A once-healthy and hardworking teenager from Mangaldan, Pangasinan is now fighting for his life after a rapidly growing tumor left him weak, unable to speak, and struggling to breathe.

Salvador Macaraeg, Jr., also known as Eloy, is a 17-year-old who used to help support his family by working as a dried-fish delivery worker in Abra. His family described him as masipag at matulungin when he was still healthy. Two months ago, Eloy returned home complaining of a small lump on his neck, which worsened quickly.

According to his father, Salvador Macaraeg Sr., the family could not seek medical care immediately due to financial hardship.

“Umuwi, may bukol na maliit. Syempre wala kaming pera na pampa-doktor. Lumaki ng lumaki hanggang sa wala na. Wala akong magagawa, sabi kong ganun,” he said.

Eloy’s condition continued to deteriorate as the mass on his neck grew larger, eventually making it hard for him to breathe. Doctors were forced to create an opening in his neck to help him breathe properly.

His sister, Camila Ico, said doctors have diagnosed the tumor as cancerous, a development that worries the family deeply.

“Yung pinakanakakatakot po yung masabihan na wala nang gamot yung sakit niya,” she said.

Despite his condition, Eloy remains hopeful, according to his family. Camila shared that her brother still holds on to his dreams.

“Marami siyang pangarap. Sabi niya magpapatayo siya ng bahay ng magulang ko. Kaya dapat lumaban siya para matupad yung pangarap niya sa magulang namin,” she said.

Eloy is set to undergo further laboratory tests to determine the exact type and stage of his cancer. As medical expenses continue to rise, the Macaraeg family is appealing to the public for financial assistance to help sustain his treatment.

The local government of Mangaldan has already visited the family and extended initial financial aid.

Meanwhile, health authorities continue to remind the public not to ignore symptoms and to seek medical consultation early to prevent illnesses from worsening.