Boy’s battle with leukemia almost over, mom asks for help

Markhen Nidal Gabuyan

It has been four years since 6-year-old Markhen Nidal Gabuyan was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

He was only 2 years old when his mother, Marilyn, noticed that he cried every time he walked.

“It was a case of one thing leading to another when bruises started appearing on his skin. His mouth would constantly bleed, and he became pale,” Marilyn told the Inquirer.

Marilyn said she took Markhen to a nearby hospital in Antipolo City where doctors told her he had contracted dengue fever.

She, her husband Kenn, and Markhen, their only child, live in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Marilyn then brought Markhen to Philippine Children’s Medical Center where laboratory tests showed the boy was suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia.

“I am glad that my husband was working as a security guard at a bank near the vicinity of the hospital. This boosted the morale of our child as his father would visit him every day at the end of his shift,” Marilyn said.

Of the 14 chemotherapy cycles doctors have prescribed for Markhen, he has already completed 12. His 13th session will be on Oct. 12.

“Thank you to those who have supported us along the way. He has regained his ability to walk because of you. I am appealing this time to those readers who have extra money to kindly shoulder the remaining two cycles for the complete healing of our Markhen,” Marilyn said.

Each chemotherapy cycle costs P25,000.

Marilyn can be reached at 0916-3358707. Donations can be deposited in her husband Kenn Morris Gabuyan’s Metrobank account (#3613-3611-56499).