A journey of courage, faith, and hope
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 ordinary at first—lower back pain, fever, flu-like symptoms, changes in her sense of taste and hearing, and pain in her foot. But as the symptoms persisted, Anjenatte began losing weight and feeling increasingly weak. Medical consultations eventually led doctors at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) to investigate further.
On 21 January 2026, following a QRT-PCR test, Anjenatte, 31, received the diagnosis that would change her life: chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The diagnosis brought not only fear and uncertainty, but also new physical and financial challenges.
Treatment and medical expenses placed a growing burden on the family, while Anjenatte's condition affected her ability to perform household chores and care for her children as she once did. At times, even an hour of household work would leave her dizzy and in pain. There were days when the pain became so severe that she could hardly stand or walk, and needed to rest for several days.
Support from a community of love and care. Yet through these difficult moments, Anjenatte found strength in the people around her. Her husband remained steadfast by her side, providing love, care, and encouragement. Her parents, siblings, and other family members also became an important source of support. Even their landlord showed compassion by reducing their rent to help ease the family's financial burden.
Anjenatte was enrolled as an EPCALM-serviced patient on 12 February 2026. Her connection with EPCALM gave her and her family another source of support as they navigated the challenges of living with leukemia. Through its medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual support services, EPCALM helped remind Anjenatte that she and her family did not have to face the journey alone.
For Anjenatte, however, the greatest source of strength has been her faith in God. Her leukemia journey deepened her relationship with Him, and taught her to find hope even in difficult circumstances. Instead of allowing her diagnosis to define her, she chose to face each day with courage, resilience, and faith.
Her message to fellow leukemia patients is simple but powerful: “Do not lose hope. Remain strong and continue to have faith in God.” She believes that faith can provide comfort and strength when the road becomes difficult. She is also grateful for the people who continue to walk beside her, especially her family and the EPCALM community.
Anjenatte's journey is still unfolding. There are challenges ahead, but she now faces them with a renewed perspective—one day, one treatment, and one prayer at a time.
Her story reminds us that leukemia may change the way a person lives, but it does not have to take away the courage to keep going. With the love of family, the support of a caring community, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and faith in God, hope can remain alive even in the most uncertain moments.
And for Anjenatte, that hope is not only for herself. It is also for the many leukemia patients who are fighting their own battles. “Keep fighting. Keep believing. And never lose hope.” (By Jefriel P. Sumandag)
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
As a non-stock, non-profit organization, the EPCALM Foundation relies on your support to assist individuals living with adult leukemia and their families. Your generosity makes a significant difference in their lives as they navigate this disease. Through your kindness, we can provide the essential resources they need to begin rebuilding.
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