Strength in the Storm: A Filipina Mother’s Battle with Cancer

EPHRATA, Pennsylvania — For many mothers, Mother’s Day is a celebration filled with flowers, laughter, and family gatherings. But for Mary Christe Ruella Cadayona King, this year’s celebration carries a much deeper meaning, one shaped by faith, resilience, and the precious gift of time.

At 40 years old, Christe is a Filipina mother, pastor’s wife, and woman of faith. She serves as a member of the worship and communications team at Christ's House and is also involved in music ministry. Her husband, Timothy Lee King, serves as pastor of Christ House and St. Paul’s Evangelical Congregational Church. Together, they are raising their two daughters, Lydia Asher King, 4, and Olivia Janet Himaya King, 2.

Born in Southern Leyte and raised in Cavite, Philippines, Christe earned a degree in BS Mathematics for Teachers from Philippine Normal University and worked as a high school teacher before pursuing opportunities in Singapore. It was there, through online dating and their shared Christian faith, that she met her future husband, Timothy.

But behind the smiles and family moments is a painful battle that changed their lives forever.

On March 21, 2025, Christe was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Just ten days later, doctors confirmed that the cancer had already advanced to terminal Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, spreading to her liver, bones, and skin. Months later, brain metastases were also discovered.

“When I first found out, I felt detached from reality,” Christe shared. “It felt like a bad dream I wanted to wake up from.”

Like many mothers, she immediately thought about her children and the future she hoped to share with them. Yet even in the middle of uncertainty and pain, prayer became the foundation that carried the family through this difficult season.

“We have been extremely blessed,” said Timothy Lee King. “When we first learned that the cancer was already Stage IV, the very first thing we did was hold each other and pray. Since then, that has remained our foundation.” Timothy described how church communities rallied around them with prayers, meals, childcare, cards, and emotional support.

“One of the prayers we constantly hold onto is the reminder from Psalm 23, that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we do not have to fear evil because God is with us in the valley,” he said.

For Christe, resilience or tatag in Filipino comes from faith.

“The first thought in my mind is that strength really comes from the Lord,” she said.

“When your strength and your joy come from the source that never runs dry, then that

joy gives you resilience.”

She says her Filipino identity continues to shape the way she faces suffering, motherhood, and family life. She hopes to pass on Filipino values such as close family ties, respect for elders, and the spirit of bayanihan — caring for one another as a community. At home, she teaches her daughters Tagalog words and Filipino traditions, so they remain connected to their roots while growing up in the United States.

“His mercies are new every morning,” Christe said. “Every time I’m still alive is already a blessing to me. Seeing every day as a blessing helps you become resilient.”

Despite the challenges, there have been encouraging signs. Recent medical tests, including her 2D echocardiogram and CT scans, have remained stable, while doctors observed that the cancer in her liver is shrinking. Her brain MRI’s are now showing the cancer has been cleared from that region.

Christe says motherhood itself continues to give her strength and purpose. She described parenthood as a “sanctifying fire”, something that shapes and transforms a person through both joy and suffering.

Despite everything, she still finds joy in everyday moments with her daughters — cooking pancakes together, hearing them laugh, and watching their personalities grow.

One of the most emotional moments during the interview came when she reflected on what she hopes her children will remember about her.

“I would like them to remember me as a mom who loved them deeply and who really desired for them to grow in a deeper relationship with the Lord,” she said.

Christe also shared a message for mothers facing difficult seasons in life.

“For mothers who are undergoing trials right now, my very first advice is really to go back to God — to pray, to be raw, to be honest before the Lord, and just surrender everything to Him,” she said. “And also, to live one day at a time.”

This Mother’s Day now carries a much deeper meaning for her.

“For me, Mother’s Day is really about cherishing precious time together with family,”

Christe reflected. “This season of life magnifies how precious time really is, especially when you realize that your days are numbered.”

Through every trial, Christe hopes her story will inspire others who may also be walking through pain, illness, or uncertainty.

“I hope people will feel inspired and hopeful despite the trials of life,” she said. “I hope they will still find joy even under difficult circumstances and carry gratitude in their hearts despite hardships.”

Her story is one of faith, courage, resilience, and a mother’s enduring love — choosing hope one day at a time.