Fighting Leukemia with Faith: A Nurse's Battle

My name is Jaythde. I’m 36 years old, a wife, and a mom of 3 and I was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Let me share a bit about myself. I’m originally from the Philippines, and like many, I carried a big dream in my heart to build a better life for my family. In 2021, I moved to Canada as an international student. I worked hard and, by God’s grace, I completed my program in 2023 and also became a Registered Nurse that same year. Life was finally moving forward, and I was full of hope for the future.

Then, everything changed so quickly.

In late April, I began noticing random bruises on my legs, especially on the left side. I brushed it off at first, thinking I may have bumped into something. But when the bruises kept showing up, I knew I needed to get checked. I went to my family doctor, who ordered a blood test. On May 26, I got tested and by the next day, I saw the results online and knew in my heart something was seriously wrong.

I prayed and held on to hope that it wasn’t cancer. But that same day, my doctor called and explained that the results suggested leukemia. He referred me to a hematologist, and from that moment, my world turned upside down. I couldn’t stop thinking about my family. I had been preparing to go back to work as a nurse. I even had a job interview scheduled for June. I was so close to starting over then suddenly, I was a patient instead of a nurse.

Right now, I am on Day 13 of my hospital stay at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. I’ve completed my first cycle of chemotherapy, and my immune system is very weak. My blood counts are extremely low, and I am at high risk of serious infections. Because of this, I’ve been placed in a private hospital room to protect me but this comes with additional costs.

How You Can Help

I’m incredibly thankful for OHIP, which covers most of my medical care. My husband also has insurance through his job, which covers me as well. But unfortunately, not everything is fully covered. The private room where I need to stay for my safety is only 80% covered, and the remaining 20% adds up quickly.

On top of that, we are facing regular monthly bills and essential living expenses while I’m in the hospital, and I'm unable to work.

Asking for help is never easy ~ but I’m humbly reaching out to anyone willing to support me and my family through this journey. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will go directly toward:

• Uncovered medical expenses (such as private room fees)

• Monthly bills and essential living costs during my recovery

• Support for my family as we navigate this difficult season

Your prayers, your shares, and your kindness truly mean the world to us.

I know this season is hard but I’m still full of faith. I’m praying and believing that one day soon, I will be strong enough to return to the profession I love: nursing. I want to be on the other side again not as a patient, but as a nurse who brings comfort, strength, and hope to others.

Until then, thank you for being part of my healing journey.

With all my heart,

Jaythde

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July 26, 2025

Hi everyone, update!

I was sent home on July 17.

Just wanted to share what happened before my discharge. I had on-and-off fevers that didn’t go away despite antibiotics and Tylenol. Blood cultures were done, but all came back negative for infection. My doctor then ordered a CT scan, which revealed pulmonary edema. I was referred to a respirologist, who suggested doing a bronchoscopy to see what was going on in my lungs and determine the specific medication I might need.

However, my doctor decided not to proceed with the bronchoscopy. Instead, they did a viral swab and it turned out I had contracted COVID. I was started on Remdesivir for 3 days.

Thank God, I only experienced mild symptoms, mostly sneezing and a runny nose.

Some good news:

My platelet count is up to 146, all without transfusion!

Hemoglobin is at 92.

Neutrophils are at 0.29, still below normal, but we’re getting there!

I’m so grateful for all your prayers and support. Please continue to include me in your prayers as I face two more chemo cycles ahead.

My second bone marrow biopsy was already done on Monday, July 21 (still awaiting for result).

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent gifts, your generosity means so much and has been a big help to my family.

To my amazing donors, your kindness truly lifts my spirits and lightens our burden. I am deeply thankful.

God is good. ALWAYS. ✨

I will start my consolidation chemo on Monday, July 28.

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