Flight Delayed for Paulo

Flight Delayed. Flight delayed: a term often found at the airports, caused by various reasons, i.e. unavailable aircraft, increased airport traffic, poor weather conditions, etc. Flight delays most often cause inconvenience on the part of the passengers due to missed plans and schedules, whether business-related or personal. Paulo found his “life flight” being delayed by a discovery at the hospital.

Paulo Luces, 28 year old engineer, was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia) in December 2010, and his personal “life flight” has never been the same. Since diagnosis, Paolo has been through 2 rounds of chemotherapy through February 2011 at the Makati Medical Center. Regular blood tests have all shown Paulo to be nearly normal since June 2011. Since February 2011, he has had 4 bone marrow biopsies, the last one being in November 2011, showing the absence of cancerous Leukemia cells.

Truly we must consider Paolo’s physical victory during those months.Leukemia has a way of lingering though. Paulo started showing the need for more treatment in December 2011, and was admitted for more chemotherapy in January 2012, only some weeks before he and his siblings planned to fly back to see their parents in their home province of Aklan.

Paolo was working as a lineman for Monolith Construction and Development Corporation at Fort

Bonifacio, Taguig City when he got diagnosed. He is the 2nd boy in a family with 5 siblings. He thoroughly enjoys music and shares that passion with most of his siblings. He plays the guitar, bass, drums, and probably even sings. Many of his family members (siblings and cousins) live in Makati or near Manila and have been a strong support system for him indeed.

Filipino family bonds are strongest in times of true need, especially when one family member is sick. The family support system though goes only so far without the help from others, especially when battling against Leukemia, which drains the patient and family members financially, physically, mentally and spiritually.

This is why EPCALM was contacted. This is why EPCALM exists. EPCALM does its part in providing assistance to those who are not always sure of getting any help outside of the family. EPCALM tries its best to assure Leukemia patients and their families, that there is always hope. I pray that this knowledge gleaned by whoever shall read this article will do his or her part, wherever and whenever a part needs to be filled. There is a need for continued awareness, a need for those who can help to be aware and act in helping others. God truly gives generously to those who also give generously to others.

EPCALM asks you to help shine with us the hope that we want to impart to Leukemia patients and their families. While understandably irritated and inconvenienced by the sudden back and forth changes in his physical condition and “life flight” delays, Paulo has hope.

Just last March 1st, four (4) days prior to his 28th birthday, Paolo has been tested and advised to undergo another round of chemotherapy, though his blood counts are relatively okay. May God’s healing that is intended for His children come swiftly to this young man. While accepting the unstable and uncertain illness that he has been dealt with, Paolo and his sister Michelle optimistically tell me they hope for his total medical healing and clearance to go back to their parents, maybe in a couple months. It just begs the reader to think to his or her self, “…Can I do anything to help him catch that flight?…”

Peace and love to all near and far from friend and servant, By: Lukas A. Nelson Warrior of EPCALM, friend and servant March 7, 2012 5:53:33 AM

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Updated Journey:

Paulo’s Strength Comes From Family

Paolo Luces, Leukemia patient, is visited by a group of Far Eastern University (FEU) NSTP Students. Read more of this visit, plus see the video interview of Paolo where he relates that he draws his strength from family and looks up to God for healing.

For almost 2 years, Paolo has been struggling with Leukemia. He has been battling Leukemia since 2010 (see related article – Flight delayed for Paolo). In the process of his struggles, Paolo has always found peace and the urge to live on for his beloved family, and stay strong because of their support and their prayers.

During our last visit, Me and my group mates took our time to chat with our patient. We asked if there were any changes during his last visit to the hospital, which took place three weeks ago. With a smile on his face, Paolo answered that he was doing fine, that his blood flow had no abnormalities, and that he was feeling better, though he still needed a few more consultations followed by chemotherapy, to kill all the cancer cells.

During his free time, he likes surfing the net, listening to songs, or perhaps fiddling with his laptop, and of course, he heartily enjoys spending time with his family. When we asked him whether he learned any life lessons, he replied with these words :

“Always take care of yourself; Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you get to abuse your body”;

While Michelle, his sister says:

“….We are here for him, me and my family, and we ask for prayers and guidance for his sake, his health both physically and spiritually….”

“…..Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light….”

– Albus Dumbledore

Some may say that It’s amazing that Paolo can find hope in his situation, as he is suffering from leukemia, but when we take a closer look, we suddenly understand where he gets his energy; Paolo is happy because he has his family by his side, all of them have faith in God, all are confident that God will see them through this dark time of Paolo’s life.

Click image below to view Paolo’s video in Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYYhKR9Ans0

Please help Paolo and his family financially so that he can sustain his Chemo treatments. Click the donate button. Lift up Paolo also and his family in your daily prayers.

FEU NSTP Group Members: Santos, Justine; Rapajon, Alyzza; Homillada, Bea; Bondoc, Nica; Sanalila, Christopher; and Yamsuan, Istvan.

Postscript: Paolo joined our Maker last April 2014.