Patient Stories Series
(No. 7)
About three years ago, Mary Ana M. Alonzo faced her most challenging health crisis when she was treated for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at the Intensive Care Unit of The Medical City in Pasig City. Amid all the pain and discomfort, she felt fear, uncertain of what the next days would be like.
She first heard about the EPCALM Foundation from the Philippine Cancer Society, a partner organization. This prompted her to reach out to the Foundation in August of 2021. Through EPCALM, which provided not only guided treatment options, she regained her faith through its spiritual care ministry. Being with EPCALM boosted her morale, along with the unconditional love and support of her family.
In the seeming sea of darkness, Mary Ana saw a glimmer of hope as she prepared for bone-marrow transplantation (BMT) in October of that same year, with her younger brother, Antonie, as donor. BMT from an HLA (human leukocytic antigen)-identical sibling is effective in eradicating leukemia in most patients with AML in first remission.
Reflecting on her experience, Mary Ana recalls the agonizing pain she endured during her stay in the ICU, a memory still vivid in her mind. However, in the middle of darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged as she prepared for a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) in October 2021, with her younger sibling, Antonie Mayor, as the donor.
Despite the attendant risks associated with the procedure, Mary Ana went through with the procedure. Today, she is in remission, and prays that her journey will be toward survivorship.
Mary Ana lives with her husband, Francis, and their five-year-old daughter, Venelope. They shower her with love and care, and have provided her the hope and encouragement to continue pursuing their dreams. Likewise, she finds comfort and support from her birth family who live nearby in Sitio Damayan, a riverside neighborhood in Taytay, Rizal.
Despite her battle with leukemia, Mary Ana continues to live life to the fullest, spending her time caring for her daughter, and working as an English tutor from their home. Grateful for the support of EPCALM, Mary Ana's main motivation to survive is to join the Foundation’s advocacy to provide hope and encouragement for other cancer patients, empowering them to face their own battles.
A caring mother, a loving wife, and a determined daughter, Mary Ana offers the optimism she has cultivated throughout her journey as a symbol of hope for others. (By Ralph Vale Joshua I. Solidum)
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