CORTEZ
Despite persistent aches and pains all over her body, 65-year-old Erlinda Cortez never sought treatment until she discovered swollen lymph nodes in her armpit in 2013. It later turned out to be invasive ductal carcinoma, or breast cancer.
鈥淪he is scheduled for surgery today at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center to remove her left breast,鈥� her husband, Alfredo Cortez, told the Inquirer.
A member of the Special Action Force during the time of then President Ferdinand Marcos, Alfredo left the service when he turned 40 years old in the mid-80s and turned to farming in his wife鈥檚 home province of Bacolor, Pampanga.
鈥淏ecause she is my dependent, the operation will be done free of charge,鈥� he said. However, he asked Inquirer readers for help since he must raise around P30,000 for three tests Erlinda needs to undergo鈥擟T scans for the chest and neck (with contrast) and abdominal ultrasound.
The couple have three children who are all married and barely earn enough for their respective families, making it difficult for them to help shoulder their mother鈥檚 medical expenses.
Erlinda Cortez can be reached at 0908-9387086. Deposits may be made to Alfredo Cortez鈥檚 Landbank account (#1496101673).