Filipino American Music Website - Poptimes Magazine | 18-year old stricken with rare disease; family in Queens asks for support | Franz Pantaleon, Extra-Skeletal Ewingís Sarcoma, Fil-Am bands, benefit for Franz, The Happy Analogues, the Kuwagos, Qwadra, Sodapop Suicide, Wallows

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18-year old stricken with rare disease; family in Queens asks for support

Written by Ted Reyes

Thursday, 19 March 2009

Franz

•Fil-Am bands to hold benefit show for Franz on May 30 in NYC

•American doctors and hospitals called upon to help Franz with this rare disease

•Donation channels now established in New York

NEW YORK– The human mind cannot comprehend many things. And the story of a young 18-year old Filipino college student named Franz Pantaleon is one of those. The eldest of three, Franz is a regular kid who loves graphic novels, photography, computers and cooking Chinese food. He is the loving son of Rach and F Pantaleon, who always looked at their firstborn with love and happiness. However, in late of 2008, things began to unravel, and Franz, along with his family and relatives are never the same.

Franz initially complained of pains in his left flank side, which alleviated when he took pain pills. Then he urinated blood once, but his doctor just suspected a minor passing of stones.

A December check up with a pediatrician revealed nothing extraordinary. However, in January 2009, Franz began to complain of pain, this time, on the right flank side. Likewise, he urinated blood several times. An ultrasound later, that same week revealed a large tumor in his left kidney. He was scheduled for a nephrectomy, or the removal of the affected kidney. But due to possible complications, the doctors voted against the surgery. Instead, a new drug was introduced to target the renal cells.

A biopsy of Franz tumor also caused several complications. Blood clots formed his urinary bladder and he was catheterized and later on underwent emergency cystoscopy for clot evacuation. After two harrowing weeks in the hospital capped by a blood transfusion, Franz was discharged.

Three days after his discharge from the Philippine General Hospital, Franz collapsed. He had difficulty breathing and was stricken with high fever. Doctors agreed to stop the new drug since it was not helping Franz's condition. Also, initial biopsy results suspected lymphoma but was later on ruled out.

Finally, after undergoing a battery of tests at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, a final diagnosis was made: Franz has Extra-Skeletal Ewingís Sarcoma, a rare disease identified as a primary malignancy of bone and deep soft cell tissues affecting children and young adults. The condition is so rare and onlym very few data are available addressing optimal surgical and oncologic treatment modalities.

Upon diagnosis, Franz was again confined to the hospital where he underwent surgery to insert a power port below his chest and right collarbone. The port is connected to his jugular vein to allow easy for intravenous drugs. Franz likewise received his first round of chemotherapy.

Despite all these medical complications, Franz remains steadfast in his faith in God is stronger than ever: "When I pray, I pray that the doctors would find the answers and that God would see me through this. I never doubted that I would be okay," Franz said. "Just because I have an illness doesnít mean I'm sick."

According to Franz's mother Rach, she was surprised one time when Franz told her how he felt he does not deserve this. Rach felt sorry and told Franz that indeed he did not deserve this disease hat threatens to end his life at a very young age. To which Franz corrected his mother: "I meant I donít deserve all the blessings."

Since Franz's story came out, many people have expressed their support whether financially or spiritually. Filipino musicians will be staging a fund raising show for Franz this month at a bar named Saguijo that will be spearheaded by famous Pinoy Rock band, Sandwich.

Support in the Fil-Am community

Franz lives with his family in Manila, but he has relatives living here in Queens. Franz's grandmother, an uncle and an aunt live near Woodside, and another uncle lives in the Bronx.

The family is asking the Filipino community here to pray for Franz's recovery as well as provide any fund raising methods to help ease the mounting medical costs.

Likewise, the Filipino Express is putting out this story in the hope that it will reach some American doctors and hospitals that are willing to sponsor Franz's necessary medical procedures to ensure his recovery.

Also, on Saturday, May 30, 2009, Filipino-American musical artists will stage a benefit concert for Franz at Fontana's in New York City. Artists that will perform include, The Happy Analogues, Qwadra, The Kuwagos, Wallows and more.

Details about the benefit show will be announced soon. For members of the Fil-Am community who wish to help out, you an contact Franz's aunt Carol who lives in Queens: Carol Evangelista 646-318-8846 email: ccevangelista@ yahoo.com

For those who wish to send in donations in check, please send donations to Franzís uncle: Philip Evangelista 22-19 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, New York

A facebook group has also been created for Franz. Visit http://www.facebook. com/group.php?sid=45654cd 65be93020f8b0b229432b68b7 &gid=133317600625 for more info.

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