From left, EPCALM’s Sunny Ku, Mitch Duran and Erlyn Demerre (Chairman) pinning on Neg. Or. Governor Ruel Degamo, then EPCALM’s Pam Galvez, Marietta and Jose Riodil Montebon
The founders and organizers of EPCALM which started at the St Lukes Medical Center in Quezon City but with origins in Dumaguete, took the opportunity during the Christmas break to plant its seeds in Negros Oriental thankfully with the eager support of local public and civic leaders.
EPCALM means Erwin P. Cabanag Adult Leukemia Ministry. The late Erwin was one of the city’s public prosecutors who died of Leukemia years back. His death sparked the ministry to help those similarly in need, not only here but nationwide, and world wide. There is now an outpouring of international assistance to this medical and spiritual ministry.
"We extend our hand to journey with leukemia patients and their families towards wholeness." This was the message of Dr. Erlyn Cabanag-Demerre, Founder of the EPCALM (Erwin P. Cabanag Adult Leukemia Ministry) Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Phils., friday night before the Rotary Club of Dumaguete North (RCDN) in Bantayan, Dumaguete City. "Leukemia is not a death sentence. Together, let us help these patients and their families help themselves," she added.
She noted that a Dumagueteño, Ryan Equio recently died of leukemia. A former active member of Rescue One, he had been an EPCALM-serviced patient since June this year. With public awareness, it is hoped that more cases will be reported toward coming up with a more realistic incidence data on leukemia in Dumaguete. as well as on the country levels, Demerre said.
This was part of EPCALM's "homecoming" awareness campaign, to raise public consciousness on leukemia and the three service arms of EPCALM - spiritual, medical and financial, anchored on its mandate and mission that God is the Hope, the Healer, and the Provider.
Earlier, EPCALM presented its program ministries and services at a dinner at Dr. Rico Absin's "Christmas House", and before the members of the Dumaguete Running Club, hosted by Arthur and Delia Chua, honorary EPCALM Trustees. EPCALM Officers also had a brief presentation for Governor Ruel Degamo, who assured the commitment of his administration in linking patients to needed social and related services.
Read about this Negros Chronicle article, dated Dec. 29, 2013. Click the link below:
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