. Macapagal’s legacy lives on through Lee’s dedication to raising awareness and supporting those in need.
