No One Walks Alone: EPCALM Family Huddle brings hope, faith, and community

EPCALM-serviced leukemia patients and their families gather with the EPCALM Board and Staff during the Family Huddle, celebrating a day of fellowship, encouragement, and hope.

The EPCALM House in New Manila, Quezon City welcomed adult leukemia patients and their families for the Foundation's Family Huddle on 27 June 2026. The gathering was designed to foster meaningful connections, encourage the sharing of experiences, and strengthen the sense of hope, community, and support among those facing the challenges of leukemia.

More than a regular gathering, the Family Huddle provides a safe and welcoming space where patients can connect with fellow cancer warriors, draw strength from one another's experiences, and build lasting relationships with others who understand their journey.

The program featured fun-filled games that brought smiles and laughter, a guided meditation and inspirational message by Pastor Fernando Agustin, a community prayer, and a moving testimony from cancer warrior, Riza M. Padronzulan.

Unwavering faith. Riza shared her remarkable journey of living with myelodysplastic syndrome since her diagnosis in 2017. She spoke candidly about the many challenges she has endured—including COVID-19, Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, multiple hospitalizations, and nearly a decade of monthly blood transfusions. Despite these hardships, she testified to God's sustaining grace and her unwavering faith throughout her journey.

Reflecting on the day's message, Pastor Fernan reminded participants that while every patient has faced difficult circumstances, their stories also bear witness to hope, resilience, and miracles. He emphasized that the courage displayed by patients and their families reflects not only the strength of the human spirit but also God's abiding presence and grace, especially during life's most difficult seasons.

A source of hope and encouragement. The EPCALM Family Huddle continues to be much more than a gathering—it is a source of encouragement, healing, and belonging for EPCALM patients and their loved ones. Through fellowship, spiritual nourishment, and mutual support, EPCALM seeks to promote the emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of every family it serves. 

As participants concluded the day's activities, they left with renewed hope, strengthened friendships, and cherished memories. The event reaffirmed EPCALM's commitment to building a caring community where no patient or family has to face leukemia alone.

Representing the EPCALM Board of Trustees were Founder and Board Chair, Dr. Erlyn P. Cabanag-Demerre, President and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Justice Demerre, Resource Development Director, Sunny Ku, and Executive Director Mitch Duran. 

EPCALM remains steadfast in its mission to provide compassionate care, foster meaningful connections, and walk alongside every patient and family throughout their leukemia journey. (By Marral June P. Lico)