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Writer's pictureLeonora Lo-oy

Family pleads help for 19-year-old college student battling lupus

Updated: Oct 14, 2022


Arlene Odam Aggalao of Aciga, Pinukpuk, has no other wish but to finish her studies to help her family alleviate their difficult living conditions. However, she is putting schooling on hold this year as she tries to overcome lupus.


The disease struck her badly and affected much of her body.


Lupus occurs when the immune system attacks body tissues and organs. The inflammation that it causes may affect joints, the skin, kidneys, blood cells, the brain, the heart, and the lungs.


Arlene, 19, was positively diagnosed with lupus this October 11, 2022, after undergoing several tests.

Arlene as a student


In an interview with Arlene’s older sister, Elviejoy Aggalao Ali, she said her sister has been working hard because she believes education can change their life. Arlene is a first-year college taking Bachelor in Elementary Education at Kalinga State University.


According to Elviejoy, Arlene is the second to the last among 8 siblings. She added that their family’s only source of income is farming. With this, Arlene has to support herself and her studies. She does this by selling fruits at the market during ‘rambutan and mandarin’ season.


“Ni ading ko ma'am ket isuna piman ti nang pa eskwela ti bagi na iti 6 nga tawen. Ket ita first year college na piman ngem insardeng na pay lang ma'am gapu daytuy sakit na,” she said.

How the disease started to afflict Arlene


Arlene had simple rashes in March this year. She was brought for a check-up and back then she was diagnosed with foot and mouth disease.


Elviejoy recalled that the rashes disappeared after taking the medication prescribed by the doctor. However, after two weeks, it came back.


Due to limited resources, she didn’t go back to the doctor until the said rashes spread all over her body, affecting her vision.


It was the last week of August that they sent Arlene to an ophthalmologist, but she was referred to a Doctor in Baguio City. However, they were only able to go this September since they have to look for money to be able to travel to Baguio.


After several tests, it was confirmed that Arlene has lupus.

To Help Arlene


Elviejoy and her family are asking kind-hearted people who could share a bit of what they have to give a chance to Arlene.


“Awan ti source of income mi ma'am ta ni father ko ket farmer, natay ni mama mi idi January 30 tatta nga tawen,” she shared.


The family shall be greatly indebted to anything that is sent to help Arlene survive her condition.


For your donation, you could send any amount to Luis Ali’s GCash, 09959835108.


*NOTE: Send only to the said number. If others pose to be a relative of the patient asking for help, please verify before sending any amount.

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