Security guard seeks help for daughter’s therapy

Krizelle Anne de Leon

Christopher de Leon has just one Christmas wish: for his 5-year-old daughter to complete her final cycle of chemotherapy.

Krizelle Anne was diagnosed in October 2017 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow, De Leon told the Inquirer.

“Chemotherapy is working wonders for my child. She is now becoming playful,” he said. Three years ago, Krizelle’s condition was much worse as she was bedridden and suffered from abdominal swelling.

A chemotherapy cycle for Krizelle at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center lasts 10 weeks. During this period, she also undergoes several laboratory tests such as complete blood count and bone marrow. The whole treatment, including medication, costs around P28,000.

De Leon, who works as a security guard for a business process outsourcing company, said his monthly earnings were not enough to pay for Krizelle’s chemotherapy.

But thanks to his persistence and determination, she has completed 11 of the 12 cycles prescribed by her doctor. De Leon said that after every cycle, he would go around different government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health, including the offices of senators, to ask for donations for his daughter.

“Whatever happens, I will find ways to make sure my child gets her treatment,” he added.

Krizelle’s last chemotherapy cycle is scheduled on Dec. 27. If it pushes through, she will remain under monitoring for the next five years to make sure she does not suffer a relapse. Those who want to help pay for her treatment can deposit their donations in her father’s UnionBank account (#109814415052). He can also be contacted at 0998-2890021 or 83974230.