Hi, I’m Grace. As an only child, I’ve always known that looking after my parents would fall on me, especially after my dad passed away years ago. Now, I’m facing the toughest challenge of my life: being there for my mom as she battles cancer.

Mom’s Health History

Before I moved to Canada in 2018, my mom’s healthcare needs were covered by my employer’s health insurance in the Philippines. However, now that I’ve moved here, she no longer has that benefit and the government insurance provider offers only limited coverage.

Over the years, I’ve had to pay for all of her medical expenses. My mom has other health conditions beyond her current battle with cancer. She’s been diabetic for many years, relying on insulin injections to regulate her blood sugar, and she recently underwent cataract surgery. Now, because she’s not a resident of Canada, her treatments aren’t covered, making it even more challenging.

My mom experienced some post-menopausal bleeding in June. Due to other health concerns, she dismissed it and did not mention anything to me to avoid me from worrying. In August, there was heavier bleeding and my mom finally told me about her symptoms. So she visited several oncologists and after enduring some tests, it was confirmed that she has Stage 3B Cervical Cancer.

How Your Donations Will be Used

I’ve been working full-time in Toronto, Canada for over 4 years, and while I’m fortunate to have a corporate job that brings me joy and fulfillment, the affordability crisis has made it challenging to stay financially stable while also supporting my mom through this difficult time.

The funds raised will be allocated to cover the following expenses with PhilHealth and Senior Citizen discounts already applied. To provide a clearer picture, the estimated costs are listed in both Philippine Pesos and Canadian dollars. She has already begun Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy, and these funds will help her complete the remaining sessions.

About my Mom

While this page is dedicated to my mom’s battle with cancer, I also want to celebrate her by showcasing other aspects of her life beyond being just a “cancer patient.” Her name is Demetria, but she’s mostly known as “Nenette.” As the eldest child, she has always been a great provider, funding her own education to earn her CPA degree. She met my father, also an accountant while working abroad and for years, their careers flourished. However, during the 1997 financial crisis, our family experienced bankruptcy, and we had to rebuild our lives from scratch. Amidst all these, I’m grateful that my parents managed to raise and send me to some of the finest schools for my education.

My mom is one of the most generous people I know, always willing to give to the needy by giving donations to the orphanage every Christmas.

From Self-Reliance to Seeking Support

The thought of fundraising feels uncomfortable for me. As an only child, I take "self-reliance" seriously and have always prided myself on solving problems with my own abilities and resources. But I’ve realized that self-reliance can sometimes lead to hopelessness and fear when the weight of it all becomes too much to bear alone. Perhaps this situation is teaching me to embrace humility and accept that it’s okay to ask for help.

As someone who has recently become a follower of Christ, I wanted to share a Bible verse that has brought me comfort during this difficult time: Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." I do not understand why these things are happening, and perhaps, God wants to bless and develop me for things that I may not yet understand but are part of a future that ONLY He knows and understands. I also do not know whether my Mom will be completely healed, but I’m determined to do everything I can for her.

Through your prayers and support, we can fight this battle and spread the message of hope in our own way. Any support, no matter how small, would mean everything to us.

Note: Donations are totally voluntary and can be made anonymously. As the organizer, I can still see the contributions and offer my heartfelt thanks to each supporter.