Hi everyone, my name is Angela Mandap, I am Celestina's Godmother, Auntie, advocate, and I work as an Oncology Pediatric registered nurse at UCSF Children's Hospital Oakland Infusion center.  

 

I asked our brother and sister, Osvaldo and Cheryl, how I can be there for them during this time. They asked that I create this page for Cece and for you all to be updated on  Celestina's current status and treatment.

 

Celestina's journey began at the beginning of October 2021, when she was admitted to Kaiser Oakland Pediatrics Department for the first time. Celestina presented with a fever and her blood levels were low. Although the news was scary, Celestina did not complain at all. She simply asked for crayons and pajamas from home. She was discharged two weeks later without a diagnosis, which is common with infection in children her age.  They ran all the appropriate tests. We were happy that she got to go home without a diagnosis!  She continued to get labs every week  to monitor her blood and steroid levels. She remained very strong throughout, and was so happy to be Cheryl's work assistant while Cheryl worked from home!

 

On December 1st, 2021,  Cheryl and Osvaldo got a  call from Cece's doctor asking for Celestina to come in for another admission  because her weekly labs were abnormal.  Chapter 2 of celestina's journey began on 12/1/2021 with another admission. This time they were able to diagnose Cece with B CELL Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  Now with a clear diagnosis, Celestina can get the treatment to help her recover! Praise God. Celestina was admitted for only 8 days for her induction phase of chemo. She was discharged on 12/9/2021  and is now comfortable at home. Enjoying movie nights with her family. Because our strong girl is high risk  and immunocompromised, it is important that Cheryl, Osvaldo, Celestina, and Sebastian are very careful during this time.

 

Although the cause of Cece's diagnosis is unknown, we do know that children age three and under have a very great success rate with treatment.   She will get better and come back even stronger!  She will continue her journey at Kaiser Oakland Pediatric Outpatient Infusion Center. The great news is that she will not have to sleep in the hospital and will be able to  go home the same day as her appointment for medicine.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly if you cannot get a hold of Osvaldo and Cheryl.

 

All my love and God bless!

 

Angela Mandap

510.754.4970

She is Clothed in Strength & Dignity, and she Laughs Without Fear of The Future. Proverbs 31:25