Leukemia fails to stop 22-year-old from finishing college

Brian del Mundo

MANILA, Philippines — Brian del Mundo and his father, Danilo, both underwent chemotherapy for different ailments from 2016 to 2018. While Danilo died of colon cancer in September 2018, his son continues to battle acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“Brian finished the 12-cycle maintenance chemotherapy in September last year. He was diagnosed with the blood disease in March 2015,” said Rita, the 22-year-old Del Mundo’s mother.

She told the Inquirer that despite his condition, her son managed to graduate from Lanting College in Sangandaan, Quezon City, with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. But the graduation rites were called off because of the new coronavirus disease.

Rita said that her youngest child was intent on finishing his studies, turning his room at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) into a study area whenever he underwent chemotherapy. “The doctors said they were proud of him because he brought his books and reviewed his lessons while waiting for them to arrive,” she added.

According to her, it was her husband’s wish that their son finish college so that he would not end up a janitor like him.

Rita asked for help from Inquirer readers as her son needed to undergo a bone marrow test, cystospin and complete blood count at PCMC. The tests will cost P18,000.

Rita del Mundo can be reached at 0939-6515389. Donations can be deposited in her Metrobank account (#470-3-47014587-1). INQ