Patient Stories Series
(No. 12)
Born and raised in Carigara, Leyte, where he spent his elementary and high years, Michael R. Quinagutan moved to Manila for his college studies. A Mechanical Engineering student then, he had to work to help his school expenses.
He was a roomboy in a hotel in Malate, Manila. This was followed by other jobs – as a factory worker at a fast-food chain, a food processing company, and a tobacco company. After some years, Michael decided to pursue vocational studies in Electrical Engineering, which he completed at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Armed with a TESDA certificate, he decided to work as a Mechanical Technician at a food processing plant in Saudi Arabia, from 2015 to 2019.
It was at his last job in the Middle East where he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which prompted him to return home. Now at 47, he had to hurdle many life challenges, —while he had to handle his medical bills, he also had to support his three children, over whom he took custody from his separated common-law wife. The latter, who works as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, sends them financial assistance regularly.
He underwent months of chemotherapy, which was later shifted to oral chemo treatment. His medical expenses were covered by his last employer in Saudi Arabia. Michael has been in remission since 2019. He exercises regularly, and eats healthy. He and his family pray that he will hit the “survivor” mark in just a few more months.
Michael has been an EPCALM-serviced patient since February 2020. He joins in the events and regular activities whenever his schedule allows. A doting father, he brings his children to school. He presently workers as a rider for a courier company, aside from also running a home-based printing shop in San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal Province, which he hopes to expand soon.
Leukemia taught me valuable lessons, he said, as he added that life may have its twists and turns, but one has to be anchored in God, who will show the way forward, one step at a time. He encouraged his fellow leukemia patients to continue the fight, with the knowledge that the Lord is always in control.
“While there is life, there is always hope.” (By Ma. Genella P. Flores)
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
As a non-stock, non-profit organization, EPCALM Foundation needs your support for us to help our brothers and sisters who are living with adult leukemia, as well as their families. You can make a difference in their lives as they journey through the disease. Through your genuine act of kindness, we can provide them much-needed resources as they start rebuilding their lives.
To donate, you can either use PayPal (if you have a PayPal account) or you may use your debit/ credit card. Thank you very much!
Click this link to Donate:
BPI- St. Luke’s QC Branch:
Account Name – EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines
Savings Account No. – 3893 0612 57
Comments