Family Huddle gathers serviced patients for a day of fun, reconnection, healing

EPCALM patients and their families gathered at the EPCALM House in New Manila, Quezon City recently for a day of fun, camaraderie, and fellowship. The Family Huddle was held on 28 February 2026, with EPCALM officials on hand to welcome the serviced patients and their loved ones. 

Conducted quarterly, the Family Huddle is a supportive gathering where patients and their family members come together in a safe and welcoming space. It provides an opportunity to connect with others, and share experiences, and mutual support with fellow leukemia patients.

The day-long activity included games, meditation led by Pastor Fernando Agustin, and community prayer, among others, fostering both emotional support and a strong sense of community.

A leukemia warrior, Aylen Badion, shared her leukemia journey. Through her testimony, she opened a window into the realities of battling illness — the fear, the pain, and the uncertainty that often accompany each diagnosis. 

Yet beyond these challenges, she also revealed the strength to rise each morning, the faith to hold on during the darkest moments, and the unwavering determination that carried her through each day. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of life’s toughest battles, hope can endure and resilience can shine. 

In his meditative reflection, “Hope Amidst Adversity,” Pastor Agustin observed that despite the many challenges faced by EPCALM-serviced patients, hope continues to shine through their eyes. He added that this is a quiet but powerful reminder that faith and resilience endure even in difficult times. 

He added: “Even in hospital rooms and moments of vulnerability, hope gently reveals itself in a patient’s smile, in their determination to keep fighting, and in their trust that better days are ahead. It is in their eyes that we see resilience. It is in their words that we hear gratitude. And it is in their journey that we are reminded of the power of compassion, prayer, and community.”

The EPCALM Board was represented by Founder and Board Chair, Dr. Erlyn Demerre, President and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Justice Demerre, and Executive Director, Mitch Duran.  We remain committed to fostering this sense of community and providing emotional support to all our patients and their families. (By Shiela Mae O. Baliber).