Enseningan Epel
Community Hero 2005
Her friends at school and the hospital know her as Enseni. But her family prefers to call her “Nikes.” Originally from Truk, a tropical island region of Micronesia, Enseningan’s family is blessed with many children (six boys and four girls in all!). She and her siblings can pass hours playing together, and love singing songs in their native tongue, Trukese. At school, Enseningan loves to study English and has a special flair for writing. Considering her Pacific Island background, it’s no wonder she loves to eat fresh fish.
Diagnosed last year with Aplastic Anemia, a bone marrow failure syndrome, Enseningan, 15, must battle a suppressed immune system, receive frequent platelet transfusions, and undergo blood checks on a weekly basis. Because of her condition she has experienced a seizure, some memory loss and learning difficulties.
Through it all, say her parents, Enseningan stays strong. “Even when she feels weak, she still tries so hard.” With her loving ways and unbending courage, this young lady sets an incredible example for her siblings. To Enseningan, a hero is someone who can be brave in any situation, a person who fights for something good.
