Happy Birthday Ann

A shot from Annadel's post-birthday celebration.  

Ann celebrated her birthday last August 25th - she is now 24 years old! I know that all her family and friends  only wish her one thing - her wellness. Although she had celebrated her big day on the hospital for a dialysis session - I hope she will see that there are still many reasons to be thankful for.

Birthday Message To Ann

Take care of yourself. There are lots of opportunities in the IT industry waiting for you once you have fully recovered. We will not stop helping you. We will not get tired. As long as you don't give up.

Once you are well - you will not just be blowing your birthday candles - you can go back to munching them - the cake, not the candles I hope. So have faith. Never lose hope. It will be tough. But you are never alone.

Happy Birthday!

Ann Begins Dialysis

The next morning after we paid visit to Annadel, she was rushed into the hospital and was immediately started on dialysis. Her doctor would not let her go without the dialysis. Well, she needed it. When I saw her five days later, she was completely different from the heartbreaking scene I saw the last time. She gained her colors back!

August 23, 2012 - Renee, Me, and Annadel on the hospital

Now, Annadel would have to go on a regular dialysis at three (3) times a week. She takes it every Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays. Each session costs Php4,500.00. Fortunately, PhilHealth can cover up to 45 sessions yearly - up to three (3) months of continouous sessions.

Heartbreaker

August 17th - Friday. My officemate (Jayvee) and I decided to pay visit to Annadel whom we had not seen for a month or so since she started full-time work from home due to her worsening condition. We were there because I had to collect her signed resignation letter.

The last time that we saw her, she has gotten a lot thinner and her skin became really pale. She would go often to the restroom to have a retouch concealing her condition, but it only did a little cover up.

On that day, it seemed as if her condition has worsened ten times. Her face, arms and legs were covered with bruises all over. Her lips were so pale. Her palms were covered with wounds from rashes which doesn't seem to be healing at all. She cannot speak clearly because of mouth sores. She cannot walk or stand straight because of dizziness and various pains all over her body. That day, as much as I hate it, I saw a young woman waiting for the time.

We stayed for a while to chit chat. Jayvee and I were both trying to keep ourselves composed so as not to show her any sign of weakness. We wanted to be strong for her if that is the least we can do. 

We updated her on the latest events from the office. I was cracking jokes when she excused herself and walked towards her bed. From where we are sitting, we heard the sound of her painful vomits. We found out that she had been throwing up everything she takes in for the past five (5) days. She had been sleepless because of nausea, headache, stomach ache and the discomfort of her mouth sores and rashes.

All of these are related to her disease. Her immune system is getting weaker. Plus, with her condition, she cannot take in medicines to relieve the pain.

It was heartbreaking seeing her like that just eight days to go before her 24th birthday. Jayvee and I committed ourselves to helping her the best we can so she can survive this trial.

Be strong Ann!