IO The WarrIOr

My little warrior Io Reuelle S. Aguila, was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) when she was 3 months old in July 2016 at Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC).

At first we thought that it might be a Flu or Dengue after having 2 days of low fever. That's why we decided to bring her to the nearest hospital. We had Dengue test which is negative, CBC and urinalysis. Everything was fine apart from a low Hemoglobin and they noticed that her tummy is big. We got confined for 4 days for further blood tests, ultrasound and x-ray but they cannot fine anything apart from the Hemoglobin that keeps on dropping. They do not have Pediatric Hematologist in that hospital that's why our doctor referred us to PCMC. We transferred right away because we really want find our what's going on. Our daughter went to the same procedure all over again and other additional blood tests including Bone Marrow Aspiration and was given a blood transfusion. We stayed in the hospital for almost a month. When we got the result we cannot believe that she has Leukemia. We decided to have chemotherapy as soon as possible. She even got baptized in the hospital during our stay before we start the journey of chemo. Everything went well even though she keeps going in and out of the hospital. She is coping very well from infection and medication. She is a very happy and positive warrior.

Last year, September 2017, while she was in her 3rd cycle of maintenance we found out that leukemia cells are showing in her spinal fluid. We need to start all over again with Isolated CNS Relapse Protocol, that uses higher dosage of chemo drugs. She is now at the end of Consolidation Cycle after a having lots of transfusions, drug reactions and infections.

We have spent almost Php 500,000.00 with the medical expenses and is still piling up since we still have a long journey. We have used up all of our savings and seek financial assistance from out relatives, friends and some government institutions. Unfortunately our health card does not support our daughter's condition. We would like to ask for help so that we can continue with my daughter's chemotherapy. The doctors mentioned that she has a good chance to recover if we will be able to continue with her medications.

She will be moving to her next cycle soon which is the Intensification of her chemotherapy. Hoping to finish her medication by 2019 including radiation and may eventually undergo Bone Marrow Transplant.

Anything that you can send our way, my daughter, my family and I will eternally be grateful for your help.

Thank you,

Shiela Aguila (Warrior Mom)