A few days ago, Angelita, my 71 year old grandma suffered from a heart attack and is currently admitted to a hospital in the Philippines. She has several blockages in the main artery for the left side of her heart. The doctor’s recommendation is for her to get a coronary artery bypass graft, which is a major open-heart surgery. So this fundraiser is absolutely essential and urgently needed. Therefore, I am reaching out to my network of amazing friends and family to fundraise and help pay for my grandma’s life-saving procedure.

Although “grandma” in our language is “lola,” I call her “Mama-la” (a combination of the mama and lola) because my grandma helped raise and watch after me. Mamala walked me to my elementary school, made my meals, and shaped so much of who I am today. It breaks my heart that she is suffering and that I cannot be there physically for her like she has always been there for me.

I must admit that I feel somewhat powerless in my ability to contribute financially, being only a student halfway across the world. The Philippines’ health insurance is severely inadequate and the hospital requires a massive upfront deposit to even begin the operation. I do not come from a well-off family, so this tragic circumstance has been emotionally and financially straining for all of us. Although I am limited in directly providing financial support, I know I can confidently rely on my community of caring, generous friends and family to give Mamala a second chance in regaining her health.

Please strongly consider pitching-in and sharing Mamala’s story. I greatly appreciate you for taking the time to join and make this fundraising campaign for Mamala possible.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.