Epcalm Foundation celebrates 20 years of supporting leukemia patients with inaugural gala
- EPCALM
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Hope Gala is slated to take place this May
Among blood-related disorders in adults, leukemia ranks among the cancers most associated with cancer-related deaths in our country. Breast cancer and lung cancer typically vie for the top spot, with liver, colorectal, and cervical cancers following in terms of both incidence and mortality. But leukemia is right up there, too. In 2020, it was the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the ninth most common cancer type. A cancer of the white blood cells, it develops in the bone marrow and then spreads into the blood and other organs.
In 2022, leukemia cases rose to 7,026, with 5,416 deaths reported by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Leukemia types are classified either by how quickly they develop—acute vs. chronic—or by the type of blood cell involved—lymphocytic or myeloid. September has been designated Blood Diseases Month by our government, and the Department of Health observes World Leukemia Awareness Month—symbolized by the color orange, the color of hope.
But the hard, inescapable truth, especially for those suffering from leukemia and facing economic hardship, is that treatment, management, and care are very expensive. Early screening, detection procedures, and preventive measures would all be of great help—but awareness remains lacking, contributing to delayed diagnoses. And leukemia does not discriminate—it occurs in both children and adults.
Dr. Erlyn Demerre describes herself as the reluctant founder of the Epcalm Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines. The foundation has now been in existence for twenty years, and what many don’t realize is that it is named after Atty. Erwin Piedad Cabanag, a former City Fiscal of Dumaguete, who passed away from leukemia in 2005 at the young age of 45. Dr. Erlyn is Erwin’s sister, and she’s ‘reluctant’ only because she’s a cardiologist, not a hematologist or oncologist.
Epcalm is a non-stock, non-profit organization that provides personalized, practical, and family-oriented support for adult patients on their leukemia journey. While Dr. Erlyn describes the foundation as a “ministry” with mission work at its heart, she emphasizes that Epcalm does not discriminate or insist on religious conversion. It offers help to all who need it—within the limits of its capacity. Currently, around 118 individuals are being supported by the Foundation’s Spiritual, Medical, and Financial service arms.
As one can imagine, it’s a never-ending challenge to assist leukemia patients. So now, Epcalm is embarking on a new journey—reaching out to those who can help the foundation. For the first time, there will be The Hope Gala, an anniversary dinner concert at Solaire Resort North on May 2, 2025. The evening begins with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the concert. Boy Abunda will host, with Martin Nievera as the main musical performer, and special guests Ogie Alcasid and Top Suzara. It’s a stellar lineup—and all for a truly worthy cause. Dr. Erlyn is visibly excited about the upcoming event, as there is still so much work to be done to help alleviate the many challenges faced by leukemia survivors.
Even after 20 years, it’s clear how deeply Dr. Erlyn is moved when she recalls what her brother went through—how, back then, there was no support group to help him better understand his journey. That memory drives her, her husband, and all those who have pledged their support to Epcalm to continue its mission. And as Dr. Erlyn gratefully notes, throughout its existence, the Foundation has always been blessed, finding friends and patrons who appear like miracles.
Head to epcalmfoundation.org for more details about The Hope Gala, or to discover how you can be counted among those miracles.
Source: Philip Cu Unjieng, Manila Bulletin
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