A life of courage, family, and hope
- EPCALM
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
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 to be with his family and eventually helped build a small business with them in Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Like many Filipino families, Christopher and his loved ones faced their share of challenges. Their business was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2022, much of the family's savings went toward caring for his mother after she suffered a stroke. Christopher later took on part-time work as a technician programmer, continuing to provide for his family, while his wife also worked to help make ends meet.
On 9 May this year, Christopher's life took another unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). What initially seemed like ordinary fatigue, body aches, and fever turned out to be a serious illness requiring immediate medical attention. The diagnosis brought not only physical challenges, but also emotional and financial uncertainty for a family already carrying significant responsibilities.
Strong family support system. Despite the difficulties, Christopher and his family continued to seek medical care and make difficult decisions in the face of mounting expenses and limited resources. His wife and children remained by his side, supporting him through every step of his leukemia journey.
Last June, Christopher and his family became part of the EPCALM community as he was enrolled as an EPCALM-serviced patient. Through its personalized and family-oriented programs and services, EPCALM provided support and walked alongside Christopher and his family during this difficult chapter of their lives.
Christopher's story is ultimately a story of a man who spent his life working, providing, loving, and caring for his family. His journey reminds us that behind every leukemia diagnosis is a person with dreams, responsibilities, relationships, and people who love them. It also reminds us of the importance of compassion, timely medical care, family support, and communities that are willing to walk alongside patients when the journey becomes difficult.
A life defined by love for family. Christopher passed away on 21 August 2026, at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. While his journey with leukemia was shorter than anyone had hoped, his life was much more than his diagnosis. He was a husband, a father, a son, a worker, and a provider whose life was defined by his love for his family and his determination to keep going despite life's many challenges.
For his family, Christopher's memory will live on in the lives he touched, and in the love which he gave so generously. May his story remind us that every patient deserves to be seen not simply as a diagnosis, but as a person.
His journey also reflects why EPCALM exists—to ensure that adult leukemia patients and their families do not have to face the disease alone. While EPCALM could not change the course of Christopher's illness, it was honored to walk alongside him and his family, offering care, support, and a community of hope during their time of need.
Christopher's story reminds us that hope is not measured only by the outcome. Sometimes, hope is found in the courage to face each day, in the love of family, and in knowing that Someone walks beside you through the journey. This is the kind of community EPCALM strives to build for every adult leukemia patient and family it serves. (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.
To make a donation, you may use any of the following methods:
*Kindly send us a copy of your Deposit Slip via Viber at 0905 928 9896.
*Kindly send us a copy of your GCash receipt via Viber at 0905 928 9896.
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