Help Pastora Elma Billones in Her Journey to Healing

Senior Pastor, Loving Mother, Faithful Servant of God

Hello everyone,

First of all, thank you for your continued support, love, and fervent prayers for our beloved mother, Pastora Elma Billones, the Senior Pastor of Jesus Our Living Hope Family Church. Your messages, encouragement, and spiritual covering have truly lifted us during this trying time.

We’re writing to share what happened to Mom and humbly ask for your help as we face a critical battle for her health—and our growing medical expenses.

What Happened

On Sunday, July 6, 2025, around 5:30 PM, during the JLH Church Anniversary Celebration at the Caloocan Sports Complex, Mom was delivering her welcome speech when she suddenly lost her balance on stage. Despite the shock, she remained calm, conscious, and able to speak, though she began to feel numbness and heaviness in her left arm—which she described as “namamanhid.”

She was immediately rushed to Camarin Doctors Hospital. On the way, she was still responsive and speaking clearly. However, about 20 minutes after the first symptoms, things began to escalate—slurred speech, vomiting, and severe vertigo followed. Her blood pressure spiked to 240/100, and emergency interventions were quickly administered.

She was later given thrombolytic therapy to address a possible clot. Though an initial CT scan showed no signs of stroke, doctors suspected a brain stem stroke and referred her for advanced neurological care. By 3:00 AM on Monday, July 7, she was transferred to the Neuro ICU at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City.

Confirmed Diagnosis: Stroke (Cerebellum)

As of July 8, an MRI confirmed that Mom suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot—specifically in the cerebellum, the area of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. This explains her sudden collapse during her speech.

The good news: There is no bleeding in the brain.

Doctors are now focused on dissolving the clot, and a follow-up CT scan will be performed within a few days to track progress.

Signs of Hope — But We’re Not Out of the Woods

We’re encouraged by early signs of improvement:

Mom is still able to respond and speak.

Her motor functions are improving

However, she has been sleeping more than usual, and the medical team is closely monitoring her for signs of swelling. If swelling increases, emergency surgery may be required to relieve pressure on her brain.

We’re praying boldly that it won’t come to that—but we’re trusting God and preparing for every possibility.

The Financial Burden

This journey has come with significant medical expenses:

Camarin ER bill: ₱115,000+

St. Luke’s ICU (as of Day 9): ₱480,000+

ICU Room Rate: ₱14,000/day

Doctors' Fees: To be billed upon discharge

Unfortunately, St. Luke’s has declined Charity coverage for her case, as per policy only those about to be addmitted can be eligible. We are seeking help through PCSO, DSWD, and any other available sources—but time is critical, and bills are mounting daily hence we seek friends from around the globe to send their love and support through this page.