Alberto Huidobro: Moving Forward with Perseverance, Driven by Family Love

Meet Alberto Huidobro, a determined 24-year-old who overcame anaplastic non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is now making an impact in cancer care.  Fueled by perseverance and the love of his family and friends, Alberto shows us how to embrace life’s challenges with a fearless attitude.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Alberto Huidobro. And although I studied in Bilbao, I am currently living in Madrid (Spain). I studied a BBA with a major in Business Intelligence, in addition to a master’s in Data Science. I am 24 years old and work at a multinational technology company specializing in medicine. Right now we are working on an algorithm that can calculate the survival rate and effectiveness of chemotherapy in cancer. Super interesting!

What was your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed in 2016 with anaplastic non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It took a long time to reach the diagnosis, and it was never possible to confirm it 100%, but at least they managed to cure it!

When did you first learn about your diagnosis? Can you tell us how and when you found out?

In my case, I had never been previously connected to the disease, especially not to my own, which is very unique. It was at that moment that I began to become aware of its name and to research it. Being diagnosed at 16 years old, I had the maturity to learn about the disease.

What motivated you to become a part of EU-CAYAS-NET, and what does it mean to you?

Currently, I am the leader of the youth association in my region, being an essential part of the national delegation, which led me to be aware of the international atmosphere. Additionally, my job allows me to stay connected with the new advances that are emerging, enabling me to contribute business insight and personal experience.

How has cancer changed your perspective on life? What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your experience?

Many young people who have suffered from cancer do not like the labels that are placed on us. However, being diagnosed with cancer as a teenager has given me the strength to feel that nothing can stop us and that we are capable of achieving what we set out to do. Life takes many turns; you never know when you might be up and when it will be your turn to be down, so it is vital that nothing and no one stops you. The only limits we have are those that we set for ourselves.

What helped you during the treatment process? Was there something or someone that made a big difference?

At our hospital (La Paz, Madrid), a new therapy system called “Game Therapy” was introduced, which linked the progress of cancer patients with playing video games or having fun. Definitely, that experiment made the medication much more bearable.

How has your life shifted since your diagnosis? How have things changed for you, both big and small?

My life completely changed after the diagnosis. Before, I didn’t fully appreciate everything around me, but now I’m grateful for everything I have: family, friends, and colleagues. Now I understand just how much I was at risk of losing, and I promised myself to make the most of it.

If you could go back to the day you were diagnosed, what would you say to yourself then?

If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell them not to worry, that everything is going to be alright. But most importantly, I would remind them not to give up, to keep fighting. I’d tell them to keep reading and studying, and under the right circumstances, to continue training, eating well, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to make recovery easier.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about being a young cancer survivor?

From my point of view, society is very aware of the issue; I couldn’t ask for anything more.

How would you describe yourself in three sentences? Give us a quick glimpse of who you are.

If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be perseverant. I have never stopped moving forward; I continued studying and training during my treatment. It is this temperament that has shaped who I am today.

What are some of your proudest achievements so far? These can be anything—school, work, or hobbies!

When I discuss achievements, I prefer to take a long-term perspective. Therefore, my greatest accomplishment both exists now and yet to come. I take the most pride in the position I currently hold and the significant effort it took to attain it. Moreover, I am confident that my greatest achievement will arrive in the future as long as I continue to strive forward.

How do you like to spend your free time? What are your favorite hobbies or activities?

I love staying active and participating in all kinds of sports. On Mondays and Saturdays, I play soccer; on Fridays, I play padel; on Sundays and Wednesdays, I go running as I am training for a marathon. When I’m not involved in these activities, I go to the gym.

If you could learn something new instantly, what would you want a crash course in?

Definitely, learning a new language. After traveling extensively, I have realized how important communication is.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Tomorrow is a mystery, yesterday is history, and today is a gift; that’s why we call it the present.

Do you have a life motto? What quote or saying inspires you the most?

Enjoy today, but without harming tomorrow.

What lights you up? Tell us about the things that instantly make you feel happy or excited.

For me, my happiness triangle consists of family, friends, and traveling. Having one of them makes me happy, but when I’m able to combine more than one, I create unique experiences

What’s on your bucket list? Is there something you’re dreaming of doing or accomplishing?

Sincerely, I have everything I could ever ask for. I live each day fulfilling my list of wishes.

How do you unwind? What helps you relax and de-stress?

One downside of working in my field is that during certain periods, it can become very demanding. During those times, I enjoy going hiking in the mountains with my dog.

Do you have any personal rules that you live by?

My favorite saying is, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” I dislike procrastination and laziness.

What defines you as a person? What qualities or values are most important to you?

If I had to identify what defines me, I would say trust. Those who know me understand that I am a person of my word; I always keep my promises, and I like to believe that people can rely on me.

What keeps you motivated every day? Is there something that drives you forward, even on tough days?

Sports have always been my great ally in keeping me motivated and focused on my daily tasks.

What’s something you’re excited to achieve soon?

My next major challenge is to broaden my horizons and pursue more professional projects and experiences. Having studied abroad, I am excited to work overseas for a season.

What are you most grateful for?

I couldn’t be more grateful for my family and friends. Together, they have shaped the person I am today.

What makes your life meaningful? Is there something that gives your life a strong sense of purpose?

My family gives a unique meaning to my life. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or under a lot of pressure, I think about them—when I’ll next see them or the experiences we share together.

How do you cope when things get tough?

One of the major advantages of my job is the ability to work entirely remotely. Madrid is an incredible city, but it can be very demanding professionally, pushing people to their limits. When situations become challenging, I like to catch a flight and go home or to the beach. Working from more peaceful places, such as the mountains or the sea, helps me relax immensely.

What’s been the hardest lesson for you to learn?

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn is that nothing is free; everything has a price. Beyond my parents, very few people are willing to help without expecting anything in return, so I largely rely on myself to move forward.

What app do you use the most on your phone? Is there a specific app you can’t live without?

For quite some time now, I have been trying to minimize my use of social media, limiting myself to only WhatsApp and LinkedIn. Currently, the apps I use the most are Playtomic and Strava. They allow me to socialize in a healthier way.

Are there websites you visit daily? Where do you go online for inspiration or entertainment?

Recently, I have been enjoying listening to podcasts while I train to stay up to date with the latest political, economic, and sports news. One of my favorite websites to visit is for one of these podcasts, Spicyfortuna. It features four young, self-made influencers.

What’s a book, movie, or song you’d recommend to everyone? Tell us why it’s a must!

I am someone who is very passionate about biology and animals, which is why I highly recommend the book “All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot. It is an autobiography of a renowned rural veterinarian in Scotland.

What’s the last thing you watched, and why?

If you had to mention the most recent significant thing I watched, it would be the latest Deadpool movie. What a fantastic film!

What’s one thing everyone should know about you? Feel free to share something unique or important!

If you had to briefly summarize who I am, I would say that I am a very determined and open-minded person. I am highly dedicated to my work and studies, but I also strive to maintain a balance through traveling, sports, and spending time with family.