Love that stays: A journey of faith, family and hope
Patient Stories Series
(No. 54)
When Norman P. Balitayo was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in December 2008, he was working as a store merchandiser and building a future with his school sweetheart, Anne. The diagnosis came as a devastating shock.
Overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, Norman initially believed that his illness meant he could no longer have a future with Anne. In a painful decision, he ended their relationship, thinking he was protecting her from the difficult road ahead.
But Anne had other plans. She assured Norman that she would remain by his side, regardless of what the future held. They eventually found their way back to each other, and Anne became the steadfast companion Norman needed.
Today at 40, they have been married for 13 years, raising two beautiful children in their modest home in Baras, Rizal. Through the years, their journey has shown them that love is more than an emotion—it is a daily decision to remain faithful, especially when life becomes difficult.
Their life together has not been easy. There have been countless medical appointments, expensive treatments and maintenance medicines, financial struggles, surgery, and repeated efforts to seek assistance from government agencies and private organizations.
Hope from a caring, compassionate community. When Norman became an EPCALM-serviced patient in May 2020, the couple found another community willing to walk alongside them. They remain grateful for the many people who have extended support and helped make their journey more manageable. Through every challenge, Anne has remained a source of strength, while Norman continues to face his illness with courage.
For Norman and Anne, their journey has also deepened their faith in God. They have learned to recognize His grace through the people who have helped them, and through the strength He gives them each day. They actively participate in EPCALM Family Huddles and join the weekly Bible Fellowship whenever they can, making time amid work and family responsibilities for prayer, worship, and fellowship.
Their story is a beautiful reminder that faith can sustain us, love can strengthen us, and a caring community can help us keep going. Through sickness and health, Norman and Anne continue to choose each other—and to trust that God will walk with them through whatever lies ahead. (By Mikaella Andrea S. Dumagoso, Patricia Mae B. Dormiendo, and Alexis Gloria E. Al Sharhan)
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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