01/11/2025
𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮 was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer (Stage 2B) in January 2023 at NKTI, after she had self-detected symptoms a month earlier. Her journey involved surgery and a demanding course of eight chemotherapies and 32 radiotherapies. Despite the immense physical strain, Sister Helen chose faith over fear. This is her powerful account of experiencing God's unfailing grace and the refuge she found in her community.
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Learning that I might have cancer was both stressful and terrifying. Yet when I met 𝗗𝗿. 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗥. 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗼ñ𝗲𝘇, something in me felt calm. She had an aura of compassion and quiet assurance that everything would be alright. Each time I left her clinic, a small but steady flame of hope remained in my heart.
I had my operation last February 2023. Countless negative thoughts lingered at the back of my mind. As the nurse gently pushed my wheelchair toward the operating room, he said, “Kakayanin mo ha, at magpagaling ka.” Those words seemed simple, yet their impact on me was profound. It quieted my fears, and somehow brought calm to my anxious heart. In that moment, I felt God speaking to me through the kindness of a stranger—reminding me that I was not alone with an assurance that everything will be alright.
The healthcare team at NKTI is truly accommodating and friendly. They show genuine sensitivity to the needs of their patients, offering care that goes beyond words. Their quiet gestures of attentiveness, patience, and sacrifice speak volumes about their dedication. Their service consistently exceeds expectations, reflecting a deep sense of compassion that has become a beautiful hallmark of the institution’s culture. Indeed, I can say that NKTI stands as a medical institution par excellence—a place where professionalism and humanity meet.
Healing is not only found in medicine but also in the kindness of those who care. My sincere appreciation goes to the healthcare professionals of NKTI for their exemplary service and heartfelt commitment to patient care. You truly embody the spirit of excellence in your profession. Thank you for being instruments of comfort and hope.
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𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗞𝗧𝗜 is an initiative by the Strategy Management Division that shines a spotlight on the personal healthcare testimonies of NKTI patients. Every individual's path to recovery is a testament to the impact we make, and each step forward is a moment worth celebrating.
