Big Dreams to the Big Ben: The Inspirational Journey of Peter John Tetangco

by Andrea H. Trinidad

“It hit me: I needed to step up, to try harder despite my illness, and to live for my mother, who sacrificed everything for us.”

Peter John “PJ” Tetangco, 27, has turned a life of challenges into a tale of triumph. Living with severe hemophilia A, PJ grew up with many limitations on physical activities and experienced several life-threatening bleeds. His is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of community support.

PJ with his mother Marietta during his graduation cer

PJ was raised by his mother, Marietta, a single parent who faced the daunting task of providing for her children without a steady income. The financial strain was significant, especially with the medical costs associated with PJ’s condition. Despite these hardships, Marietta’s unwavering support and PJ’s fighting spirit formed a foundation of hope.

Understanding the importance of education as a pathway to a better life, PJ aspired to become a nurse. However, the financial burden of such an endeavor seemed insurmountable. This is where Save One Life (SOL), an organization dedicated to assisting individuals with bleeding disorders, came into play. Through their financial support, scholarship grants, and a constant supply of factor concentrates from Project SHARE, PJ was able to pursue and complete his nursing degree.

The journey was not easy. Balancing the demands of his studies with managing his health required PJ to draw on reserves of strength and perseverance.

“Honestly, I wanted to give up then. But I saw my mother’s sacrifices for me. She was working day and night, under the scorching sun and through stormy rains, trying to fill the roles of both mother and father. It hit me: I needed to step up, to try harder despite my illness, and to live for my mother, who sacrificed everything for us,” he said.

His commitment paid off when he successfully graduated with a nursing degree, a significant achievement that was only the beginning of his professional journey.

In 2022, PJ achieved another milestone by passing the licensure examination to become a registered nurse. This accomplishment was not just a personal victory but a testament to the collective effort of those who believed in him, including his mother, his community, and the organizations that supported him.

“Just like an angel, Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines came and helped me turn my dreams into reality. Tita Andrea and her fellow co-officers continuously supported me, not only with factors but also by motivating me to pursue my dreams, and helping me apply for sponsorship from Save One Life,” he shared.

Last June, PJ started a new chapter as he left for the United Kingdom to work as a nurse in London. The move represents not only a professional advancement but also the realization of a dream that once seemed out of reach.

PJ’s gratitude towards HAP, Save One Life, and its founder, Ms. Laurie Kelley, is profound. “To Ms. Laurie Kelley, Project SHARE, Save One Life, to all the people behind Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines, and especially my fellow hemophiliacs, thank you for everything,” he said, acknowledging that their support has been instrumental in changing the trajectory of his life.

PJ shared a Latin phrase that inspired him: “Dum Spiro Spero,” which means “While I breathe, I hope.”

“May this serve as a reminder to all the readers to never quit, never give up. As long as we are still alive, there is hope,” he said.