Department of Education, Davao City Division - DepEd Davao

Success Story of Aibonie Poe (Cancer Patient)
It was in February 2008 when I was diagnosed of having Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. My family and I were on the denial stage that time and due to financial constraint, I didn’t precede to my treatment which is chemotherapy. Instead, I’ve tried my luck and chance by taking alternative medicines with faith. I continue my studies and enrolled as junior high school at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School . On my 10th month in third year high school, the symptoms reappeared again such as headaches and paleness.

So fastly we went to see the doctor who advices us to have a Bone Marrow Aspiration where the doctor gets a blood sample in my bone marrow to see if there are leukemia cells. Unfortunately when we had the result, it was said that I had a “relapsed,” the leukemia cells are back. From that moment we decided to pursue chemotherapy treatment. Though it’s hard, but accepting the fact makes it a lot easier, admitting the piece of information that I am really sick. I guess, there was a point in my life that not everything we wished or hoped for us will come true. There is always a time where we just have to gather up the courage inside out to let go and just trust and surrender everything to God. I started my battle last December 2008. As I perceive it as a given gift from God many things had turn up side down; firstly, I cannot go to school to learn, I have to wear mask all the time which I hate it at first for it makes me hard to breathe and having an uncomfortable feeling, I am not allowed to go to places where there is a lot of people, the way people stare at me with pity, sympathy or criticism, I have to lose my precious hair caused of chemotherapy, drunk those medicines and bare all the pains. However, with the help of my family, friends and relatives, and especially with the spiritual guidance of our God, our loving Father, it was just like nothing happened, knowing that God won’t allow me  to be in pain not for the sake of hurting but for the sake of learning. I know God has a reason and someday I will understand it. For 6 months I went on daily chemotherapy. On my 7th month I was scheduled again for Bone Marrow Aspiration and now fortunately the result was I am now in “remission” stage, the leukemia cells are already controlled. The doctor said that I could go back to school, although, because I went to public school she recommended me to transfer to a private school due to my situation. I know that there are lots of payments in private school and I know that we don’t really have enough money for that and I also want to stay in my old school. My father decided to talk to Mrs. Maricel S. Langahid who was MAPEH teacher in my sophomore year and asked for help. She offered me this program, the Alternative Learning System of ALS. I was glad that I can go back to school and can finish my studies.
    As a teenager, I want to go back to a regular school and see my friends everyday. That’s why I was hesitating and had full inhibitions because at the back of my head, I thought that ALS is only for old people who want to finish their studies but I was totally wrong. ALS is for all people who want to finish their studies no matter how old you are and who you are. This is what you call that everyone has an access to education and it is possible. As I look at my co-learners in ALS though some of them are not of the same age level of mine, others are working students these are the dissimilarities we have on the other hand, but we have things in common- the willingness to learn and positively hoping to pass the National Test and waited for this day – our Graduation Day! We want education even if we have our personal hindrances. Why? because we want to reach our goals. Honestly, they inspired me and thy gave me the courage and realization that I am still as lucky as the luckiest person. As I am reviewing my lessons my lessons for the National Exam I feel more comfortable because of the people who helped me and I want to take this opportunity to thank the following IMs: Ms. Rhea Escalante, Ms. Janeth Cagulang, Ms. Riza Mantalaba, Ate Inday and special note to Mrs. Maricel Langahid who was one of my favorite teachers, who has been very kind to me and treated me like her own child. Don’t worry mam it’s not lip service that comes here. And also to my family and loved ones who supported me and showed their love to me and for believing in me. Though I am under the wether, I know I can do it, and here I am now standing in front of you. As I face another chapter of my life, I will face it confidently because I know this program molded me to become a better person and helped me to continue to reach my dream despite the walls. We can break our walls such as this program crushed the wall for another access in education. I am proud to say that I am part if this program. Congratulations to my co-graduates! Padayun sa pag-uswag! Thank you and God bless us all.