My name is Rufina Olupomar Morales, and I am creating this fundraiser for my mother, Gregoria Sigua Flores–Olupomar, also known as “Gloria.”

If you know my mother, then you know she is one of the kindest and most selfless people. Even in the short time I had with her as a child, I remember her as someone who was always there for others in our village, a devoted mother and a loving wife to my late father, Erminio L. Olupomar, also known as “Jerry” or “Minong.”

In 2006, our lives changed forever. My father passed away suddenly, and prior to his passing, our home was destroyed by Typhoon Tingting. My sisters and I were separated from our mother, who was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and placed in CHC’s Psyche Unit, where she has remained for the past 20 years.

During that time, we grew up in and out of the foster system until we were finally able to stay in one home til adulthood. Despite everything, we never stopped visiting our mom whenever we could; even when she no longer recognized us.

As we entered adulthood, we finally began to rebuild what we had lost. Mom started recognizing us again, calling each of her daughters by name, and even spent time with us during family visits. For the first time in so long, we felt hopeful that we might be getting our mom back.

But now, we are facing heartbreak all over again.

Recently, we received a call that Mom had undergone a CT scan after showing signs of a stroke -facial drooping, left-sided weakness, and slurred speech. The scan revealed a large tumor on the right side of her brain, affecting areas responsible for thinking and movement. Within just two weeks, her condition rapidly declined; she lost the ability to walk, turn in bed, and her speech worsened significantly, shifting her from independent care to total patient care.

What has been even more devastating is learning that this tumor may have been growing slowly for decades and could have been the underlying cause of the symptoms we were told were schizophrenia.

Now, in April, Mom has a new diagnosis of Stage 4 breast cancer that has already spread to her bones. The tumor in her brain continues to grow rapidly, and we have been told she may only have a week or up to a month left with us.

My sisters and I are completely heartbroken. We are doing everything we can to get home as quickly as possible so we can be by her side, hold her hand, and give her the love she has always given so freely to others.

This fundraiser is being created to help cover any additional expenses that may arise and to give our mom the peaceful, dignified farewell she deserves.

From the bottom of our hearts, we ask for your support - whether through a donation or simply by sharing this fundraiser. Every bit of help brings us closer to being with our mom in her final moments and honoring her life in the way she deserves.

Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support during this difficult time.

— Rufina, Irene, Maria Anna, Jerylyn, & Annalyn Flores Olupomar.