Charry Mae “Chacha” Balacquit was 16 and in her 4th year in high school in Jimilian, Loboc, Bohol when her journey with cancer started. In one of their regular rehearsals with the Loboc Youth Ambassador Band, she noticed lymph nodes in the lower part of her face that were unnaturally big. She asked her mother to have it removed since it was starting to hurt as it grew bigger. They went to a hospital where she was diagnosed to have tuberculosis. She was given medications but instead of getting better, she grew weaker. That was when she was referred to a doctor in Cebu to further study her case.
While in Cebu under the care of Dra. Ma. Suga Dioko of Velez Hospital, she underwent a bone marrow biopsy in January of 2010. The results were bleak, Chacha had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), and needed to undergo treatment immediately. Financially hard-up, they approached organizations for support but were rejected simply because of the notion that cancer was incurable and that it was futile to help her.
Her relatives however came to her assistance and supported the first phase of her treatment, while at the same time continuing to look for more organizations that might be willing to help them. They learned about Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko (KKMK), and that it supports children with cancer, and Chacha was able to enroll in the program, and the rest is history.
Last 2013, she finished her treatment, with regular check-ups to monitor her health. All throughout the treatment, she continued studying and finished a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Finance. She now works as a data encoder in Cebu City.
“It’s normal to feel down when you are diagnosed with leukemia, especially at a very young age,” says Chacha. “But during those times, I chose to be positive for I knew that negativity would kill me. It also helped that my parents didn’t make me feel that I was sick. I am very thankful for their support all throughout the treatment. Prayers also helped me during those times.” Aside from her parents, Chacha also had support from her relatives, classmates, and teachers.
When asked what she can advise those who are going thru the same ordeal, Chacha has this to say, “Be strong and always pray to God. Choose to be happy every day because waking up is already a blessing. Consider every single day a blessing!”
“Sometimes, superheroes reside in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.”
URGENT CALL FOR HELP:The reality is that there are still more children who are in dire need of treatment. Further heeding the call of urgency, President and Chair of the RAFI, Jon Ramon Aboitiz, is targeting to raise an additional P6 million more (on top of the initial grant indicated in the MOA) to cater to the 20-30 children who are on the waitlist, P3 Million of which will be coming from him and his family. The goal now is to raise the other 3 Million pesos. This is our call.
Today , children with cancer are increasing everyday. If these children do not get the necessary treatment, they will NOT SURVIVE.
Treatment Package
The “Pangga-a sab Ko” Project provides treatment for children afflicted with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), broken down as follows:
- Medical
- Daily and Monthly Medications – These must be taken/complied by patients religiously
- Treatment Procedures
- Intrathecal Treatment
- Laboratories & Diagnostic Procedures
- Periodic bone marrow tests, Complete Blood Count (CBC), and other diagnostic procedures deemed necessary.
The project also conducts at least two (2) psychosocial activities for their patient beneficiaries yearly, during birthdays and christmas celebrations. These include therapeutic games which help reduce symptoms of psychological stress, distress, posttraumatic stress and anxiety and help the children and their families live normal lives again.
How you can help
Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI) believes a world without childhood cancer is possible . Today, with your help, more children will be successfully treated. Be a LifeSaver.
Help us bring joy to children.
If you have any inquiries on how to help, please send us a message or you can contact us through our offices or social media pages.
