Single mom appeals anew for cancer-stricken son

Gerald Alvarez

It has been eight years since Gerald Alvarez was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s T-cell Lymphoma Stage 3 in 2011, prompting his mother, Marcelita Cruz, to ask for help from Inquirer readers.

“You supported my son’s journey when he was still a baby and a tumor grew on his hand. It was removed through surgery but we found out that it was cancerous,” Cruz, a single mother, said.

Her son, who is now 9 years old, completed in December the 10 cycles of chemotherapy recommended by doctors at Philippine General Hospital.

But recently, they detected a lump in the boy’s neck. To determine if the growth is also cancerous, they have required him to undergo a series of tests as soon as possible.

The results of the tests, doctors told Cruz, should be submitted by Feb. 22.

The tests will cost P44,600 (P26,000 for CT Scan, P12,000 for bone marrow and P600 for 2D-Echo).

“I am knocking again on the kind hearts of your readers because my work as a service crew at a canteen on Ayala Avenue, Makati City is not even enough for our daily needs and my fare,” said Cruz, who lives in Parañaque City with her son.

She can be reached at 0922-2979682. Donations can be deposited in her BDO account (Marcelita Cruz, account # 0047-1006-1117).