A new life, a new reason to hope
- EPCALM
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Patient Stories Series
(No. 50)
At 35, 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 on 24 June 2024, when she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
It began with a fever that persisted for more than two months, accompanied by red spots on her body. Initially, Jessieca thought she might have dengue. But when her symptoms worsened and her platelet count was found to be dangerously low, further medical evaluation revealed the diagnosis that would change her life.
What made the news even more overwhelming was that Jessieca was already two months pregnant. Suddenly, she was not only fighting for her own life, but also carrying a child whose future depended on her. Fear and uncertainty came naturally, but Jessieca chose to face the difficult road ahead. She began chemotherapy, including Doxorubicin and Cytarabine, while doctors closely monitored both her condition and her pregnancy.
Coping with treatment challenges. A bone marrow transplant was beyond what the family could afford, so Jessieca continued with chemotherapy. As her treatment progressed, blood transfusions also became an important part of her care, requiring her family to seek blood donors and additional assistance to meet her medical needs.
It was during her treatment at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) that Jessieca met an EPCALM-serviced patient, Susan Fabro, who introduced her to the Foundation. Susan shared how EPCALM supports adult leukemia patients and their families—giving Jessieca renewed hope that she would not have to face her journey alone. Jessieca was eventually enrolled as an EPCALM patient on 25 June 2025.
When Jessieca attended the EPCALM Family Huddle in June this year, she shared her story with an EPCALM social worker. By then, she was five months pregnant and still undergoing treatment for leukemia. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she remained determined to continue her treatment, while protecting the life growing inside her.
Through the assistance of EPCALM's social workers, Jessieca's request for financial assistance was facilitated, including a Guarantee Letter from the Philippine Senate to help support her medical needs. The Foundation also continued to walk alongside her as she navigated the demanding realities of treatment, hospitalization, and pregnancy.
Determination amid uncertainties. Month after month, Jessieca endured chemotherapy, medical procedures, hospital admissions, and the uncertainties that came with her condition. Yet, as her pregnancy progressed, so did her determination. Every treatment became another step forward. Every day became another day closer to meeting the baby she had been carrying through one of the most difficult chapters of her life.
Throughout this journey, the doctors and nurses of East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) played a vital role in caring for Jessieca, and closely monitoring both mother and baby. Her partner, John, her family, and the blood donors who supported her also remained important sources of strength.
Then came 25 August 2026. After months of fear, uncertainty, treatment, and waiting, Jessieca gave birth to a healthy baby girl – Janella Dwaine, with the assistance of the dedicated medical team at EAMC. For Jessieca, the arrival of Janella was more than the joyful culmination of a long-awaited pregnancy.
It was a profound moment of hope—a new life arriving in the midst of a difficult battle, and a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest chapters, there can be reasons to keep looking forward. Janella's birth does not mark the end of Jessieca's leukemia journey. Her treatment and battle continue. But she now faces the road ahead with a renewed sense of purpose—and with a daughter who gives her yet another reason to hold on.
Courage and resilience to continue the journey. Jessieca's story is a testament to courage, perseverance, love, and the power of a community that refuses to let a patient face leukemia alone. Her journey also reminds us of the many people who become part of a patient's fight: family members who never leave their side, doctors and nurses who provide care, blood donors who give the gift of life, and organizations like EPCALM that provide support when families need it most.
In the midst of a battle with leukemia, Jessieca welcomed a new life. And with that new life came a renewed reason to hope. Her story reminds us that hope does not mean that the journey will always be easy. Sometimes, hope is simply finding another reason to take the next step, another reason to hold on, and another reason to believe that tomorrow can still bring something beautiful. (By Marral June P. Lico)
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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