Francesism

When you are a 22-year old graduate with a master’s degree from one of the country’s top universities, you have your whole future ahead of you. You feel invincible and you’re blind to any possible hardships that you may face. Everyday you read of people whose lives have been changed drastically by cancer, but never did you think that it could happen to you. Never did you think that you’d be asked to fight such a difficult battle.

Cancer is often seen as a distant reality, one whose effects are never really felt or is never really understood until it happens to you or someone you know and deeply care about. Last October 3, 2008, we understood. John Aikle Cuevas, a graduate from the University of Asia and the Pacific, our batch mate, our classmate, and our friend was suddenly admitted into the hospital for an emergency blood transfusion. At a very young age of 22, with his whole life ahead of him, John Aikle Cuevas was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) - cancer.

John Aikle Cuevas, popularly known as Aikle, graduated last June 2008 with a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. He was able to go to this notoriously expensive university solely by his own merit. For 5 years he was on the University’s scholarship program. Year after year, he was able to meet the high standards demanded by the University from its scholars. On top of this, he even managed to become part of the dean’s list on numerous occasions.

Aikle’s father works in a tire retreading shop in Cubao while his mother has a small sari-sari store. Being the eldest of 3, he is considered the breadwinner of the family. During his internship, while his classmates were spending their allowance on themselves, Aikle’s allowance went towards helping the family cope with their expenses. Whatever he had left for himself, he used it to treat his siblings on their birthdays for simple meals or a movie at the mall.

He never complained and he was never bitter about his situation. Where most people in his place would either crumble or surrender, Aikle only became stronger. He constantly has a smile across his face and has always been known as a genuinely considerate friend. He never forgets to pray and would always offer all his work for the greater glory of God.

Once tests are completed, chemotherapy for Aikle will begin as soon as possible. It is in this light that we humbly ask for your help.  We would like to ask for your assistance in raising funds for our friend Aikle. Any amount that you can give will go a long way towards his recovery and would truly mean a lot to him and his family.

You can give your donations directly to us, or through the following:

Aikle Cuevas Fund Box (c/o Vanessa Jimenez)

School of Communication Office

3rd Floor, CAS Building

University of Asia and the Pacific

Ortigas, Pasig City

BPI Savings Account

Account Number: 1899-1468-12

Account Name: Edgardo P. Gonzales Jr.

When treated properly, 50 – 75% of adult AML patients experience complete remission of the disease. With your prayers and your donations, let us make Aikle part of that 50-75%. Together, let us all help Aikle overcome the biggest fight of his life. Let us make him know that he’s not in this fight alone.

Sincerely,

Class of SCL / SDL

Integrated Marketing Communications

Batch 2007 & 2008