At that time, she was doing research on a variety of lung problems and the various microorganisms that caused what were called “acute respiratory infections”. Her celebrated work on drug-resistant TB was to come a decade later. By that time in 1997 she had long since left government service and was the head of the Tropical Disease Foundation (TDF), a private organization based at the Makati Medical Center.
Driven as she was to excel as a physician, scientist, and health leader, Thelma had qualities which endeared her to her co-workers and subordinates. While tough, she was never arrogant nor condescending. On the contrary, to me she manifested the vulnerability of someone who knew she depended on many others to get results. And good results she did achieve because she evoked the loyalty and good faith of many who had the good sense and good fortune to journey with her on many collaborative undertakings. “Huwag mo akong iwanan” she would often say to a co-worker whose professional companionship, dedication, and hard work she valued.
Thelma was kind-hearted to the very core of her being. I saw this at work when she single-handedly organized a fund-raising concert for a classmate who was imprisoned in the US on charges of trafficking highly regulated drugs. Her classmate who was a practicing psychiatrist needed help to cover her legal fees. Thelma talked her UP friends and colleagues who could sing, dance, or play a musical instrument into performing in that benefit concert. I was one of those who agreed to play a medley of songs on the piano. I remember that concert for all the anxiety it caused me – performing live at PhilAm Life Auditorium. Happily, the concert went very well, I got through my performance without mishap, and the goal of fund-raising was achieved.
On another occasion, I knew that Thelma opened the doors of her home to another classmate who was afflicted with brain cancer. Thelma housed him and his wife through his terminal illness until he passed away.
Thelma’s concern for others went beyond her concern for personal friends. In one sense, this is where her greatness of spirit lay. She fought for the least of our brethren,
many of whom suffered from multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. She lobbied public health authorities, stormed the gates of funding agencies, and held high the research evidence to prove the importance of creating a national program against multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Through this initiative she became physician, scientist, health leader, and patriot all rolled into one. It is because of her efforts that many patients with drug-resistant TB, nameless to us, have hope.
And in the face of adversity she was steadfast. She once told me when faced with a setback: “I try not to dwell on it.”
This is the Thelma Tupasi who endeared herself to me and to many, many others whose lives intersected with hers.
I will remember Thelma for the example of her life.
In behalf of my wife Ellerie and I, and all of her friends, we wish to say: “Thelma, we love you!”
Our condolences and prayers for Thelma and her family, Dr. Claver, George, Vil, Gina, and John Paul.
May she forever rest in Our Lord’s peace.