Our featured patient for this maiden issue of EPCALM News Online is John Lerick Otazu, 23. A serviced patient of EPCALM since 2020, John Lerick has been diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). Presently, he is on oral chemotherapy and steroids medication.
The second of four siblings, he graduated from the San Jose Elementary School in Rizal Province, and thereafter went to the San Jose National High School also in Rizal. Their parents separated when they were growing up; their father has not been in communication with them since. At his young age, John Lerick was prompted to work after high school, and take on the role of being the family’s breadwinner.
His mother is unemployed. He worked as a helper at his aunt’s store in the morning, and continued to study at night – determined to finish college. He completed a vocational course from the University of Rizal System in Tanay, Rizal Province. John Lerick then worked as an attendant at a fast-food chain. Life was hard for the Otazu family; John Lerick helped with daily expenses at home, while sending his youngest brother to school – all from his meager take-home pay.
Despite his medical condition, John Lerick remained unfazed by the challenges their family had to hurdle. He continued to be hopeful that all will be well one day. His positive attitude is being shared by his entire family.
To augment whatever little income the family gets, as well as from his elder brother who works as a personal driver, the family tried to sell kakanin, or sticky/ glutinous rice snacks, using the recipe of their maternal grandmother. After experimenting in the kitchen, they came up with three variants – Bibingkang Cassava, Bibingkang Malagkit, and Bibingkang Galapong – all bearing the brand name, taken from their recently departed grandmother – Lola Patty’s.
To improve their sales, John Lerick posted photos of their products online. The number of orders they received gradually improved. Proceeds from their sales are primarily earmarked for John Lerick’s oral chemo drugs, while a portion is also being used for their domestic needs.
You may want to place your orders of this fine delicacy from Rizal Province. You can reach John Lerick through his Mobile No. 0956-144-5157. While their home kitchen is located in San Jose, Montalban, Rizal Province, you may still have your orders delivered to your doorsteps through the different food delivery services. Your order will go a long way in helping John Lerick with his medical expenses, as he embarks on his road to recovery.
Life should go on, John Lerick said, as he continues to have a hopeful outlook in life, thanks to the family’s support and love for each other, and in their faith in the Almighty.
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