Docs recommend radiation, chemo for girl with leukemia

Blessie Cena

MANILA, Philippines–Leukemia patient Blessie Cena’s excitement over her doctors’ pronouncement last year that she could finally enroll in the first grade this school year turned into sadness when they spotted new cancer cells in her body.

“I was excited myself to see my 12-year-old girl in school this year. I thought she was finally done with chemotherapy until a test showed new cancer cells moving toward her brain,” her mother Melanie said.

To prevent damage to Blessie’s brain, Melanie said doctors at Philippine Children’s Medical Center had recommended that she undergo radiation therapy immediately followed by 12 cycles of chemotherapy.

For this, they would need P312,000 at P26,000 per chemotherapy session, according to Melanie. She asked for help from Inquirer readers as she and her husband, Roberto, a farmer in Camarines Sur, are unable to come up with the amount.

Readers who want to get in touch with Melanie can call 0920-6531342. Donations can be coursed through her BDO account (Melanie Cena/ account #000670673323).