Breathing in positivity brings wonders
- EPCALM
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
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? Breathing in positivity, and exhaling negativity.
Jolie Ann Angala-Festejo, 34, was a medical secretary at St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City in Taguig City. About seven years ago, she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). As her medical bills escalated, however, she was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital, where she completed five cycles of chemotherapy.
Losing her hair as a side effects of chemo treatments, Jolie Ann experienced low self-esteem, anxiety, depression. She was uncertain of her future. She did not know what to do next.
By the grace of God, her medications worked well, and she was on the road to full recovery. She mustered enough courage to lift herself up and fight back. Gradually, her condition improved – the number of cancer cells in her body decreased substantially.
She began to embrace positivity in all aspects of her life, which, as if by wonder of wonders, radiated throughout her body. She is back on track, so to speak, although she maintains extra care and attention not to backslide to her former lifestyle.
Originally from Caloocan City, Jolie Ann relocated to Valenzuela City when she married a Filipino seafarer. She is now a full-time mother of Rigel, 3. They often visit her mother, who lives nearby.
Jolie Ann has been an EPCALM-serviced patient since September 2017, and regularly attends its activities and programs. As she welcomes her new lease in life, she is grateful to the Lord. Likewise, she acknowledges the love and support of her loved ones for seeing her journey through.
In remission since 2020, Jolie Ann has been declared a leukemia survivor since April this year! “Inhaling positivity makes your body positive,” she said. “Expel negativity, and they all disappear.” (By Shiela Mae O. Baliber)
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
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