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Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine
I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live
(David Haas, 1991)
Prima Glor, or Rio, was the 8th of 14 children of my Uncle Primo and Auntie Gloria in Talavera, Nueva Ecija. She was the first to go among her siblings.
How did she die?
It started in 2005 with a tiny lump on her back — the size of a grain of corn. By 2010, the tiny lump had grown as big as a medium-sized mango fruit.
Cita, the eldest child in the family, had been busy and mostly absent from her hometown. Her appointment as NEDA Regional Director of the Caraga Region in Mindanao had kept her away.
When Cita realized that Rio needed urgent medical attention, she took the driver’s seat and never abandoned Rio no matter how turbulent the journey had been.
Initially, Rio consulted Philippine-based oncologists. They said she had chondrosarcoma, cancer of the bones and joints, and they wanted to amputate her right arm. Rio refused amputation. She said, “If I will die, I want to die with my whole body intact.”
So Cita took Rio to China where Rio underwent cryotherapy, a much-publicized new cancer protocol in which the cancerous cells are frozen and killed.
Juan Carlo, a 20-year old nephew who had just graduated from college, went with Cita and Rio to China. JC served as all-around bodyguard, porter, nurse aide, cook, housekeeper, and cheerleader.
The trip to China proved useless. Rio hated cryotherapy. Worse, another lump showed up on Rio’s back.
With Cita’s support, Rio turned to organic food therapy from 2011 onwards. But in 2013, Rio’s lumps burst into open wounds. She was rushed to a hospital in Cabanatuan City where doctors cleaned her wounds, but told her family grimly, “Only a miracle can save Rio.”
Cita, ever gung-ho and strong-willed, said, “Then let the miracle happen.”
In September 2013, Cita shocked her staff at the NEDA Regional Office in Caraga when she filed for early retirement. She said she wanted to focus on Rio’s treatment.
Cita’s Facebook posts from August 2013 to June 2014 tell Rio’s story vividly:
August 27: Thank you, merciful Father, for a week of good appetite, sound sleep, no pains, and improved mobility for our dear sister Rio. We also ask archangels St. Michael and St. Raphael to continue holding her in their arms for protection and healing. All this, in Jesus’ name, through Mama Mary. Amen.
Rio and family at the churchyard of Talavera, Nueva Ecija. L-R: Cedrick, Auntie Gloria, Myrna, Tess, Gigi, Rio, Ana, Cita, and Memen.
September 23: Thank you, Father God, for the continuous outpouring of blessings for Rio and our family. She was able to hear mass in our parish and at the Monasterio de Tarlac in San Jose, Tarlac. This afternoon at 3:00 pm, she will undergo a follow-up procedure for her wounds, as part of the healing process. We continue to seek Your guidance for her medical team, and patience and strength for her caregivers. We pray for a successful procedure today, dear Jesus. We give You back the glory!
May 16: Our family conveys our deepest gratitude to all those who helped us look for blood donors. Rio is now off from oxygen and drips. Thanks very much to Engr. Danny Tamayo (DDT Konstrak) whose foundation sent so many donors we ended up having 2 extra bags; Dr. Cherry Raneses, Reiki master who performed Reiki healing and psychic surgery on Rio, and all our relatives and friends. Thank you, Jesus, for another opportunity to witness to your glory and mercy!
June 6: Rio is still fighting sepsis. Father God, thy will be done!
June 14: Rio joined her Creator yesterday, June 13, Feast of St. Anthony de Padua, at 4:10 in the morning. It was a peaceful exit. We thank God for the wonderful 52 years He has lent Rio to us.
Our family wish to thank everyone who were with us during our fight. Rio had the best care and attention, and the most fervent prayers from everyone who knew her plight. In the end, it was her appointed time with the Lord, and we are happy that she is now fully at rest and at peace. No more pills, injections, oxygen, intravenous drips, coffee enema, fruit and vegetable juices.
You are now with the Lord, dearest Rio. Thank you, dear Jesus.
* * *
Auntie Gloria, 86-year old mother of Rio and her 13 siblings, stood courageously and faithfully throughout Rio’s fight with the big C. Her composure and optimism kept her extended family together as they battled chondrosarcoma.
They didn’t win the battle, but they triumphed with their deep faith in God’s infinite goodness. They triumphed with their deep faith that death is resting in God’s arms, that death is the beginning of peace.
Ador, Rio’s youngest sibling, said it so simply and so profoundly, “Good night, sis. Your kindness, strength and courage will always be an inspiration. Peace out and catch you on the other side.”