Patient Stories Series
(No. 17)
It was 10 years ago when Elenita Y. Medina received the diagnosis she had long dreaded – her medical examinations showed she had chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Upon hearing her doctor’s diagnosis after a FISH test (fluorescence in situ hydridization) at a government hospital in Quezon City, Elen felt like the whole world would cave in around her.
Today, she still gets teary-eyed every time she recounts that fateful day on 7 March 7, and the days and months that followed, when she often had to travel from her hometown in San Simon, Pampanga to Metro Manila – searching for medical assistance.
Amid her battle with “the silent enemy,” Elen ponders upon the purpose of her life, finding solace in her devoted family and loving partner, Joseph. She draws strength in the company of fellow leukemia patients. At the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center in Pampanga, where she seeks regular medical consultations, she gets moral support and uplift from her group, which calls itself the “CML Warriors.”
These patient-friends occasionally organize trips from Pampanga to Metro Manila to access available medical assistance from various sources, which highlights the importance of community support in her leukemia journey. Currently, she follows an oral chemotherapy regimen as part of her treatment plan. She finds additional strength through her involvement as a volunteer collector at their local church, the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Elen looks forward to one day repay the kindness she has received from her family and friends. Her health challenges notwithstanding, she remains hopeful for the future, praying alongside her partner for a more meaningful family life. In the meantime, they find joy in caring for their two cats and two dogs, their faithful companions in life's journey.
Every day, Elen pray not only for herself but also for the well-being of her fellow leukemia patients. She always shares a message of resilience and hope, urging others like her to stay strong for their families, believing that where there is life, there is always hope. (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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