The good fight of faith

Today I bring before you my family's petition to God for healing. God alone is Sovereign and we appeal for His goodness, His faithfulness.

My eldest brother Errol Cris , 42 years old was recently diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal and gastric cancer. He has been experiencing moderate chest pains/epigastric pains that he sought consult in the ER as necessary. ECG, chest x-ray, routine bloodworks were normal. Symptoms persisted and was advised to have endoscopy hence, the procedure was done on July 22, 2023. The result yielded esophageal new growth. He has been passing out dark-colored stools. He complained difficulty in swallowing, has lost his appetite and eventually lost 15 lbs. in a month. This led to anemia, was admitted in the hospital for transfusion of 5 packs of whole blood. An abdominal CT scan was done, the impression: varisized hepatic nodules, suspicious for metastasis, a partially collapsed stomach with suspicious thickening at the stomach fundus.

With the endoscopic biopsy and CT scan results, for a moment we recoiled in grief, wept bitterly as we couldn't discern why of all people... my beloved brother has cancer. He's a man of faith, such admirable strong faith in God. He is saved. He's a responsible, devoted, loving family man; a father to 2 boys aged 17 & 9 whom he raised in the fear of God. He's a faithful, affectionate husband to his adorable, loving wife. He's an obedient son; a sweet, protective, supportive brother to us. Friends regard him as a man of good report, amiable, always positive.

Amidst moments of anguish, we encouraged ourselves in the Lord. We never ceased to pray and asked God for His grace and mercy especially at this time. We continue to live with songs in our hearts knowing that our Great Creator God is "working all things after the counsel of His own will."

Last August 5, 2023 my brother was started on a combination of IV and oral chemotherapy. He saw his surgeon today and ordered for a PET Scan to stage the cancer. His 2nd chemo cycle will be on August 26. He has to complete 5 cycles of chemo in the coming months and they all have to be paid for out of his own pocket. My brother has used up all his medical benefits with all the ER trips, hospitalization, procedures, etc. As we foresee more lab tests to be done(with frequent monitoring of his blood counts) we anticipate more expenditures along the course of treatments. PET scan and chemotherapy are too expensive.

It's at this point that we humbly request for your support to help meet the medical needs of my brother. We prayed for God's wisdom, His guidance and direction so that we can be confident we are indeed in His will as we undertake this appeal to you. As we ask in faith we know God will help us and will move and touch the hearts of individuals to help him out. We pray that God will lead you to respond to His gentle nudge and be encouraged to answer the call for help with a tangible expression of His love. God's goodness shines best in darkest times!

We thank God for the love of family, church, and friends who have supported my brother from the very beginning. Please continue to uphold us in your prayers.

Our source of strength... our source of hope - In Christ alone!