Living a life of significant

Living a life of significant

Living with dialysis can be a huge burden to many people. Moreso financial struggles mean regular treatment isn’t possible. Not knowing how and where to seek financial assistance makes their circumstances doubly challenging.

B. Braun Avitum’s Social Worker Team aims to lift some of these burdens. The team identifies indigent patients and helps process financial assistance for their treatments. The team partners with offices such as the Department of Social Welfare, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the Office of the Vice President, and the Office of the President.

Because their roles greatly impact the most vulnerable, Avitum social workers Marrianne Talan, Marjorie Coligado, and Lhea Balce know how crucial it is to do their jobs well.

Marrianne deeply understands the challenges experienced by renal patients. She has seen her mother struggle with dialysis. This is why challenges like traveling 8 hours via sea and land transport to cover her assignments in South Luzon don’t faze her very much. “I decided to become a social worker in healthcare because I saw the immediate need for people like me to address long-term needs like needing regular treatments,” she said.

Not all challenges are as simple as having to travel long distances and compiling documents. The stress of their circumstances can sometimes lead patients to direct their ire towards social workers. In many cases, their intent is to get their funds faster. Despite this, Marjorie keeps her chin up.

"I'm grateful for the work I do in South Luzon. It positively impacts the lives of other people positively. I realize I’m living the life I’ve always wanted"

Lhea agrees with this sentiment. “In my role, I am able to empower, advocate for, and motivate patients and their families. This is my opportunity to change lives. Together with our team, hope is restored for the patients. They will cope better with their situation,” she shares. Her contribution motivates her to promptly process requests in her areas in Rizal, Quezon City, and Manila.

While hard at work caring for others, they in turn feel cared for by B. Braun. “I’m able to maintain work-life balance in my company,” Marjorie shares. “My job allows me to financially provide for and enjoy quality time with my loved ones.” Marianne adds, “I’ve been into several companies before. What makes me stay in B. Braun is the fact that they take care of their employees well.” Lhea feels that she’s able to grow within the company while enjoying the benefits of her employment. “I was looking for an exciting and fast-paced career. B. Braun offers me many opportunities to learn in my field.”