A bittersweet journey
- EPCALM
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
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 excluded from friends his age. His life then was anything but happy.
Until he met his wife, with whom they have a daughter, Sharmaine Ashley, 22, and son, Sean Tristan, 17. They now live in Norzagaray, Bulacan in their own home. Life slowly improved and turned rosy as the Ballon couple started their family life. He found work as a truck driver. The children went to school regularly, while Shiela kept the house in order.
When the family expenses increased as the children were growing, Dennis thought it wise to seek employment abroad, with the expectation of a much better take-home salary to answer the needs of his family. At the time, their daughter was only 10, while the youngest was 5.
As part of the application process for foreign employment, he went through with the required paperwork, including getting a medical examination. This was when his diagnostics results at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) revealed unusual results for his blood works. And the stark diagnosis: Dennis had CML!
His plans to work abroad were put on hold; Dennis’ hopes were seemingly dashed. However, his wife was determined to find answers, and seek treatment options. She buoyed up Dennis’ sagging morale, as she was preoccupied with applying for free government medical assistance, even those from private service providers. At this point, in March 2021, they reached out to EPCALM after knowing about the Foundation from a fellow patient at PGH.
Through the help of EPCALM, Dennis and his wife were benefitted by programs and services provided by the Foundation, including spiritual nourishment. Little by little, help came through free chemo drugs, more involvement in person-to-person engagements, with Shiela always supporting Dennis to move forward with life despite their challenges.
As he continued his employment as truck driver, the wife combed through the web of service providers for their free medical treatment. The family, despite their circumstances, still managed to help each other, and has good family bonding time. The family because even more closely knit.
Dennis is grateful that with everybody’s help and support, he has been able to religiously take his maintenance medications. He has not missed a single health check-up, never mind if he often has to withstand the long queues for medical support in various agencies.
They have realized how life is so precious; and all family members contribute their small share in making things work for them despite the odds.
Dennis continues to work today as a truck driver, and is prescribed maintenance medicine but also trying to abstain from taking them under a so-called “Treatment-Free Remission Protocol.” He has not been taking medicines since September 2023, but is under close monitoring with his hematologist.
The loving wife, Shiela, becomes the glue to bind the family together, as she continues to avail of the government medical subsidy for cancer patients. Much inspired with the success in Dennis’ treatment, she gives back by helping other leukemia patients in seeking medical support, and by volunteering in their community as the housing association secretary.
Dennis shares with all patients like him: “Keep the faith, and rejoice in the Lord. Never take anything for granted. Be thankful for your blessings. Cherish your life.” (By Ma. Genella P. Flores)
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
As a non-stock, non-profit organization, EPCALM Foundation needs your support for us to help our brothers and sisters who are living with adult leukemia, as well as their families. You can make a difference in their lives as they journey through the disease. Through your genuine act of kindness, we can provide them much-needed resources as they start rebuilding their lives.
To donate, you can either use PayPal (if you have a PayPal account) or you may use your debit/ credit card. Thank you very much!
Click this link to Donate:
BPI- St. Luke’s QC Branch:
Account Name – EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines
Savings Account No. – 3893 0612 57
Comments