What was a difficult struggle in her youth turned out to be a way for Brice Serquiña to find her life’s path. After being diagnosed with the rare condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which caused her skin to detach from her body, Brice had to overcome many painful procedures at a young age.
We got in touch with the 26-year-old, who just recently graduated from medical school, after stumbling upon her post on Facebook.
She shares how she was diagnosed with both Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS), which is usually caused by a severe infection or an allergic reaction to a certain medication.
“My pediatrician in Iligan City had a strong suspicion I had SJS because of my recent intake of Cotrimoxazole and rashes. I initially had rashes before my skin sloughed off. Then I was brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center where the doctors diagnosed me with TENS already, that time, my skin was detaching already,” she recalled in an interview with theAsianparent Philippines. “At present, I am not sure how they mananged me since I don’t have a copy of their management. What I knew was that I was SLMC’s 1st case of TENS and my management was more or less a trial. I had about 10 specialists at that time. What I know is that I had debridement.”
She may not recall the specifics of her treatment, but she has not forgotten its significance. Undergoing the process of healing led her to realize that her calling was to “heal.”
“The conviction of healed to heal is something I personally hold. Much is required from whom much is given,” shared Brice.
She also shared her story on Facebook in a post that has gained nearly 2,000 shares.
It was her father, who is a stay-at-home parent, who pushed her to dream big, to work hard, and to have faith.
Brice confesses her mom, who holds PhD of Mathematics in Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU -IIT), did not initially support her dream.
“My mother is actually the one challenging my dream to become a doctor. She is afraid of what a doctor would cost,” she continued. “Not just financial but also the sacrifice it entails.”
It was her father, who is a stay-at-home parent, pushed her to dream big, to work hard and, to have faith.
“My father is the one who supports our dreams. Even if he does not contribute financially, he is the one who encourages us to dream and tells us to trust God. My grandparents also have a large part in terms of encouragement and prayers.”
“My father is the one who supports our dreams. Even if he does not contribute financially…”
Her sister, who is seven years younger than also aspires to be a doctor one day. “My sister is my best friend and I call her weekly to talk about life.”
Her journey has not been without struggles. On top of the challenges that come with studying medicine, she’s had to overcome financial constraints and occasional misunderstandings with her mom.
Through it all, she’s found strength in her faith.
“In everything, I acknowledge that the Lord has a large part in it. Praying on my knees and calling out to God, remembering what He personally did for me and reminding Him of His promises in the Bible were what I did,” she marveled, adding how having “godly friends and people who prayed” for her helped her overcome all her struggles.
Many were inspired by her story, but what would she tell a young girl who would find herself in a similar position?
“I would tell that young girl that God has a wonderful purpose for her life,” assured Brice. “It may not look like it at first, but when we seek God through prayer and reading the Bible, we slowly discover His will for our lives. Make God first and everything will fall in place. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
READ: Son of a tricycle driver who topped medical board exam almost quit medical school
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