Facing a battle with friends
- EPCALM
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Patient Stories Series
(No. 19)
In the municipality of Mexico, Pampanga – Christine S. Alfaro, alongside her loving husband, has raised a beautiful family, blessed with three children. She shares a particularly strong bond with her eldest daughter, Ellaizhia, 14. Her mother also lives with them.
Their happy family life was, however, challenged when Christine received her diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in May 2015. Her journey with CML began at the Saint Ferdinand Medical Building, where she underwent a bone marrow biopsy. Eventually, she sought medical consultation from her hematologist, Dr. Jomell Julian. at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in Pampanga.
Her medical condition often saw her in bouts of anxiety and depression. She had difficulty sleeping; so many questions about her health condition added pressure to her already troubled emotional state. Family finances were seriously affected, and their life savings drastically dwindled.
A CML community as source of strength. Despite these setbacks, Christine found support and encouragement from a group of fellow CML patients, who call themselves the “CML Warriors.” This support network, patients from the same hospital she is being treated, has become a source of shared strength and understanding as they navigate the difficulties of living with CML.
The passing of her aunt, Luzviminda Bondoc, in October of 2023, dealt a heavy blow to Christines. She had been her closest friend and supporter during her battle with the disease.
Notwithstanding the many challenges Christine faces, her family maintains an optimistic outlook for her eventual healing. Together with her friends from the CML Warriors, she faces each day with courage, backed by her family and the collective strength of her CML community.
With her innate leadership skills, she is seen as a guiding light among her peers, inspiring others to face their own challenges with courage and determination. (By Ralph Vale Joshua I. Solidum)
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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