Save Dad's Heart Fund

No matter how hectic life gets, make sure to make the time for loved ones.  On January 14, I read a message on facebook from my baby sister to schedule a Skype call with my dad and family who are all in the Philippines.  With the time difference, it meant it would have been late in the evening for me. I worked 12 hours that day and had to get up early for work again the next morning.  I had messaged my sister that same afternoon to reschedule it for the next evening.  Soon after getting home, I fell asleep thinking I would hear my phone ring when my dad called.  The phone never rang, but then, at 3 am on January 15, I woke up suddenly. When I checked my phone, my heart sank as I read “Dad had a heart attack, he’s in the ICU…”

 Diagnostic tests revealed that my dad had coronary artery blockage, some blood backflow due to his aortic valve not closing properly, and the most critical…a tear in his aorta that could at any point rupture and lead to internal hemorrhage. He has now been hospitalized for at least 7 days and currently in the ICU at Angeles University Foundation Medical Center in the Philippines.  The doctors have him bed ridden flat at all times as precaution.  He needs to have open-heart surgery to replace the entire aorta and valve and also undergo a coronary artery bypass.  The doctors want to do it all at one time. After this high risk surgery is successful, my dad would be hospitalized for 2 to 3 weeks.

We need your help.  With no health insurance in the Philippines or hospital payment plans, no money up front means no surgery.  My brothers and I, as well as my aunts in uncles in the Philippines have done what we can financially.  Many of my relatives in the Philippines who contributed don't even have much to spare. My siblings and I are trying to raise money to get our dad's surgery going, pay for hospitalization, and hopefully to pay back family who already gave more than what they could afford.

 I haven’t seen my dad, my family, or my relatives in over 12 years. I keep postponing my trip back because I couldn’t afford the money or the time off from obligations.  The last Skype session I had with my Dad was when my fiancé asked my dad for my hand in marriage. Life was starting to slowly plan out and I was excited about a chance at finally being able to go home to the Philippines.  My dad and I talked about family reunion/wedding reception once home.  My dad has yet to turn 60 this July 8, please help us so I would be able to come home to my dad and make our plans still a reality. I humbly ask for help through prayers, spreading the word, and donations.  Every little bit helps.

 Thank you for taking the time and God Bless.