Faith is stronger than fear
Patient Stories Series
(No. 56)
On 13 February 2023, Susana T. Fabro was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. She was in excruciating pain, weak and struggling to hold on. As her husband and four children pleaded with her to stay awake and fight, Susana prayed for a sign from God—if she makes it to the hospital in time and recovered, she would take it as a sign that God still had a purpose for her life.
She reached the hospital just in time. Two days later, she received a life-changing diagnosis: chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Fear and uncertainty initially overwhelmed her, but Susana chose to hold on to her faith and face the journey one day at a time.
Born and raised in Carmen, Bohol, Susana, now 53, moved to Marikina City as a teenager to pursue her education. She later worked while studying Computer Science, eventually married her husband, Ricky, and built a family of their own. After a year, she stopped her studies to focus on their family. Together with her mother-in-law, the family now lives in in their modest home in Camarin, Caloocan City.
Before her diagnosis, she worked as a basket weaver, often putting in long hours to meet production demands. But by January 2023, persistent weakness, swelling and easy bruising, shortness of breath, and abdominal discomfort forced her to stop working. Her illness brought not only physical suffering but also financial uncertainty.
Family as strongest support. Yet through every challenge, her family became her strongest source of support. Her husband, four children, mother-in-law, siblings, and extended family have remained by her side, helping her through hospital visits, treatment, medication, and the difficult days when fear and uncertainty return.
Susana became an EPCALM-serviced patient in May 2024, adding another source of strength to her journey. Over the years, EPCALM has assisted her and her family, particularly in helping her access needed medications and navigate the financial challenges of living with leukemia. She has also found encouragement through the EPCALM community and the people who continue to walk alongside her.
Their support has meant much to Susana, who openly expresses her gratitude for the help extended to her family. Through it all, she continues to follow her treatment, attend medical appointments, care for her health, and hold on to her faith.
For Susana, leukemia has changed her life—but it has also given her a deeper appreciation of faith, family, compassion, and the gift of another day. Her children once joked that when they finish college and their mother reaches the maintenance stage, they would send her back to school. Susana enthusiastically replied that she would love that—and revealed that she dreams of becoming a social worker so she could help others in need, just as people from EPCALM have helped her.
Her illness, which once made her feel that her life was slipping away, has given her a renewed reason to live and serve. Susana continues her journey with faith stronger than fear, believing that God still has much more in store for her—and that she, in turn, still has so much more to give. (By Marral June P. Lico, with reports from Jean Mary B. Escol, Guia Mabel C. Espiritu, Louise Ann S. Quinan, Jom Venico D. Reyes, and John Neil G. Salarda).
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
As a non-stock, non-profit organization, EPCALM Foundation relies on the generosity of compassionate individuals and organizations to bring hope and meaningful support to adults living with leukemia and their families. Beyond the physical challenges of the disease, patients often face overwhelming financial, emotional, and spiritual burdens. No one should have to face these challenges alone.
Your donation can make a life-changing difference. It helps us extend essential assistance, provide comfort in times of uncertainty, and remind leukemia patients and their families that they are not forgotten—that there are people who care and are willing to walk alongside them throughout their journey.
Every gift, regardless of its amount, brings us one step closer to making hope possible. Together, we can ease their burdens, strengthen their resolve, and help them face each new day with renewed courage and faith.
Will you join us in giving hope to our leukemia warriors?
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