Patient Stories Series (No. 27) This is the inspiring story of Alvin S. Mendoza , a 30-year-old living with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) since January 2021. Despite his diagnosis, Alvin remains a cornerstone of his family, caring for his elderly parents, supporting his sisters, and providing emotional strength to his nieces. Alvin attributes his resilience to two core virtues: strength and faith in the Lord. He carries these values with him in every aspect of his life—f

Dwayne Raedhen Cabel: Designing his own story of hope and resilience. Patient Stories Series (No. 26) The story of Dwayne Raedhen N. Cabel  is one of courage and resilience. At 24, he is an online graphic designer from General Santos City in South Cotabato. His journey is a testament to hope and dogged faith – gritty, enduring.  A talented scholar and graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Dwayne was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in October 2019. Despite t

As a continuing capacity building program, EPCALM recently joined the 4 th  Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNet) Assembly (Central Cluster), organized by the Standards Bureau of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (SB-DSWD). The DSWD promotes the organization of the ABSNET clusters as an effective strategy to institutionalize collaboration with social welfare and development agencies (SDWAs), to constitute as the intermediaries of the DSWD.  The online activity

EPCALM serviced patient, Joanaliz Jaime (center), receive her donated oral chemo drugs from GetMEDS officer: Toward patient-centered support programs and medicine accessibility.  The EPCALM Foundation, in its continuing partnership with GetMEDS Philippines Inc., has once again successfully distributed free chemotherapy drugs to its serviced patients battling leukemia.  The ongoing collaboration between EPCALM and GetMEDS recognizes their shared commitment to compassionate car

EPCALM Social Workers, Sr. Minerva Jumawid and Shiela Mae Baliber, represented the Foundation in this annual event to celebrate patient-centered programs in healthcare delivery. The EPCALM Foundation joined various healthcare providers, patient group leaders, and advocacy organizations for the Patient Solidarity Day 2025 celebration. The whole-day event was held on 11 December 2025 at ArdenHills Suites in Quezon City. Organized by the Philippine Association of Patient Organiz

Pedro Lising Jr.: “Never give up. Face every challenge with courage and hope.” Patient Stories Series (No. 25) The challenging journey of Pedro P. Lising Jr. began in November 2021 when he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) at the age of 36. The diagnosis followed months of him feeling unusually exhausted and dealing with persistent infections—symptoms that were confusing and alarming to him and his family. While his life has been marked

Dennis Ballon: Grateful for a bittersweet ride; always hopeful for better days ahead. Patient Stories Series (No. 24) Since August 2010, Dennis L. Ballon , 43, has been journeying with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), which his wife, Shiela, has defined their “bittersweet” family life.  Born in Manila, he has often found himself relocating here and there, mainly due to the separation of his parents. As far as he can remember, his growing up years were marked with being exc

The EPCALM Foundation has successfully facilitated another round of distribution of free oral chemotherapy medications for its serviced patients, in partnership with GetMEDS Philippines. EPCALM recently signed a partnership agreement with GetMEDS to improve access to affordable, quality-assured oncology medications and related support systems.  The second wave of distribution in September 2025 extended vital treatment support to the EPCALM patients. GetMEDS is a healthcare se

EPCALM joined other founding member-organizations of the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines at the Bayanihan Blood Drive on 16 Sept, together with the Department of Medicine of St. Luke's Medical Center-Global City, Taguig City. Other BCAP members included Lymphoma Awareness Philippines, KAYA, and  MyeSpeak, among others. BCAP also partnered with the SLMC-GC Department of Medicine last year for the voluntary blood donation campaign. This was in celebration of Medicine W

The EPCALM Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines-National City United Church (UCCP-NCUC) over the weekend to help implement EPCALM’s Pastoral Care Ministry Programs under its Spiritual Care Services. These include Home / Hospital Visitation; Pastoral Support and Counseling; Intercessory Prayers; and Support and Spiritual Guidance to Patient’s Family. Present during the agreement signing were the following:  F

The EPCALM Foundation, joins other Founding Members of the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines (BCAP), in signing a partnership...

Receiving the Kabalikat Award were EPCALM Executive Director, Mitch Duran, with Social Workers Sr. Minerva Jumawid and Shiela Mae Baliber. For the second time in a row, the EPCALM Foundation has been recognized as a “Kabalikat Awardee” by the St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City (SLMC-GC) Blood Bank and Transfusion Services, for EPCALM’s consistent contribution to its voluntary blood donation program.  In fitting ceremonies at the Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium of the SLMC-GC in Ta

Although Armie A. Maglalang has fought her battle with chronic myelogenous leukemia since November 2020 in silence, often in isolation, it has made her faith in the Almighty stronger. “Leukemia is His gift to me,” she declares. It has made her a more obedient and trustful person, in her pursuit of answers to her present circumstances. Today, she is at peace with herself, as she finds comfort in the solace offered by God. Through various activities at EPCALM, her outlook in l

Jolie Ann Angala-Festejo, 34, proves that resilience and positivity can triumph over the darkest moments of life. When it throws its...

The EPCALM Family Huddle was held at the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) recently to bring EPCALM-serviced patients and their families closer to health facilities for cancer.  Inaugurated in November 2023, the HCCH is the first comprehensive cancer specialty hospital in the country, where end-to-end oncology services can be accessed in one facility, On hand to welcome the Huddle participants and their family-caregivers were EPCALM Founder and Board Chair, Dr. Erlyn Caba

The life of Cristy T. Frias, 52, somehow flipped over when she received her diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Despite her...

Renelle Avi C. Cabrieto, 31 , c ontinues to show hope and resilience despite the many setbacks life has thrown his way. It was already...

Christine S. Alfaro , 34, a devoted wife and mother of three, was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in 2015. Her family...

The EPCALM Foundation has recently partnered with GetMEDS Philippines, Inc. to improve access to affordable, quality-assured oncology medications and related support systems.  GetMEDS is a healthcare service provider specializing in oncology services, and the supply of critical medicines for cancer and supportive care.  Under the joint Memorandum of Understanding, EPCALM and GetMEDS will collaborate to strengthen patient-centered support programs and medicine accessibility fo

Patient Stories Series (No. 23) Growing up in Angeles City, Pampanga, Armie A. Maglalang  had to face many health issues. Nonetheless,...

#TheGiftOfLife Thank you to our #BloodHeroes who joined the EPCALM Blood Donation Drive yesterday at St. Luke's - Global City, Taguig. This was timed with the observance of #BloodDonorsMonth.🩸 Shoutout to the men and women from the Armed Forces - Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines - the BFP, PNP, CMOR, PCADG, churches, schools, private individuals, and many more. Our hearts are full!❤ Special thanks to our Partners from the SLMC-GC Blood Bank and Transfusion Service

Patient Stories Series (No. 22) She lost her hair. She lost her strength. But she did not lose the will to live. Her way of fighting?...

Patient Stories Series (No. 21) Cristy T. Frias used to work in a firm, which provides telecommunication equipment.  She has been married...

Patient Stories Series (No. 20) Growing up was hard for Renelle Avi C. Cabrieto  and his three siblings. When their parents separated...