Susana T. Fabro: Her leukemia journey continues with faith stronger than fear. Patient Stories Series (No. 56) On 13 February 2023, Susana T. Fabro was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. She was in excruciating pain, weak and struggling to hold on. As her husband and four children pleaded with her to stay awake and fight, Susana prayed for a sign from God—if she makes it to the hospital in time and recovered, she would take it as a sign that God still had a purpose

Joey Peralta with his parents and youngest son: Looking toward the future with greater confidence, resilience, faith, and hope. Patient Stories Series (No. 55) When Joey T. Peralta, 43, was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in March 2019, he never imagined that an illness would change the course of his life. A hardworking father of four, Joey had spent years taking on contractual jobs in the cleaning industry to provide for his family. The long hours and frequ

Norman and Anne Balitayo: A beautiful reminder that faith can sustain us, and love can strengthen us. Patient Stories Series (No. 54) When Norman P. Balitayo was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in December 2008, he was working as a store merchandiser and building a future with his school sweetheart, Anne. The diagnosis came as a devastating shock. Overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, Norman initially believed that his illness meant he could no longer have a

Evangelyn G. Nery: Hoping for more accessible cancer care closer to home. Patient Stories Series (No. 53) Evangelyn G. Nery has been living with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) since her diagnosis on 11 August 2015. She continues to undergo oral chemotherapy and requires regular laboratory tests and medical monitoring—essential components of managing her condition but also a significant financial burden. For Evangelyn, now at 44, the challenges of leukemia extend beyond t

Reynan in his hospital bed, with his partner and father by his side: facing each new challenge with courage and determination. Patient Stories Series (No. 52) At just 26, Reynan Q. Cañelas never imagined that life would take him on a journey he had never expected. A Criminology graduate and former Lalamove delivery rider, Reynan worked long hours to support himself and help provide for his family. But when persistent weakness and other health concerns led him to seek medical

Anjenatte: Navigating the challenges of living with leukemia. Patient Stories Series (No. 51) Anjenatte G. Caño is devoted to her family, especially her husband, Carl Vincent, and their two young daughters, Francent and Jascent. Like many mothers, much of her life revolved around caring for her children and keeping their home. She never imagined that an illness would one day make even the simplest of these responsibilities a struggle. It began with symptoms that seemed ordina

Jessieca Macam and her “miracle” baby, Janella Dwaine, with hematologist, Dr. Anne Valeriano – A reminder that even in the darkest chapters, there can be reasons to keep looking forward Patient Stories Series (No. 50) At 25, Jessieca A. Macam never imagined that she would have to fight leukemia while carrying a new life inside her. Jessieca lives in Novaliches, Quezon City, with her partner, John Plarao, and their eight-year-old son, John David. Her life changed dramatically

Christopher Biñas — His life was defined by his love for his family, and his determination to keep going despite life’s many challenges. Patient Stories Series (No. 49) Christopher G. Biñas was a 50-year-old husband and father of two who dedicated much of his life to providing for his family. From 1998 to 2017, he worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker, traveling to Taiwan, South Korea, and several countries in the Middle East. After nearly two decades abroad, he returned home

She shares a smile that reflects her faith, hope, and resilience. Patient Stories Series (No. 48) At 39 years old, Riza M. Padronzulan has endured more than most people could imagine. A former domestic helper who worked in Singapore for six years, her medical journey began in March 2017, when she was first hospitalized at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. After returning to the Philippines due to persistent symptoms, she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome at the Philippine Gen

Patient Stories Series (No. 47) At just 34 years old, Ricjosef D. Buenos Aires never imagined that his life would change so dramatically. The only child of a family driver and a public-school teacher from Cardona, Rizal, he had built a promising career as an Accountancy graduate working as a virtual assistant for two foreign-based companies. In January 2026, everything changed when he was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The diagnosis came as a devastating shock.

Patient Stories Series (No. 46) Reycah Ezekiel B. Pablo, 24, is a Civil Engineering student from Taguig City, Metro Manila; he is a Dean’s Lister at the University of Makati. Since his diagnosis with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in October 2024, his life has changed significantly. To focus on his health, he has had to pause his studies, and his passion for playing guitar with his band and at their church. Despite these challenges, Reycah remains brave and determined. Gu

Patient Stories Series (No. 45) George C. Lee-Chuy, 63, was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in 2013. At the time of his diagnosis, George and his family were overwhelmed with fear, believing that leukemia was an inevitable death sentence. However, today, George is cancer-free and has been in remission for over 10 years. Before his diagnosis, he lived a fast-paced life—partying, smoking, and rarely sleeping. Following a sudden collapse, he was eventually diagno

Margie with her “miracle” baby, Mhira Claire: Exemplifying emotional fortitude amid the challenges of her leukemia journey. Patient Stories Series (No. 44) Despite the challenges of her leukemia diagnosis, Margie P. Villafuerte discovered she was pregnant in March 2023. While medical advisories often caution against pregnancy for female leukemia patients, Margie chose to move forward with courage. Throughout her pregnancy, she sought support from the EPCALM Foundation to nav

Merlita Macalino: No one has to face the leukemia battle alone. Patient Stories Series (No. 43) Merlita B. Macalino, a 34-year-old mother of two from Macabebe, Pampanga, has been battling chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) since January 2021. Though initially overwhelmed by her diagnosis, Merlita has faced her illness with remarkable resilience and determination. Throughout her treatment, Merlita’s family has been her anchor. Her husband, John Phillip, and their children have

Shella May Lopera: Her journey is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the importance of hope. Patient Stories Series (No. 42) Shella May A. Lopera, a resilient 23-year-old from Norzagaray, Bulacan, is currently navigating life with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Diagnosed at age 18, Shella May has faced numerous challenges, including an arduous path to a correct diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her health struggles and the financial constraints of

Marlene Laylo: Strong family bonds effectively ensure her healthcare and wellbeing. Patient Stories Series (No. 41) Marlene A. Laylo, 67, is a long-time serviced patient of the EPCALM Foundation. Diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in October 2014, she was initially given only three years to live. Today, more than a decade later, she continues to thrive through God’s grace and the exceptional support of her family. Now residing in Batangas, Marlene travels quart

Ehd's unwavering faith provides him with a sense of peace that transcended his physical limitations Patient Stories Series (No. 40) In the city of Imus, Cavite, Edrelino R. Garcia, 59—affectionately known as "Ehd"—lived a peaceful retirement with his wife, Geneveve. A former police officer, Ehd dedicated 40 years to serving and protecting various parts of the Philippines. Together, they found comfort in their suburban home, surrounded by the love of their three adult children

Ernesto Laxamana: God’s grace and mercy, with his family’s support, helped him through his challenging leukemia journey. Patient Stories Series (No. 39) The leukemia journey of Ernesto P. Laxamana , 70, is a testament to resilience and the amazing power of family support. Originally from Concepcion, Tarlac, he moved to Angeles City, Pampanga, to build a better life for his family, establishing himself through his work as a tailor in Dau, Pampanga. His life took an unexpected

Nico S. Ugay: Strength found in prayers and family are vital in healing and recovery. Patient Stories Series (No. 38) Nico S. Ugay , 28, from Las Piñas City recalls his rollercoaster ride with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), which began in March 2016. He shares his leukemia journey’s ups and downs, which he said is a story of faith and resilience. His B-Cell ALL was diagnosis at the Philippine General Hospital following several episodes of fainting, fatigue, and dizziness.

Camello de la Cruz Raagas: Hopeful to get full recovery some day through God’s mercy, and his family’s love. Patient Stories Series (No. 37) Camello DLC Raagas , a 33-year-old father, has been battling chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) since 2018. Despite his diagnosis, he expresses that his greatest struggle is not the illness itself, but the daily challenge of overcoming poverty to provide for his two children. His life has been marked by hardship. Following his parents' separ