Student with Stage 2 thyroid cancer makes it to Top 10 of Forester Licensure Exam

A student topped the Forestry Licensure Examination while battling Stage 2 thyroid cancer.

In a viral Facebook post, Keano Reeves Collado of Caraga State University reminded everyone never to give up on their dreams despite all the struggles in life,

“Just because I am sick, does not mean I am incapable," he wrote.

Initially, Keano stopped schooling during his fourth year due to his family's financial situation in 2012.

He was later diagnosed with Stage 2 thyroid cancer and underwent a 13-hour surgery.

"Actually, mahirap po talaga especially after 'noong surgery pero nag-focus lang po talaga ako sa goal ko na lang and inisp ko na lang na why I'm doing what I'm doing," Keano shared in an interview on "Unang Hirit."

"Una, po pabalik-balik yung lagnat, tapos nawalan ng ganang kumain, tapos 'yung timbang ko, nababawasan at eventually, na-realize ko na may bukol-bukol ako sa leeg ko," he added.

Despite all his treatments, Keano believed it was time for him to go back to school. 

"Siya ang nakiusap sa'min na gusto niyang bumalik ng paga-aral," his father, Allan, said.

"Sabi namin, baka hindi mo pa kaya kasi naka-tube pa siya hanggang ngayon kaya nahihirapan kami... Pero gustong-gusto niya pong bumalik," he added.

"Kaya sabi ko, 'Pag ano, tawag ka lang kasi malayo pa ang school niyo sa amin.' Kaya minsan, hinahatid-sundo ko pa para lang masuportahan 'yung desire niyang makapagtapos."

Thanks to his hard work and determination , Keano graduated from the Caraga State University and ended up as one of the Top 10 board passers of the Forestry Licensure Exam last October.

Although his battle with cancer is not yet over, Keano is happy to know a whole world of opportunities lay before him.

"At first, para siyang katapusan na ng mundo, pero pagkatapos noon, I had to collect myself and get back on track." — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News