Hi everyone. My name is Gracita Raquel Tomboc. I’m reaching out with an urgent request for help and prayers for Gale Candace Elizabeth Tomboc, my sweetest 14 year old niece in the Philippines , who was recently diagnosed with a 3.8 x 3.2 x 2.6 cm brain tumor on the left side of her brain. 

For years, Candace has quietly struggled with symptoms that were difficult to understand at the time. This includes frequent severe headaches, poor eyesight, constant fatigue, and slow learning pace. We never imagined these were early signs of something much more serious.

Just recently, she suffered a strong seizure episode that caused temporary loss of consciousness and comprehension. This frightening incident led to an emergency medical evaluation and a series of tests, including a CT scan, MRI with contrast, blood work, and neurological exams. That was when the tumor was discovered.

The tumor shows:

Although the exact type of tumor still needs to be confirmed, doctors mentioned several possibilities. One of the conditions they considered based on the contrast-enhanced MRI appearance is a high-grade glioma: a fast-growing brain tumor that spreads quickly and requires urgent treatment. The doctors also noted that infections or inflammatory causes cannot be fully ruled out yet, so further evaluation is needed after treatment.

Current Urgent Plan: CyberKnife Radiosurgery procedure

Due to the tumor’s size and critical location, Candace’s doctors are pushing for immediate CyberKnife Radiosurgery, one of the latest technologies used to treat many types of brain tumors, both benign and malignant. Her doctors strongly emphasized that it is considered one of the most precise and least invasive treatment options available. High-dose but highly precise radiation will be delivered to shrink, control, or destroy the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Most importantly, this procedure avoids the need for high-risk open-head surgery.

She has already done a CT simulation and we are now waiting for the finalization of her radiation plan. Based on the tumor's size, she will need 1–5 treatment sessions, followed by another contrast-enhanced MRI to see how her tumor responds. Additional treatments or recovery therapies will be decided after the follow-up imaging.

We need your help, in any way, shape, or form.

Candace is only 14. She should be enjoying school, her friends, and pursuing her dreams.

As a family, we are doing everything we can to give her the best chance to heal. We are doing our best to cover her current medical bills; however, we need help to pay the upcoming expenses. Unfortunately, the high cost of CyberKnife treatment, follow-up imaging scans, ongoing medical care, and professional fees is far beyond what our family can manage at this time. This is why we are reaching out for your help.

Your donation — no matter the amount — will support:

If you cannot donate, please help by sharing her story and keeping Candace in your prayers. Every prayer, every share, and every message of support gives her strength.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Your kindness gives Candace a fighting chance.

Maraming salamat po. ❤️