Help sought for Ecija girl in battle vs leukemia

Precious Shira Palang

In October 2014, Precious Shira Palang started having repeated episodes of nose bleeding while contusions frequently appeared on her thighs, alarming her parents.

Then a Grade 1 pupil, Palang was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

After almost three years of chemotherapy, the girl is now under a maintenance program at Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

“Her doctor told us that out of 10 children afflicted with this disease, only two would survive. I’d like to think that my daughter is a brave girl. I can only pray for my faith to remain unshaken,” said Palang’s mother Raquel, 36.

Precious’ sixth and last chemo cycle is set to start on April 18 and will end in June, after which she will undergo bone marrow biopsy and further examinations at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

“Hopefully she will be able to continue her studies next year after missing school for two years,” Raquel told the Inquirer as she appealed to readers for help.

The mother and her ailing child are currently staying at a charity house on Taft Avenue, while her three other children are staying with their father Gremdill Palang, a security guard posted at a construction site in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Donors who wish to help the family cover their mounting medical expenses may contact Raquel at 0927-2996560 or make a deposit at Gremdill Palang’s BPI account (4259 1412 8).

“I sincerely thank all of you for helping my daughter. May God bless you and reward you for your generosity,” she said. —SANTIAGO R. ALCANTARA