Only 4 chemo cycles to go for 7-year-old boy with leukemia

MANILA, Philippines — As a security guard in Pasig City with a monthly salary of only P14,000, Ariel dela Cruz finds it hard to describe how challenging it has been to sustain the needs of his family with his 7-year-old son, Ryan James, battling acute lymphocytic leukemia.

His meager income can cover the bills and the rent for their apartment but not the chemotherapy sessions of Ryan, his only child.

“We can’t ask for help from our relatives either because they are also poor,” Dela Cruz said.

Ryan told his father that as soon as he gets better, he wants to become a policeman or a soldier to save money and help him buy their own house. The Dela Cruzes have already moved three times.

“I would have wanted to [have our own house, too] but I can’t afford it. I’m just a security guard and all my money goes to his treatment,” Dela Cruz said. On some days, he even takes a leave from work to look after his son.

Ryan still needs to undergo four cycles of chemotherapy which costs P30,000 each. Afterward, his doctor will monitor his condition for five years to make sure he remains cancer-free.

Donations can be made through Dela Cruz’s Chinabank account no. 141802027209. Those who want to contact him can call 0956-5129788.