Patient Stories Series
(No. 2)
Nothing will stand in the way of a parent and her desire to give her children a good education. Gliceria (Shirley) C. Budiongan is a mother of three – Carl Ian, Cyra Jasmin, and Clyzza Mae. The siblings are not only academic scholars but are also active church members. Shirley’s aspiration was to provide their children with the opportunity to finish their studies, recognizing the enduring value it holds throughout life.
On top of raising her children, she was also in a battle of her own—overcoming Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). Her leukemia journey was not an easy one. After multiple tests and hospital visits, she found she had CML. Although it was difficult to face her illness, she was never alone. She was blessed to have her family and friends to support her every step of the way, even when she had COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic. She also thanks EPCALM for guiding her with medical options, and providing her with spiritual and emotional support in her leukemia journey.
She regularly goes to her check-ups and takes the necessary medicine, despite the costs needed for these. Currently, she has been taking oral chemotherapy drugs since March 2021. She does not let her financial woes overwhelm her. In fact, her relentless perseverance remains strong as she finds strength and motivation from her family and friends. Her prayer now is to be healed and restored to wholeness for her family.
In the tapestry of Shirley's life, woven with threads of resilience and unwavering love, her journey stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a mother, championing not only personal battles but also nurturing her children to achieve a legacy of academic excellence and selfless service. With Shirley’s story, it is worth celebrating her enduring strength, which binds family, dreams, and community in a symphony of hope. (By Vea Trixie S. Santos and Jiya Liana B. Villamor)
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