March 29, 2025
Tzu Chi supports a father’s recovery
By Dorothy Castro
Forty-seven-year-old Elmer Juampit’s return to work is not only a testament to his recovery, but a result of his and his family’s perseverance to overcome the challenges of his health.
A nursing aide at Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC), Juampit has always been hands-on with household tasks and raising his two children with the help of Odessa Jauod, his common-law wife.
Juampit has been taking maintenance medicine to manage his epilepsy. In 2022, the unexpected happened: He started having episodes of seizures. When he lost consciousness, he was rushed to the hospital.
It was then discovered that Juampit had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), the incorrect formation of blood vessels, in his case, his brain. Eventually, he was also diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm in his brain, a bulging artery that hasn’t popped, making it potentially fatal. Both conditions were giving him headaches, dizziness, and vomiting, adding to his original symptoms.
To treat his AVM and unruptured aneurysm, Juampit underwent various surgeries at QMMC and University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital, including the radiation procedure stereotactic radiosurgery. In 2023, He stayed in the intensive care unit for a month, then enrolled in physical therapy to address the effects of his condition. Jauod, an admin assistant, courageously supported her husband and children throughout the recovery process. However, even if the cost of the surgeries were shouldered by his employers at QMMC, she still felt the strain of being the family’s sole provider.
“When Elmer got sick, I had to financially support the family by myself,” said Jauod, who teared up at the memory of suddenly becoming the family’s breadwinner. She eventually sought the help of her mother-in-law, who looked after Juampit while she worked. “Apart from my duties for the family as a wife and mother, I also took on everything my husband did for us. I did the carpentry and plumbing in the house, among many others. It was truly a huge struggle.”
Jauod sighed in relief when they encountered the Tzu Chi Foundation in November 2023, two months into Juampit’s recovery from his stereotactic radiosurgery. With the recommendation of her boss’ aunt, Jauod explained her husband’s circumstances to Tzu Chi volunteers. The volunteers visited their home and recommended providing for Juampit’s needs during his recovery.
This began their journey with Tzu Chi. Every month, the foundation provided them with Juampit’s prescription medicines. Additionally, they regularly receive two sacks of rice, grocery items, and vitamins during Tzu Chi’s quarterly Charity Day events.
Jauod felt so much gratitude as she recalled everyone who was instrumental in Juampit’s recovery.
Juampit, who is gradually regaining his mobility and can do the things he loves, such as cooking delicious meals for his family, is beyond words. “I’m grateful for Tzu Chi’s help. They gave me medicines, vitamins, and groceries,” he said. Last December 2024, more than a year after his life-changing diagnosis, he was able to return to work as a nursing aid in QMMC.
“Everyone said that his survival was truly a miracle. From being bedridden to now being able to walk, it is a joy to witness,” said Jauod.
Elmer Juampit recovers at home after undergoing surgery to treat his arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and unruptured aneurysm.
Elmer Juampit (left), and his common-law wife Odessa Jauod.
Elmer Juampit (first from right) spends quality time with his family.
Elmer Juampit (in blue), who has worked very hard to regain his mobility after his surgery, can now sign the receiving papers for his medicine from Tzu Chi.
Odessa Jauod (in white shirt with red collar) claims her husband’s vitamins and medicines during the Charity Day event held last March 24.
Odessa Jauod (in white shirt with red collar) and son Denver (third from left) participate in prayer during the Charity Day event last March 24.
Odessa Jauod (right) and son Denver pose for a photo after receiving the groceries from Tzu Chi during the Charity Day event held last March 24.
Now recovered and able to continue his work at Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC), Elmer Juampit displays immeasurable happiness.
Elmer Juampit (first from left) poses for a picture with his colleagues at Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC).