Representatives from a school in Mandaluyong City surprised a leukemia patient with a special graduation rite at the hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.
Maria Julpha Villa, 20, finished her studies to with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education at the Rizal Technological University (RTU) in Mandaluyong, but was not expecting to attend commencement exercises on May 25 due to her condition.
She was hospitalized after being diagnosed with stage 4 acute mylogenous leukemia, also known as "cancer of the blood," in February.
Hospital staff helped Villa get dressed in a graduation gown and a toga before she received her diploma and awarded with a medal of excellence.
Her parents watched in tears.
Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, president of RTU, said school officials wanted Villa to be able to mark the completion of her studies, which she worked hard for for years.
Villa had been a university scholar for four years for her skills in arnis.
Villa said she remains hopeful and prays continually to recover so she can achieve her dreams of becoming a teacher, despite her day-to-day challenge due to her illness.
Source / Image / Video: ABS-CBN
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