Patient Stories Series
(No. 3)
Roderick A. Mugas was once featured in an online news article, which gained traction because of his demonstrated inner strength and resilience as a pedicab driver in Caloocan City, despite having cancer. He has been living with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) for four years now. Now at
46, he serves as a pillar to his family of six – wife, Kathleen; and three children: King Randel, Princess, and Justine; and a grandchild from his second child.
He used to be a worker at a local apparel company since 2005. He later became a production staff of ABS-CBN. It was during this time, in late 2018, when he started experiencing the onset of the disease, although it was not yet diagnosed at the time. He often felt weak, had a persistent cough, experienced headaches, loss of appetite, and abdominal bloating.
The following year, he quit his job, and sought medical help. At a local health center, he was misdiagnosed to have tuberculosis. As his condition was not properly addressed, Roderick finally went to the Philippine General Hospital. Here, he received proper medical attention, and has since received free treatment and consultation up to this day.
Roderick is a valiant warrior. As the sole breadwinner, he tirelessly works everyday for his family, starting at 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Despite his persistent bone and joint stiffness and pain, especially in his fingers, aside from general body fatigue, he pedals on, rain or shine, to the rhythm of life.
He has been an EPCALM-serviced patient since June 2019. He enjoys attending Family Huddles and other EPCALM activities. Each day, he mounts his pedicab, armed with an unwavering courage and resolve to never give up. His breathing may be more labored, his pace slower than the other drivers, but his determination propels him forward. He holds on to the fervent hope that one day, his body will conquer cancer, and he will be free from medication once again. (By Winona May G. Tapiru)
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