Lucia Jillian (a.k.a. LJ), a 7-year-old girl was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer known as leukemia but she never gave her hopes up.  She had fought a tough battle against cancer and with God's grace, she came out victorious.   She underwent bone marrow transplant in 2014 and today, the 4th of July, marks her 4th year being cancer-free.  Along with her dad Jiovanni, her mom Beth and her 4-year-old brother Lucio, the family still has a long way to recovery from the devastation brought by the deadly disease.

LJ started battling cancer when she was only nine months old.  For two years, Jiovanni and Beth desperately searched for a cure until they found a potential matching bone marrow donor in the US that made them decide to bring LJ in the country.  Leaving their 4-month-old baby Lucio in the Philippines with the grandmother, they travelled to the US with hopes to save their daughter's life despite the fact LJ may not survive the long flight.  Though severely bleeding and almost unconscious, LJ arrived and made it to the hospital yet barely.  The family held strong to their faith in God and fervent prayers in their journey.  LJ's condition has brought the family to several hospitals until they found Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where she was treated for leukemia and where the family has lived for months.  Later, they found Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey where they stayed for 20 months of what was supposed to be weeks or few months only.  Then, they met a family who offered them a temporary home in Philadelphia while LJ needed to continue her doctor's visit at CHOP.   To feed his family, Jiovanni worked countless diverse jobs and each time, they are faced with so many trials unimaginable.  Although, Jiovanni and Beth are both registered nurses, part of the requirements is to acquire a US license to practice their profession in the country, however, money for this family is so scarce they could barely afford even for their daily meals.

The Cunanan family has been hit the hardest these days.  Apart from the relentless uncertainty having food on the table every single day, the house they are currently staying has posed a serious threat to their health especially for LJ who has a frail immune response.  Without a spleen, her body has no defense against illnesses and infections.  It is crucial for the family to move out immediately and find a safe and a livable home.  The past few days, the family spent their entire day in the public library, at the park or nearby establishments just to keep the children away from the harmful exposure in the house and only returns home for a night's sleep.  With a broken water pipe, there is no running water and sewer is damaged as well and one can only imagine this family washing dishes and bathing out in the open, in the busy streets of Philadelphia.

The family may still be standing right now but at any time, even a slight breath of wind could knock them down.  But with our help, no matter how little, we can GIVE HOPE TO THE CUNANAN FAMILY.  Let them know they are not alone in their struggles.

Please consider donating for the Cunanan family to ease their financial burdens.  Jiovanni and Beth are working hard to secure a permanent job to fill their needs and to be able to get back up and stand on their own again.

A few dollars can go a long way.  When we share our blessings, amazing things arise.  Together, we can make miracles happen.

On behalf of the Cunanan family, I would like to thank you in advance for your time and for your generosity.  If you wish to contact the family directly, you can email them at [email redacted].