Hi, my name is Aya and I am raising funds for my mum, Vernice.

My mum arrived in Melbourne on December 17 to spend the holidays with us and meet her newborn grandchild. What was meant to be a joyful visit quickly became a medical emergency.

Soon after arriving, she began experiencing headaches, disorientation, balance issues, and suffered two falls. A few days later, she developed severe abdominal and back pain. On December 28, her pain became unbearable, and we rushed her to the emergency department of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

After testing and scans, doctors found:

• Severe urinary retention (over 4 litres drained) despite dehydration

• Blood in her urine and fluid in her abdomen

• Acute kidney failure (kidney function at 8% while a healthy kidney functions at 90%)

• A blood clot in her lungs

• Liver dysfunction

She was admitted immediately and remains under close medical care. Thankfully, her condition has begun to improve, with reduced pain and slight improvement in kidney function.

Unfortunately, since she is admitted due to kidney and bladder issues, none of her hospital costs are covered by her travel insurance. All tests, scans, and hospital stays are out of pocket. A one-night stay costs $2,150, with total estimated medical expenses of $11,600.

My husband and I are on working visas and have a newborn baby. I am currently on unpaid maternity leave, making us a single-income household, and this unexpected expense has been overwhelming.

Doctors have advised that once stable, Mum should return to the Philippines for further assessment and treatment, and we are also hoping to cover the cost of her flight home.

We are humbly asking for any support you may be able to give, no matter how small, to help with these unexpected medical and travel expenses. If you’re unable to donate, we would deeply appreciate your prayers and kind thoughts for Mum’s recovery.

Thank you and happy holidays!