Morena’s Journey: Battling Leukemia and Finding Strength in Faith and Family
Morena’s young life has been profoundly shaped by a battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a journey that began at the Children’s Hospital. Her treatment involved extensive chemotherapy, prolonged hospital stays – sometimes exceeding a week depending on the complexity of her condition – and piped therapy. A particularly poignant moment occurred on her 15th birthday when then-Minister of Health, Dr. Luis Medina Ruiz, gifted her a tablet, which became a source of comfort and entertainment during her hospitalizations.
Throughout her treatment,Morena found solace in her Catholic faith,turning to God and the Virgin Mary during the most challenging times.While she expresses gratitude for the excellent care she received at the Children’s Hospital, returning to the facility still evokes fear, bringing back memories of lengthy stays and challenging emotions. She recently required hospitalization in March for medication management,but her leukemia is currently in remission,allowing her to enjoy foods she previously couldn’t tolerate.
Currently, Morena faces another health challenge: osteonecrosis, a condition causing loss of blood supply to the bones, resulting in hip problems that necessitate the use of a wheelchair. Despite this, she diligently attempts to walk around her home each morning, preparing for a future hip replacement. She admits to being anxious about the surgery but maintains a hopeful outlook, relying on her faith for strength. Morena is resolute to finish high school and pursue her dream of studying graphic design.
Morena’s mother, Ana María, detailed the initial stages of her daughter’s treatment, which began with six months of intravenous chemotherapy at the Children’s Hospital. A catheter was later implanted for medication delivery, leading to weeks-long hospital stays where the family often couldn’t return home.
“Room 12 on the third floor felt like our home,” Ana María shared. “we had a TV, the nurses where wonderful, and we mothers supported each other immensely.” She recounted the emotional toll of those times,describing how her other daughter would visit Morena through the window. It took 40 days before Morena could leave the hospital,even with a corset and wheelchair,to continue chemotherapy treatment at home.
Ana María emphasized the profound connections forged with other mothers during this difficult period. “I am grateful for life, the hospital, and the mothers who supported each other, cried together, and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.” Morena’s health journey hasn’t been without further complications, including a recent bout of bilateral pneumonia, adding to the severity of her osteonecrosis.
Both Morena and Ana María credit their strong religious beliefs and prayer with providing crucial support throughout the ordeal. “We are very grateful to God, our friends, and especially our family,” Ana María exclaimed. “Doctors gave my daughter hours to live, but she fought so hard, it was truly a miracle. She has been reborn.”