Diminishing Returns: help reunite a father with his family

EB works relentlessly to provide for his family back in the Philippines. But because his daughter has leukemia, he sends everything he has, keeping nothing beyond the basics for himself. And because of this he hasn't seen his family in years. So, our mission is to cover the roughly $465 it costs to apply for a green card renewal, and any overages and legal expenses incurred. If there are significant additional funds, we'll release the money to EB for airfare home and any medical/family expenses he or his daughter incurs.

In 2023, I met EB when I noticed him collecting recyclables in my neighborhood. I introduced myself and inquired about his life, and ultimately asked if I could film a documentary about him, to which he agreed. We spent a touching day filming with him and learning more about the impossible situation he finds himself in, and I was beyond moved on how positive he remains in the face of the adversity. And I am proud to call him a friend.

In the years since meeting him, I've seen setback after setback, his own medical scares, and the brutal reality of the difficulty of getting ahead when the margins are so razor thin. And any extra money he has he sends to his family and is never saved. So, this is my own small attempt to capitalize on any popularity from the documentary in order to help him out, in a lump sum that I control that will go directly to renewing the green card (which would then enable him to travel outside of the United States). And according to EB we can then apply for any social security payments owed to him. So this is my attempt to help a friend.