Hi everyone!

My name is Leonora Interno, and I am a 50-year-old woman humbly reaching out to ask for your support as I continue my journey living with Essential Thrombocythemia, a rare blood disorder that causes my body to produce too many platelets.

I was diagnosed with this illness in 2021, and since then, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. At first, I struggled to accept my condition. I experienced anxiety and depression, constantly asking myself how I would ever be able to live a normal life again. The uncertainty of the future was overwhelming.

Living with this condition has not only affected me emotionally but also physically. Over the years, I have experienced episodes of numbness in my right hand, tingling sensations in my feet, a tingling feeling in my head, frequent headaches, occasional numbness, and unexplained bruising. One of the most difficult symptoms I continue to struggle with is extreme fatigue. Even when I have not done anything physically demanding, I often feel exhausted and drained of energy. Simple daily tasks that others may take for granted can sometimes become challenging for me.

These symptoms have been frightening and exhausting, serving as constant reminders of the challenges that come with this illness. There are days when fear, uncertainty, and physical exhaustion take over, making even ordinary activities difficult. Despite everything, I continue to hold on to hope, do my best each day, and keep fighting with faith in God.

I am currently taking maintenance medications, including Hydroxyurea (a chemotherapy pill), Clopidogrel, and Aspirin, to help manage my condition and reduce the risk of serious complications. Despite faithfully following my treatment plan, my platelet counts have remained unstable.

Because of this, my hematologist has advised me to undergo a bone marrow biopsy to further evaluate my condition. The estimated cost of this procedure is around ₱50,000 to ₱60,000, excluding the expenses for regular laboratory tests, hematology consultations, maintenance medications, and transportation for my medical appointments.

At present, I no longer have a job. My partner has been my only source of support, carrying the burden of both my medical expenses and our daily needs. While we do everything we can to manage, the financial strain has become increasingly difficult.

Even through these challenges, I have never lost hope. I continue to place my trust in God and hold on to the belief that better days are ahead. I am doing my best to stay strong and keep fighting, one day at a time.

Today, I humbly ask for your help. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will go toward my bone marrow biopsy, medications, laboratory tests, hematology consultations, and other medical expenses related to my treatment.

If you are unable to donate, I would be deeply grateful if you could share my story and keep me in your prayers. Your kindness, generosity, and support will mean more to me than words can ever express.

Asking for help is never easy, but today I choose courage over pride. I still believe that God works through the kindness of others. Thank you for giving me hope and helping me continue this fight.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your prayers, and for standing with me during one of the most difficult chapters of my life.

With sincere gratitude, faith, and hope,

Leonora