On May 14, my family unexpectedly lost my cousin to cancer.  She was only 45 years old. She leaves behind a loyal and loving husband, a daughter (17 years old) and a son (2 years old). 

She is one of the most hardworking and generous people I know.

She left the Philippines when her daughter was still a baby to work overseas in the UK. She took care of children who were not her own and families of whom she did not share the same blood. 

She never had a chance to go back to the Philippines, let alone, hold her daughter one last time.

In 2015, her husband was able to join her in the UK. They restarted a wonderful life togetherand had a son two years ago. Their next goal was to bring their daughter to join them in the UK. She was one month shy of seeing her daughter again. 

In March of 2020, my cousin, Gasat “Lucky” Bangkil, was diagnosed with cancer. She fought hard. Last month, the cancer that we thought had disappeared through unrelenting treatment, returned with a vengeance. This was the last time I spoke with her. 

She then made her husband promise that he wouldn’t leave her in the UK. She begged, “Please don’t leave me here. When I die, please take me home.” This was her last request. 

At this time, her husband is struggling to makeends meet as he is the sole caretaker of their toddler son while he still has to work.

We, as a family are helping financially but the cost to fly her thousands of miles away from the UK to the Philippines is a daunting task.

I don’t like asking anything from anyone. In fact, I’d rather give than receive. But on behalf of my cousin, please assist in any way you can so we can bring her home to her final resting place and honor her last request. 

All funds will go directly to her husband so he can fly her back to the Philippines, including himself and their son to be reunited with their daughter.

Thank you for your prayers, love and help. 

She has finished her race.