Zoei Penullar is a five year old girl who is suffering from a heart disease called CONGENITALLY CORRECTED TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES.
WHAT IS CONGENITALLY CORRECTED TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES?
According to her mother, Nouella, it was explained to her that:
“Zoei’s condition is called CONGENITALLY CORRECTED TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES.
“Instead of her arteries being reversed physically, it is her Left Ventricle (LV) and Right Ventricle (RV) which are reversed.
“It is congenitally corrected because even if these chambers are reversed, both ventricles are doing the supposed function of the other (the LV is functioning as the RV).
“However, since the RV’s normal function is to bring deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, its muscle structure is not made for pumping blood all over the body, which is now its job in Zoei’s case.
“That is why Zoei’s RV is overworked and the tricuspid valve is weakening, thus the regurgitation.
“So since her RV is the one pumping blood all over the body, this means that blood which is supposed to be distributed is accumulating within her heart, hence its enlargement.”
WHAT DOES ZOEI NEED?
Due to the severity of her heart condition, Zoei needs a pacemaker as soon as possible. But the costs are very steep – operation, medication, hospital bills, etc.
Her first session of the surgery has been successful due to those who offered help to the family and we are hoping for another successful operation.
HOW IS ZOEI NOW?
Zoei was rushed to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning of March 06, 2012. A family friend narrates, “Nahihirapan daw huminga. Nas-stress na heart niya. Dalawa na yung regurgitation ng heart niya. Binago na raw yung dosage ng medicines niya. Whatever plans we have, pwedeng madaliin natin? I’m not a doctor, so I really don’t know what it means, but the mere fact na nahihirapan na yung bata, hindi na maganda yun.”
HOW CAN YOU HELP SAVE ZOEI?
You can help save Zoei by sending your donations to:
Nouella Laura P. Abig:
Banco de Oro (Timog-EDSA, Quezon City branch)
Savings account number:4690105815
Update
from: I AM KCAT
Reposting from Sir Alfie Smith:
“What a shit day … I’m just recieving the initial results of Rians CT Scan …. Initial results show that Rian has stage 4 cancer with tumors already detected on his stomach and lungs …. he is so malnurished and lacking protein they are giving him Albumin … He also has water in his lungs … As you can see the prognosis is not good … All we can do is pray … Miracles do happen”
—–
Let’s pray for Rian’s health. Prayers move mountains..
Rian Miralles was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma – cancerous tumor that could be malignant. Let’s help him get a proper treatment. Spread the word.
Nananawagan po kami ng tulong sa lahat para po kay Rhian Jay Miralles.
RHIAN JAY MIRALLES
10 yrs old / boy
from BRGY.TOMINAMOS STA.RITA SAMAR CATBALOGAN CITY.
Now at EVMRC ( Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center )
WE HAVE THE BIOPSY RESULT:
DIAGNOSIS: SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA
soft tissue sarcoma is a cancerous tumor (could be malignant) sa soft tissues ng body tumutubo…
IN SUPPORT OF THE OBSERVANCE OF THE 3rd NATIONAL RARE DISEASE WEEK and IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PATIENT FAMILIES OF THE PHILIPPINE SOCIETY FOR ORPHAN DISORDERS (PSOD) IN ITS ADVOCACY TO CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH RARE DISORDERS, THIS RADIO PROGRAM ( DZ…) IS PLEASED TO RELEASE THE SONG ENTITLED “LALABAN KAMI”
“Lalaban Kami” is a song expressing the intense will of children afflicted with a rare genetic disease, to fight the life-long challenges of their health condition.
The unconditional love of their parents and families, the presence of a loving and merciful God in their lives, provide them the mighty strength to live a life of HOPE and BRAVERY.
The patient families with the help of the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD):
Advocates for AWARENESS for these children and their health condition (KAALAMAN); Appeals for their “Equal Right to Life and Access to Health Care” (KARAPATAN), and
Seeks the general public’s support to help nurture them back to HEALTH and promote their WELL-BEING (KABUTIHAN)
To those who have extended them a kind heart, a helpful hand, and the means to save their lives and enhance their well being, this song is for you.
CREDITS
Produced for the patient families of the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders
Song Performed by : God’s Little Sparrows, Gail Blanco and Daryl Reyes,
And Alvyn Tulagan
Written by : Edu Reyes, Tommy Katigbak, Alvyn Tulagan and Teddy Katigbak
Music by : Teddy Katigbak
Produced and Arranged by : Teddy Katigbak
Guitars by : Mike Villegas
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by: Mark Villar @ HIT PRODUCTIONS
Audio Visual Production: Kris Calison and Art Gan of Stoplight Productions
Special Thanks to :
God’s Little Sparrows, Daryl Reyes, Gail Blanco, Cesar Buendia, Abner Tulagan, HIT PRODUCTIONS, Vic Icasas, Brian Cua, Dennis Cham, Alvyn Tulagan, Tommy Katigbak, and Salito Malca.
Orphaned
Kcat Can
By MARIA KATHRINA LOPEZ YARZA
February 20, 2012, 1:26am
MANILA, Philippines — Growing up, I had been misdiagnosed with different disorders and diseases — sebaceous cysts, severe migraine, Bell’s palsy, polio, scoliosis, myasthenia gravis, etc.
It was when I was 22 years old in 2004 when we learned that all my other previous medical conditions were related to one another, and Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is what my disorder is called.
At that time, I needed an open-head surgery because of the three harmful tumors in my brain. Due of the rarity of my disorder, it took quite a long time before I was properly diagnosed.
NF2 affects 1 out of 25,000 people, and most people would see it as my misfortune. But I see it as a blessing because that prevents 24,999 other people from having it. Having this disorder made me aware not only about NF, but it also became an eye opener for me and for the people around me that there are a lot of other rare diseases that exist all over the world.
Rare Disorders
Did you know that Galactosemia is a disorder that affects how the body processes a simple sugar called galactose? Affected infants typically develop feeding difficulties, a lack of energy (lethargy), a failure to gain weight and grow as expected (failure to thrive), yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), liver damage, and bleeding. Classic galactosemia occurs in one in 30,000 to 60,000 newborns.
Did you know that Gaucher disease is a chronic, progressive, inherited disorder in which lipids (glucocerebrosides), accumulate within cells and interfere with the normal functioning of various organs like the liver, spleen, lungs, bone marrow, and brain? The incidence of this disease is one in 40,000 to 60,000.
Did you know that Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder that is apparent at birth (congenital)? Associated symptoms and findings typically include delays in physical development before and after birth (prenatal and postnatal growth retardation); characteristic abnormalities of the head and facial (craniofacial) area, resulting in a distinctive facial appearance; malformations of the hands and arms (upper limbs); and mild to severe mental retardation. Although the exact incidence is unknown, Cornelia de Lange syndrome likely affects one in 10,000 to 30,000 newborns.
Did you know that Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or Brittle Bone Disease is a group of genetic disorders that mainly affect the bones? People with this condition have bones that break easily, often from mild trauma or with no apparent cause. Multiple fractures are common, and in severe cases, can occur even before birth. This condition affects an estimated 6 to 7 per 100,000 people worldwide. Types I and IV are the most common forms of osteogenesis imperfecta, affecting four to five per 100,000 people.
Did you know that Hunter syndrome, also known as mucopolysaccharidosis II or MPS II, is caused by an inherited deficiency in the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (or I2S)? Lack of this enzyme affects the body’s ability to break down and recycle cellular waste. Hunter syndrome affects approximately one in every 155,000 people.
More than 7,000 rare diseases affect millions of people and 75 percent of those affected are children. None of these diseases have cure and only five percent have treatments and therapies as remedy.
Here in the Philippines, a rare disease called orphan disorder afflicts no more than one of every 20,000 individual.
Isolated
I learned these facts from Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Inc. (PSOD) — a non-profit organization that was organized to continue the efforts of doctors to ensure sustainability of medical and financial support of patients with rare disorders.
Filipino patients born with rare disorders or diseases are mostly “orphaned” by society and suffer from social abandonment because of lack of existing network of support to aid them. Medical help is elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priority. The nature of these illnesses is hardly known due to lack of information and only a few medical professionals, particularly in the country, are aware of these disorders and know how to diagnose and address these conditions.
With the help of the Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) and its partner organizations and donors, PSOD aims to be the central network for the advocacy and effective coordination of all viable efforts to sustain a better equality of life for individuals with orphan or rare disorders in the Philippines.
Rare Disease Week
Presidential Proclamation No. 1989 issued on February 8, 2010 declares the last week of February as ‘National Rare Disease Week’, from February 22 to 29, 2012. World Rare Disease Day will be held on February 29, 2012 with the theme “Solidarity: Rare But Strong Together”
PSOD aims to have a stronger awareness campaign for the general public in 2012 by involving all relevant stakeholders such as government agencies, healthcare institutions, local government units, non-government organizations, the media, and other private and public institutions in the campaign.
The PSOD believes that every person has the right to life even if their disease only affects a small number of people. For more awareness and support, visit: http://www.psod.org.ph
The word rare means “few, not widely known and recurring in distribution”; moreover, rare can also mean “something extraordinary and special”. People with rare diseases may be few, but they are not extinct. They are existent, and are also very special in many ways. They are entitled to the same basic rights and privileges as any normal person does. They are a special breed of God’s wonderful creation.
I am rare. I am as special as you are.
(The author is suffering from a rare genetic disorder called Neurofibromatois Type 2 (NF2). She maintains an online store (www.kcatyarza.com) that sells products she personally designed to benefit her hEAR Fund Raising Project. She was also a finalist in Cebuana Lhuiller’s Happiest Pinoy. If you have any questions you can reach the author through kcatyarza@yahoo.com.)
Here are some ways to help our kababayans who were donations for the flood victims of storm ‘Sendong’.
KAPATID
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/19865/tv5-kapatid-foundation-accepting-donations-for-storm-sendong-victims
Cash donations may be sent through the following accounts:
TV5 Kapatid Foundation Inc. BDO Savings Account No. 005310-410164 and
Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Account No. 1443-05333-2
Donations in kind like food, clothing, utensils, blankets, mats, water containers, and medicines may be sent to News5 Aksyon Center, TV5 office in San Bartlolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.
For inquiries, please call News5 Aksyon Center hotline – 938-6393.
—–
KAPUSO
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/234077/news/nation/dswd-kapuso-foundation-calling-for-donors-volunteers
METROPOLITAN BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (METROBANK)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 2-098-00244-2
Code:MBTC PH MM
UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Numbers: 115-184777-2
: 160-111277-7
Dollar Savings
Account Name : GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Numbers: 01-115-301177-9
: 01-160-300427-6
Code:UCPB PH MM
BANCO DE ORO (BDO)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 469-0022189
Dollar Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 469-0072135
Code: BNORPHMM
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Numbe: 121-003200017
Dollar Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:121-003200025
Code:PNB MPH MM
For more inquiries, contact GMA Kapuso Foundation through its 24-hour hotlines 928-9351 and 928-4299.
——
KAPAMILYA
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150529342939122
Sagip Kapamilya Hotlines (02) 411-4995(02) 394-92720917-887-4411 ==================== FOR IN-KIND DONATIONS* SAGIP KAPAMILYAABS-CBN Foundation Inc. Mother Ignacia cor. Eugenio Lopez St.Diliman, Quezon City *You may send rice, canned gods, noodles, biscuits, coffee, sugar, clothes, blankets, mats, medicines ==================== ABS-CBN CAGAYAN DE ORO and ABS-CBN DAVAO also accepting donations for relief operations ABS-CBN Cagayan De OroBarangay Bulua, Cagayan De Oro City ABS-CBN DavaoShrine Hills, Matina, Davao City ==================== FOR CASH DONATIONS 1. BDO Peso AccountAccount name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip KapamilyaAccount Number: 39301-14199Swift Code: BNORPHMM 2. BDO Dollar AccountAccount name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip KapamilyaAccount Number: 39300-81622Swift Code: BNORPHMM 3. PNB Peso AccountAccount name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip KapamilyaAccount Number: 419-539-5000-13Swift Code: PNBMPHMM 4. BPI Peso AccountAccount name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip KapamilyaAccount Number: 3051-1127-75Branch: West Triangle, Quezon CitySwift Code: BOPIPHMM 5. BPI Dollar AccountAccount name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip KapamilyaAccount Number: 3054-0270-35Branch: West Triangle, Quezon CitySwift Code: BOPIPHMM
———–
RED CROSS
type RED (space) AMOUNT and send this to 2899 for Globe or 4143 for Smart. Those who would like to donate through G-Cash can text DONATE (space) AMOUNT (space) 4-digit M-PIN (space) REDCROSS and send this to 2882.
Cellphone users can donate to the Red Cross in the following denominations: P5, P25, P100, P300, P500, or P1,000 for Globe; and P10, P25, P50, P100, P300, P500, and P1,000 for Smart
———-
Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is accepting donations in kind for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the city. We encourage the following items for donations: canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers, and cash donations.
We are calling for financial donations to BABY JOHN MICHAEL ARONES for his medical examination expenses at Davao Medical Center.
Baby John Michael Arones was born on September 27, 2011 at Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital Cooperative, Cumawas, Bislig City. He was the seventh child of Mr. Eugene Arones and Doris Arones, living at P-11 Core Shelter, Poblacion, Bislig City.
His father Eugene Arones was a warik warik vendor (vending fish on the sidewalk at the Mangagoy Public Market earning just P150-P200/day only) could not possibly think how to generate thousands of money to spend for the entire medical expenses of his son. He could not even fully support his other six children for their basic needs moreover to specially attend Baby John Michael’s daily supplement for food and medicines. While his mother, Doris together with his aunt managed to struggle for more than a month of sleepless night to care for him.
Baby John Michael was diagnosed to have congenital defect called “ANENCEPHALLY; MULTIPLE CONGENITAL MALFORMATION”. His attending Physician Dr. Rowena Dimaano expected him to survive for only a week after his birth but for an unexplained reason, he manage to struggle for his life up to the present.
We are appealing to every one of us, in our most humble way to help us generate an ample amount of money to be used for medical examination expenses for Baby Michael. The City Government under the leadership of Hon. Librado C. Navarro has already extended financial support for his medication, but this amount cannot pay all his laboratory examination.
Please contact our office for your donations:
LGU-ASSISTANCE OFFICE AT THE CITY DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT OFFICE
Hello everyone. The brachytherapy for the tumor in my nose will start soon and the cobalt therapy for my neck will start next week in Rizal Medical Center care of Dr. Efren Madrid. Instead of just asking money from you, I’ve decided to sell these shirts to raise funds for my treatment. I and my family have been fighting this disease since 2009 and our resources are already depleted. You can also help through donation, but buying these shirts will really be a great help to me and my family. Thank you so much. God bless. 🙂
Each shirt costs 300php. The sizes are unisex (TS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) —> the sizes are similar to the sizes of Blue Corner shirts. To order, just text me @ 09325901818 or 09103636336 or just send me a message here in Facebook. The deadline of orders and payments will be on October 30, 2011. The shirts will be released on the 2nd week of November 2011 (around November 7).
There are several ways of claiming your shirts:
-To those who live in GMA, Cavite: just go to my house 😉
-To those who live in Carmona: we can meet up at Waltermart
-To those who live in Biñan: we can meet up somewhere near OP
-To those who live near UPD or inside UPD: we can we can set a schedule for buyers to claim the shirts somewhere in UPD
-To those who live in Metro Manila: we can meet up in Alabang (Starmall) or we can also set a schedule for buyers to claim the shirts in Glorietta or Megamall
Shirts can also be sent via LBC. (See last picture in this album to see the cost estimate of the shipping and handling fee.)
You can send your payments through my BPI bank account or you can give it to me in person. Details can be discussed when you send me a PM or SMS. 🙂
P.S. Thanks to Charles Dy para sa design ng shirts. 🙂
TANONG:
Nagtataka ka ba kung bakit maraming mayroong me Kanser sa ating henerasyon? Bakit maraming mataba? Bakit maraming hindi healthy? Bakit maraming nagkakasakit ngayon? Bata, matanda…. Nung panahon ng ating mga lolo’t lola iilan lang ang mga nagkakasakit, Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm? Pero kung iispin mo ano nga ba talaga ang mga dahilan?
SAGOT:
isa sa dahilan ay ang ating mga kinakain….. Bakit? Halos lahat ng kinakain natin ngayon ay process food at me mga sangkap na di natin alam kung ano? saan? at paano? ito ginawa.
Ilan sa mga dahilan……
Hot dogs: The Cancer Prevention Coalition recommends that children should not eat more than 12 hot dogs per month because of the risk of cancer. If you must have your hot dog fix, look for those without sodium nitrite listed among the ingredients.
Processed meats and bacon: These meats almost always contain the same sodium nitrite found in hot dogs. You can find some without nitrites, but you’ll have to look for them in natural grocers or health food stores. Bacon is also high in saturated fat, which contributes to the risk of cancers, including breast cancer. Limiting your consumption of processed meats and saturated fats also benefits the heart.
Doughnuts: Doughnuts contain hydrogenated oils, white flour, sugar, and acrylamides. Essentially, they’re one of the worst cancer foods you can possibly eat. Reader’s Digest calls doughnuts “disastrous” as a breakfast food, and many experts agree it’s probably one of the worst ways to start the day.
French fries: Fries are made with hydrogenated oil and fried at high temperatures. Some chains even add sugar to their fry recipe to make them even more irresistible. Not only do they clog your arteries with saturated fat and trans fat, they also contain acrylamides. They should be called “cancer fries,” not French fries.
Chips / crackers / cookies: These generally contain white flour and sugar as well as trans fats, but it’s not enough to simply look for these ingredients on the label; you have to actually “decode” the ingredients list that food manufacturers use to deceive consumers. They do this by hiding ingredients (such as hiding MSG in yeast extract, or by fiddling with serving sizes so they can claim the food is trans fat free, even when it contains trans fats (the new Girl Scout cookies use this trick)
Mga sangkap sa ating kinakain na masamang nakakaepekto sa ating katawan
High-fructose corn syrup
(NaturalNews) Corn sugar? It’s high-fructose corn syrup by any other name, and it’s dangerous. What sweeteners are safe? What’s not? You may be surprised at the latest research.
Last September, manufacturers of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) asked the federal government for permission to sweeten its image with a new name: “corn sugar.” Their TV ads say, “Your body can’t tell the difference between corn sugar and cane sugar.” A popular website, Sweet Scam (http://sweetscam.com/), purports to clear up the confusion, while condemning “activist groups like the Weston A. Price Foundation, Joseph Mercola, and the Naturopathy Movement, which have perpetuated unfounded myths about sweeteners [and] completely ignore the scientific and nutritional evidence to backup [sic] their outlandish claims.”
In 1997 there was an increase in aspartame users reporting severe toxicity reactions and damage such as seizures, eye damage and vision loss, confusion, severe migraines, tremors, depression, anxiety attacks, insomnia, etc. In the same years, Ralph Walton, MD, Chairman, The Center for Behavioral Medicine showed that the only studies which didn’t find problems with aspartame where those funded by the manufacturer (Monsanto). Given the agreement amongst independent scientists about the toxicity of aspartame, the only question was whether the formaldehyde exposure from aspartame caused the toxicity. That question has now been largely answered because of research in the late 1990s.
The following facts shown by recent scientific research: 1. Aspartame (nutrasweet) breaks down into methanol (wood alcohol). 2. Methanol quickly converts to formadehyde in the body. 3. Formaldehyde causes gradual and eventually severe damage to the neurological system, immune system and causes permanent genetic damage at extremely low doses. 4. Methanol from alcoholic beverages and from fruit and juices does not convert to formaldehyde and cause damage because there are protective chemicals in these traditionally ingested beverages. 5. The most recent independent research in Europe demonstrates that ingestion of small amounts of aspartame leads to the accumulation of significant levels of formaldehyde (bound to protein) in organs (liver, kidneys, brain) and tissues. 6. Excitotoxic amino acids such as the one which is immediately released from aspartame likely increases the damage caused by the formaldehyde.
(NaturalNews) In response to growing awareness about the dangers of artificial sweeteners, what does the manufacturer of one of the world’s most notable artificial sweeteners do? Why, rename it and begin marketing it as natural, of course. This is precisely the strategy of Ajinomoto, maker of aspartame, which hopes to pull the wool over the eyes of the public with its rebranded version of aspartame, called “AminoSweet”.
These are substances, usually amino acids, that react with specialized receptors in the brain in such a way as to lead to destruction of certain types of brain cells.
An enormous amount of both clinical and experimental evidence has accumulated over the past decade supporting this basic premise. Yet, the FDA still refuses to recognize the immediate and long term danger to the public caused by the practice of allowing various excitotoxins to be added to the food supply, such as MSG, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal — the blue packets).
Has the FDA repeated the aspartame approval process for sucralose, allowing a product with proven carcinogens to flood our food supply? Only time will tell, as it has with aspartame. Yet at the cost of human lives.
Aspartame, the main ingredient in Equal and NutraSweet. Almost all of the independent research into aspartame found dangerous side effects in rodents. The FDA chose not to take these findings into account when it approved aspartame for public use. Over the course of 15 years, those same side effects increasingly appeared in humans. Not in everyone, of course — but in those who were vulnerable to the chemical structure of aspartame.
Aspartame consumption strongly associated with migraines and seizures (Most all people they found that get migraines have low magnesium)
the phenylalanine in aspartame could conceiveably mediate neurologic effects. If mice are given aspartame in doses that elevate plasma phenylalanine levels more than those of tyrosine (which probably occurs after any aspartame dose in humans), the frequency of seizures following the administration of an epileptogenic drug, pentylenetetrazole, is enhanced. This effect is simulated by equimolar phenylalanine and blocked by concurrent administration of valine, which blocks phenylalanine’s entry into the brain. Aspartame also potentiates the induction of seizures by inhaled fluorothyl or by electroconvulsive shock. Perhaps regulations concerning the sale of food additives should be modified to require the reporting of adverse reactions and the continuing conduct of mandated safety research.
In this eye-opening interview, you’ll learn:
How MSG and aspartame are related to cancer, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders.
How food companies hide MSG on food labels by using a “secret code” of innocent-sounding ingredients.
Why kids eating Splenda may end up with suppressed immune systems.
How the manufacturers of artificial sweeteners enforce scientific censorship on the dangers of their products.
The real reason why the American Diabetes Association won’t speak out against aspartame.
Why yeast extract is more dangerous than monosodium glutamate.
The hidden link between soy and dementia.
Why many foods labeled “all natural” aren’t healthy — or natural!
How you can slow MSG and glutamate absorption using nutrients and herbs.
How aspartame both causes and accelerates cancer.
Why the pharmaceutical industry needs MSG to help create more patients.
Life is like a journey when someone travels in different directions; some to the left, to the right, forward and sometimes backwards. In this trek of life you witness a lot of things, meet many people and relish every experience. All these are part of one’s journey which enables one to grow as a person. In my journey of life, I have many experiences, memories to treasure and witnessed several events whether significant or not.
For 29 years, this journey can be described as typical almost inconsequential. Probably the same dreams and aspirations of the common man. There are things which I had always wanted to do that have been done by others and while some are still to be relished. I pleasure myself in listening to others and sharing my insights as well. I rub elbows with strangers and all kinds of people at leisure and would not mind a clash of opinions too. I would like to tell my story not because I seek pity or elicit some sympathy but just to impart myself to others and not expect a response. Maybe whatever I share with that person can be of use to him, if not now but maybe in the future. I believe that all souls are linked in this universe and an action will always evoke a reaction whether significant or inapparent. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, black or white, brown or red, abled or differently abled, nature or humanity everyone and everything are related in this complex cosmos intertwined intricately and decisively.
A lot of people are aware of the malady of cancer, previously feared since it can be contagious and be condemned to a nontreatable disease. I understand their misconceptions since ignorance can be a source of fear itself. They dread that it is a futile battle against an invincible illness that reduces your body until its weak to that point where you take your last breath.
I am lucky because I was born in this age with the present technology and medications capable of subduing this disease. I will not be helpless and await my final resting place to swallow my being.
I was 10 years old when medics discovered that I had the dreaded C. It was thyroid cancer. I had to shuffle back and forth in hospitals ever since I was born. I was initially misdiagnosed for another illness. They said it was pulmonary tuberculosis something endemic in the Philippines where every 7 of 10 Filipinos have the disease but I had to be The Exception. I was spared from the tuberculosis but only after months of futile treatment. Then the physicians learned they were dealing with something else, it was then that my parents decided to take a second opinion. I went through three doctors and a battery of diagnostic tests, before they realized the true nature of my malady. They knew I had cancer, but could not understand why a 10 year old would have this disease. This usually affects older people around 40-50 years old. I had to undergo two major operations which lasted cumulatively for almost 12 hours. My parents feared the worst thinking I had expired. They were not expecting that the operations would take that long.
Despite the wait, the operation was hailed as a success. What I underwent was a subtotal thyroidectomy which eventually removed almost all my thyroid glands including a large portion of the cancer.
Despite the success, I still had to undergo radioactive therapy in order to eliminate the remaining cancer cells which were not removed during the surgery. I learned that the cancer had started to spread to my lungs according to my doctor.
During those times, I was not fully aware of the gravity of my health situation. However, my frequent visit to the hospital for various treatments heightened my concerns. I never dared to ask any questions and allowed them to proceed, with whatever they had to do which they claimed should make me well. I admit I felt I was left in the dark with regards to the course of my disease and the treatment plan they had in mind.
I was oblivious to what was going on since I was a child. I had probably preoccupied myself in playing, running then falling down. Sometimes I would quarrel with my playmates during those times. I also played basketball while I was growing up. All these provided an avenue to distract myself, from the health menace I was facing.
When I was 12 years old, I continued with my radioactive therapy and I began to feel different mixed emotions of fear, loneliness and uncertainty, not because I was ill but because I had to be isolated alone in a room. Such quarantine was necessary to prevent other people from getting exposed to the radiation. I felt like I was in jail since I have lost my freedom to go out or even to see and talk with my family and friends. Only the doctor and the nurse were my constant companions and they had to wear protective suits that protected them from the radiation. It was like I was a dangerous illness that had to be blocked from other people to keep them from being contaminated.
I had to endure this for seven days until my radiation levels were safe for others to interact with me. Such concealment only heightened my concerns, since the length of time appeared to correlate with the bigger doses of radiation. During my first night, I can only feel solitude as I began to relish any noise from the outside creeping into my room. The four walls of my room appeared to enclose upon me, and the skyscrapers seen from the outside through my window, appeared to stretch further out only to seclude me further. I yearned for any auditory clues that would signify the existence of the outside world. At that point, I knew the meaning of loneliness. It was not being in your solitude inside a confined space but that of a yearning to get out but unable to do so. I had no one to see or even speak with someone that I did not understand at my age, but was compelled to do so. My intent was only to get well so I would not have to endure the same feelings of loneliness once more.
To alleviate my lonesome, I found a piece of paper and a pen and decided to write or doodle anything whatever was happening inside me. In this emotional state, I was able to compose my first poetic creation that became my first companion that endured me through my subsequent visits to the hospital whenever I felt lonely and when I had no one to speak with. I learned to express myself and release what was inside of me through different media.
I expressed myself through art and when even I was in my solace I found a means of release. This helps me a lot because I can express myself in the medium that can best reflect my inner thoughts and feelings.
When I was 18 years old, it was only then that I found out, since I was the one going by myself to the doctor. He explained to me the situation and I had the opportunity to ask some questions since I was not inquisitive about my condition previously. My real condition was never communicated to me by my family and friends probably to protect me from being fearful about my illness and allow me to live a normal childhood. I was engulfed in melancholy but it would be replaced by a sense of clarity of the situation that had eluded me through all this years. This sense of clarity of the nature of my illness had enabled me to be more aware of things.
I tried to reflect on what I experienced and what’s in store for my future. I tried to look at myself and my condition. It may be painful or difficult to accept what has become of me. Most of the people I know attribute this as the Will of God. However, for me is part of the circle of life. It is the nature of the flow of life which I have to face, accept and fight for. I tried to remove it from my mind and tried to avoid from sinking into my heart that my Creator is responsible for my illness. I realize that I am still luckier than most people, not because I’m ill, but because I can see the void of hope which can separate me from the light if I am weak in faith. I was given the chance and the right to choose the option to seek treatment for my illness, while others have none. The acceptance of my family and my friends, the way they made it possible to continue through life without stopping, for giving me guidance through the darkest moments of my life. They have given me the light to see where I am and where I’m going.
This is why I was able to live a normal life and not in self-pity. After 19 years, I have learned so many things not just what happened to me but including those that surround me. Now, I try to give value to anything whether they are big or small. I understand now that time is too short and that too many people disregard this. What they do not know is that their disregard can lead to a greater regrets in the end. Such misfortune is irreversible and you can not do anything to get this back. My illness served to be the key of awakening my consciousness which was asleep. It continues to explore, discover, understand and impart this to my surroundings. The process of my growth had continued and I know that I will endure several more failures, commit more faults, mistakes to correct, accidents and sufferings that will happen. However, I will strive to give a broad perspective in my mind so I can fill the void slowly.
My enemy is still here and I am not afraid of it and I am aware that it can be subverted. But I cannot defeat it alone. I need a companion in my fight so I can subdue the enemy. This is why I am still continuing my journey until I reach the end so I can still pursue this trek in another world.
Ang pakikibaka o pakikipaglaban ay Di Lang Siya Nagtatapos sa FB o sa loob lang ng internet….. bagkus ang pakikipaglaban ay maaring ipagpatuloy sa ginagalawang kong lipunan….kung saan ito ang aking pinagmulan…
Hinubog na ako ng panahon… upang labanan ang anumang daluyong, pagsubok o kabiguan… pisikal na sakit o hindi man ay akin ng napagdaanan… katatagan ang bunga ng lahat ng kapighatian… ang sakit ng sugat ay maghihilom rin… ngunit magiiwan ng balat na magpapaalala ng hapdi… ng dating sugat dulot ng isang pighati….
BAKIT?
Bakit laging, tayo’y naghihintay
Bakit laging, sa huli kumakaway
Bakit nga ba, minsan lang tumawa
Bakit pinipigilan, na ika’y lumigaya
Bakit pagnadapa, ayaw magsimula
Bakit kung naliligaw, pag-asa’y nawawala
Bakit sa lupa, ay di na bumababa
Bakit sa Maylikha, hindi na mapakumbaba
KORO
Hindi ko maintindihan
Tayong mga nilalang
Panaho’y pinapalipas
Kasalukuyan pinalalampas
Bakit kung wala na, saka hahanapin pa
Bakit nung kasama, iyong binalewala
Bakit ipadadama, kung hindi na makadama
Bakit di ginawa, nung mayroong pang hininga
Hindi ko maintindihan
Oras na iyong sinayang
Nakaraa’y di mababalikan
Kahit ito’y iyong pagsisihan
**********
Aanhin ang pinag-isipang Tula kung hindi Bibigkasin
Aanhin ang nalikhang Awit kung hindi Kakantahin
Aanhin ang ginuhit na Larawan kung hindi Sisilipin
Aanhin ang nasulat na maikling Kwento kung hindi Babasahin
Kamalayangkalayaan's Blog 
