Hi, I'm Chris Dimaano, and I'm reaching out to seek your support in raising funds for my brave nephew, Carl Jiro Dimaano. At just 13 years old, Carl Jiro Dimaano has been valiantly battling a brain tumour known as Ependymoma since he was only 1. To us, he is not just a survivor—he's a true warrior and a miracle in the eyes of his family. Despite his immense challenges, Carl Jiro remains determined to embrace life and dreams of living like any other child.

This fight began in 2014 at the age of 1 when a sudden episode of vomiting and seizures revealed a devastating diagnosis: a brain tumour. Our entire world was turned upside down in an instant. Jiro needed emergency surgery to remove the tumour, which was perilously close to his respiratory center—a crisis that could have resulted in respiratory failure. The news shattered our family, especially for his mother, Ate Jen, his father, Kuya Carlo, and his brother, CJ. The surgery lasted five gruelling hours, but Jiro triumphed against all odds. In a remarkable show of resilience, he even celebrated his 2nd birthday in the hospital, reminding us all of the strength of the human spirit.

In 2015, our family faced a significant challenge once again. Carl Jiro was undergoing radiation therapy and had a scheduled cranial and spinal MRI to check for any unwanted regrowth of cancer cells. Unfortunately, the scan revealed a recurrence of cancer and regrowth of the tumour. Consequently, Jiro had to undergo his second brain surgery.

Six years have passed, and everything has been going well. Jiro is now attending school, making friends, enjoying life as a kid, and beginning to pursue his dreams. However, in 2021, MRI results showed that the same tumour was growing again. Jiro underwent radiation therapy in the hope that the tumour would stop growing. Unfortunately, the cancer proved persistent, leaving the doctors with no choice but to remove it surgically again. This was a high-risk operation since it was his third surgery. Still, Jiro remarkably overcame it and survived, thanks to the outstanding doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers at the Philippine Children's Medical Center.

Since 2024, Carl Jiro was undergoing chemotherapy treatments that weakened his immune system and vulnerable to other complications. On May 27, 2025, my nephew complained of a severe headache that didn't subside despite taking strong pain medications. Jiro was rushed to the hospital, where it was determined that he was experiencing hydrocephalus; his VP shunt needed to be replaced, and the brain tumour was still growing. On May 29, 2025, a successful surgical procedure for the VP shunt replacement was performed.

There are no comprehensive medical services plans or pharmacare in the Philippines, so most medical treatments, hospital stays, and medications are paid out of pocket. Currently, Jiro is confined to the Philippine Children's Medical Center and is facing the possibility of a fourth brain surgery, along with extended hospital stays, multiple medications, cranial and spinal MRIs every three months, blood work, 15 sessions of radiation therapy, physician fees, and daily hospital expenses.

Despite these challenges, my nephew Carl Jiro shows no signs of giving up on life, and we will support him in every possible way. Today, we continue to stand by him as he fights this battle.

Anything you can donate will be truly appreciated. All funds raised will be sent directly to his parents Kuya Carlo and Ate Jen. Your contributions can make a significant difference in Jiro's journey to recovery. Please spread the word and pray for Carl Jiro. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.