When news about Francis Magalona having leukemia broke out last August, I was one among many who followed the development on his condition. By October, I began to regularly peek into his multiply sites, "A Free Mind" and "FrancisM's Happy Battle". After he spent 43 days in the hospital going through chemotherapy and battling sepsis, septic shock and pneumonia, I was so happy to read that he was discharged for Christmas at home.
In early January, his wife Pia read practically all the postings in this site, wading though Yam's own battle with the same type of leukemia that her husband is battling. We communicated a few times and encouraged each other in our own predicament.
Last Friday, I overheard Francis' name mentioned in a noon-time news flash. I was saddened to know his body gave up. I was hoping he'd get through homeopathic stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) that may cure his blood disorder.
Today, as I read through the transcript of Ricky Lo's interview with Pia, I immediately had goose bumps. Deja vu. Yet, lessons learned form such an ordeal are enough to propel each family member to face life, better armed and better equipped.
Good bye Francis, yo!!! You'll meet Yam where you go, yeah!!!
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Like the perennial grass, the Igorots grow anywhere they are planted, and quietly thrive under any condition. Back - John, Janis, Josef; Front - Jon, Emma, Yam (taken 24Dec06).
Story of my daughter, Yam, who courageously fought and conquered leukemia, with much help from countless friends and good samaritans. She relapsed after almost two years and quickly lost the battle. But the war continues. Her memory survives. And her survivors live on to tell her story)
Friends and Visitors:
Welcome to this site which tells the story of our 12-year old daughter, Yam, and her battle against leukemia. She was diagnosed of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in May 2006. The difficult experiences we've gone through taught us countless lessons and strengthened our faith, both in God and in the goodness of man.
If there's just one person who learns, is encouraged, or is inspired by this story, then putting up this blog site is all worth it.
If there's just one person who learns, is encouraged, or is inspired by this story, then putting up this blog site is all worth it.
Yam's Story As She Wrote It
Yam wrote about her journey with leukemia and was published in the April-June 2008 issue of the Big C Magazine, a three-time CMMA award-winning magazine about cancer. She submitted her article in mid-February, shortly before we brought her to Asian Hospital for check-up.
On the cover is Toti Fuentes, a well known singer, composer and musical director. Toti and Yam have things in common. They are both in the magazine because they had cancer. And they both passed away before the magazine came out, leaving behind them volumes of fond memories to loved ones and to many others
The Big C Magazine website is not active. The same article is published unedited in this website HERE.
0. 500 Days and An Article
1. Unwelcome Summer Guest
2. Battling A Beast
3. The Beast Strikes Hard
4. Fighting Back With An Army
5. Defeating the Beast
6. Survivor Me
On the cover is Toti Fuentes, a well known singer, composer and musical director. Toti and Yam have things in common. They are both in the magazine because they had cancer. And they both passed away before the magazine came out, leaving behind them volumes of fond memories to loved ones and to many others
The Big C Magazine website is not active. The same article is published unedited in this website HERE.
0. 500 Days and An Article
1. Unwelcome Summer Guest
2. Battling A Beast
3. The Beast Strikes Hard
4. Fighting Back With An Army
5. Defeating the Beast
6. Survivor Me
Yam's Story As Dad Recorded It
Who We Are
Like the perennial grass, the Igorots grow anywhere they are planted, and quietly thrive under any condition. Back - John, Janis, Josef; Front - Jon, Emma, Yam (taken 24Dec06).
2 comments:
Hi Sir,
im one of the blog hopper,and last year i was blessed to have found your site,i believed that i am healthy person,and i cant thank enough GOD for that,but indeed your story,Yam's story really inspired me in in so many ways.& honestly i immmediately prayed for her soul as well as strength for your family.and its really great to know that you happened to get connected with the Francis M's family,its really a happy thought how GOD works in many mysterious ways,and today i also share with you this link, i dont also know them,but i want to also help him,i hope and positive enough that you can/we extend help for Iggy. heres the link sir.
http://iggyvillanueva.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/blood-donation-information/
Good luck and i know that Yam is so proud of you and your family,how her sweet life still remains in you :)
GODBLESS YOU INDEED! :)
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, I'd been ableget wind of Iggy Villanueva's case at Rated K. It's exactly the same dreaded AML he's battling. We hope he can have the BMT soon.
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