A Ray of Hope: Carla Mae Martillan’s Story
Carla was only sixteen years old when life tested her in ways that most people twice her age could hardly endure. Growing up in Libod, a barangay in Camalig, Albay, her days were often filled with the hum of the wind through the trees surrounding their small home and the laughter of neighborhood children playing by the roadside. But behind her smiles was the burden of poverty. Her father worked as a seasonal carpenter, earning barely enough to buy food for their family. Her mother, a housekeeper, struggled to make ends meet, taking on extra errands from the neighborhood to provide for Carla’s siblings so they would have something to eat.
Despite their circumstances, Carla was a determined student. She dreamed of finishing school to earn a degree and help her family escape the cycle of poverty. She often studied at night by the dim light from the street lamp post just to finish her school task. But suddenly, her dreams were nearly shattered.
The Onset of Illness
It started with a cough – harsh and dry. But she ignored what she feels as her family couldn’t afford to see a doctor for every ailment, and for them, cough and fever were common. Weeks passed, and instead of improving, her cough worsened, deeper and painful and was accompanied by night sweats and fatigue.
Carla’s once lively spirit began to fade. She could no longer keep up with her lessons. Walking to school left her gasping for breath. Her friends avoided her due to weight loss and heavy cough, fearing that her illness was contagious.
By the time her mother took her to the barangay health center, Carla had grown weak and frail. Upon hearing her symptoms, immediately referred her for sputum testing. Days later, the diagnosis arrived – Carla Mae had pulmonary tuberculosis. For her family, the diagnosis was devastating. It is treatable but required consistent medication for at least 6 months to 1 year. While the government provided free TB medicines, there were other hidden costs – nutritious food, vitamins and regulars check-ups which the family could hardly afford.
The Arrival of Help
It was during the Legazpi City ’Host’ Lions Club, PMJF monthly Diabetes Awareness Medical Check-up and Provision of Medicines came into picture. The Club had been running for almost 4 years of diabetes medical mission at Libod,Camalig, Albay. One of the Barangay Health Workers suggested to bring Carla Mae to the covered court where the medical mission of the club was held. Barangay volunteers helped to bring Carla at the covered court. Through the leadership of Legazpi City Host Lions Club President, Lions Paulin Imperial-Dy, PMJF, and Diabetes Chairperson, Lion Dr. Ronald E. Santelices and other members of the club present, they extended assistance to Carla Mae. They provided her medicines, financial assistance and wheelchair so she move freely without the assistance of others. More than that, the club gave encouragement, assuring Carla Mae that TB was curable and that with proper treatment, she could recover and return to her dreams.
A Slow but Steady Recovery
Carla Mae’s road to recovery was not easy. TB treatment came with side effects. Carla Mae endured them all, but with the encouragement of her family and the Legazpi City ‘Host’ Lions Club, she persevered. Slowly, she regained weight, cough lessened and her strength began to return. After 3 months of continued treatment and care, she improved. More importantly, she is determined not to let her illness rob her of education.
Returning to School
For 3 months of monitoring and treatment and care, Carla Mae’s health improved. Her smile returned and her cheeks grew rosy again. When the school year resumed, Carla Mae proudly wore her uniform once more. She was warmly welcomed back by her classmates and teachers. The Legazpi City ‘Host’ Lions Club, PMJF will continue to support and monitor her, providing medicines, check-ups, and financial assistance to help with her daily needs.
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