Lhera Suela, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia | Contributed Photo
A 16-year-old girl from Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Calape, Bohol is heartily appealing for urgent financial help as she fights the big C through chemotherapy treatment. Lhera Suela was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on October 29, 2021. Her condition began when she complained of joint pains in December 2019. Because of that, her parents brought her to Cebu City for consultation. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and medications were given. Her complete blood count during that time was within normal level. The joint pains disappeared but returned several months later. In September 2021, her joint pains worsened.
Lhera’s first dose of chemotherapy was administered on November 5, 2021. Her attending hematologist-oncologist prescribed a treatment protocol that they will follow for the next three years in order to achieve thorough healing. Indeed, the lengthy treatment and its costly nature bring overwhelming physical challenges to the child and financial burdens to the parents. At present, she is on reinduction phase of her treatment. Her weekly chemotherapy sessions come at a high cost.
Lhera is a goodhearted girl who obeys and appreciates her parents. She is also a great help at home as she performs household chores with joy. Her hobbies include drawing and painting. She also wants to become a nurse someday. As the first of the two siblings, her family loves and values her deeply. When asked about her wish for her daughter, her mother tenderly answered, “My only wish is that she will come out successful in her treatment so that she can reach her ambitions in life.