EPCALM patients and their families were treated to a day-long Christmas Fellowship on 10 December 2022 at the EPCALM House in Quezon City. Fun and games, gift-giving, raffle prizes, a talent showcase, group singing, sharing of leukemia journey, prayer time, and lunch fellowship were some of the highlights of this holiday activity.
This was the first time for the patients and their families to gather in person after the pandemic. Those who were not able attend were online, and viewed the fellowship live-streamed through Zoom. On hand to welcome the patients, their families, as well as supporters and friends, were Engr. Justice Demerre, EPCALM President and CEO; and Dr. Erlyn Demerre, EPCALM Founder and Board Chair. The Office of Quezon City Mayor, and Honorary EPCALM Trustee, Mayor Joy Belmonte, also sent a representative.
It was a celebration of sorts – surmounting medical issues, surviving the pandemic challenges, and simply being able to see each other face-to-face after a long hiatus. Patients and volunteers alike took turns to display their singing and dancing skills - to everyone’s delight. EPCALM patient, Joanna Rondaris, shared her inspiring leukemia journey.
One of the main portions of the program was the handing over of cash gifts to the patients by a Team from the Salcedo Division of Ayala Land Premier, led by Agnes Lacorte, Sales Manager. This was an outpouring of love and support to their colleague, and one of EPCALM’s serviced patients, Mike Tan, who is now recovering in the City of Hope in Duarte, California, USA.
EPCALM would like to thank all its supporters, partners, and friends, who sponsored the raffle giveaways and Hope Packs – Connie Ancheta, Jaime and Annie So, Romeo To, Corbridge Group Philippines, Bandwell Pharmaceuticals, Manjaru Outdoors, Pastor Fernan Agustin, Parents of Leukemia Warriors, SM Foundation, Zenith Medical Equipment Inc., Med Infinity Oncology, Mitch Duran, Geging Emblarinag, and Frederick Oaper.
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