My name is Justine Rellin, and we are fundraising for my mother, Ethel Rellin, who is being treated in the Philippines.

Ethel is a mother of four and has been a kindergarten teacher in Cambodia for over 10 years.

In February of this year, Ethel started experiencing pain in her back that slowly grew worse over time. Last month, when the pain became unmanageable, we decided to send her to the Philippines to seek immediate medical attention.

UPDATE 2 (24 April 2026):

In the Philippines, my mother underwent surgery to assess the mass found in her pancreas on CT scans. During the operation, 3 mass sites were biopsied, and 2 emerging lymph nodes were found.

We feared that my mother had severe Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, essentially a death sentence at 3.2% 5-year survival rate. However, the doctors were not able to give us a diagnosis within the two-week window they had told us. Instead, they requested additional tests and presented us with her diagnosis on 14 April 2026.

Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET).

Stage 4 NET has about a 57% survival rate over 5 years.

Our doctors had recommended two treatment options for us.

My family will be able to pay for 2 sessions of treatment after refinancing our assets.

However, the remaining 2 sessions (16540 USD / 12260 GBP) are more difficult for us to afford and pay for. She will undergo all 4 sessions within 2-3 months of her first treatment.

We aren't hoping that this fundraiser will pay for everything, but if you can share this fundraiser and help us afford the other half of my mother's cancer treatment, we would be so grateful.

PREVIOUS GOAL: 3000 GBP, raised 2500 GBP for surgery costs

NEW GOAL: 13000 GBP

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INITIAL POST:

After a medical diagnosis, the doctor confirmed that there is a large mass in her pancreas and a smaller mass in her liver and stomach that blocked part of her intestines. Due to this mass, her arterial lines are at risk of being compromised as well. Her physician recommended performing an immediate biopsy and laparotomy to propose an effective treatment plan, and to remove the mass along the way if possible.

Her operation on the 17th of March did not ease our minds. The mass could not be removed, and they found lymph nodes in her stomach during the operation. The surgeon collected three samples in the liver, stomach and lymph nodes respectively for the biopsy and proceeded to do a gastric bypass to alleviate the existing blockage.

My immediate family and I are foreign workers in Cambodia, and our collective income in the face of this sudden expense will not suffice. The amount we earn is also only enough to cover monthly expenses; as we live paycheck to paycheck, we do not have savings to fall back on.

My second sister, father, and I are the only employed members of our immediate family. My eldest sister had to accompany and assist my mother during her treatment. My brother was recently let go as a result of downsizing at his company. Finally, Ethel is unable to work as a result of her condition.

Because of our financial limitations, we could not afford more than the most basic medical insurance, which may not cover her current treatment.

Today, my cousins and my immediate family are taking shifts to ensure my mother receives the care she needs at the hospital. Our aunt has graciously welcomed us into her home and shared their roof and food with us to minimise our travel costs, as we scrounge up as much as we can for her medical fees. We have started selling what little valuables we've accumulated over the years, but it’s not going to be enough.

The funds received will be used to cover the cost of the initial surgery and further treatment — the gross cost of which is still unknown to us — once the biopsy results are released and she is properly diagnosed.

Here is a breakdown of where your donations will go. As per GoFundMe recommendations, we are starting with a smaller goal for achievability and will slowly update it towards our final goal amount.

It isn't easy to ask for help during this difficult time, but for our mother, we are putting everything aside to ensure she gets the treatment she needs.

We are desperately reaching out to you for your support. We will appreciate every form of help, from sharing this fundraiser to donating any amount.

At this time of need, every little counts for my family…

Kindly share if you are able. We appreciate your support.

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UPDATE 1 (30th March 2026):

My mother is going to be discharged today! She is healing quite nicely. The past few days were challenging since it was difficult to see her in pain. The surgery took a toll on her body and digestion; she was bloated for most of last week and experienced regular vomiting. Thankfully, the discomfort subsided, and she is able to eat regularly again.

My siblings and I had to break the news to our grandmother that her only surviving child, Ethel, was in the hospital a few days ago. She was devastated, but happy to see our family together, and that so many people were willing to come to our aid.

We still do not have the biopsy result or treatment plan, but we are thankful for everyone's generosity and kindness.

My family feels very lucky that people are praying for us and willing to lend a hand, in any way they can. Whether you donated or shared the link, thank you. I appreciate you.

I will be sending personalised thank you notes to everyone who donated these past few days :)

More from us soon...

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NOTE:

Our funds are being received by my eldest sister's childhood best friend, Anntonette Cantina, who is working as a nurse and living in the UK. This is because the Philippines is not a supported country on this platform.

We will provide timely updates on how the funds are being used and transferred to ensure transparency and gratitude towards your contribution.

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You can donate using a different currency, not just GBP. GoFundMe allows USD, KHR, and PHP transactions and will exchange depending on your bank rates.

GoFundMe has a fee of roughly 2.9% + 0.30 USD that is deducted from every donation to cover credit card processing.

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Update Log: