I am reaching out on behalf of my sister Chilette in Manila who is courageously fighting cancer with the support of her family.   In June of last year, we received news that my sister, a single mother of four at 58 years young, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. To some of you who have walked this path with your own loved ones, you may know what “negative 3 type, metastasized to bones, liver and lungs” means.

All her children knew at the time was that she needed immediate treatment. Chilette could not even breathe and her lungs had filled with fluid by the time she disclosed her discomfort to her children and a few of her closest friends.

Hopeless, helpless, and panicked, but with a firm resolve to fight this with all the time, resources, and energy they could muster, her children and close friends worked day and night and watched their mom and friend transform into a stronger woman of faith through her initial 6 cycles of chemotherapy ... even as we were all humbled to see how God graciously provided for every chemo session (PHP 100,000 - or $2000 - *each*!) through friends and family that He has blessed and touched throughout this journey.  The meds and injections alone needed on top of the chemotherapy meant her family needed to come up with a steady flow of funds in PHP 35,000 ($700) increments, each and every time these meds or injections were needed.  These are significant amounts from a Philippine perspective!  That their family even survived these past months is nothing short of a miracle.

There was shockingly good news after her 6th chemo cycle right around Christmas of last year.  A PET-CT scan revealed 0% metastasis in all 3 organs, the mass in her left breast shrank incredibly, and a lingering open wound dried up!

We all were down on our knees praising God because it gave us reassurance of God’s plan for her life. And we know this to be true, that no matter how much provision for treatment anyone has, ultimately, it is our Lord who heals. We give back all the glory and honor and praise to our almighty Father whose love and faithfulness never fails.  With the good news came a fresh resolve to continue on this path since further treatment was required. 

HOWEVER, after a couple more cycles of chemotherapy, a recent check up revealed that the current therapy is not working anymore as it previously did.  Her doctors say they will need to try a new regimen of medicines, including recommending more chemotherapy immediately!

With her family's limited earning capacity (no matter how much her children stretch their work hours) and with resources from those who already generously shared their blessings nearly depleted, I'm reaching out and humbly asking for your help, in case God moves your heart to be part of my sister's journey.  Chilette is a fighter, and my prayer is that you will join me, her family and her friends in supporting her fight, giving her the best chance to win this battle! 

By faith, we have opened this site so that as Chilette continues to put her faith in our Lord and as you share in the hope of her recovery, you too will be blessed.

The next cycle is about to begin and I invite you to contribute and support Chilette through any amount put in your heart.  Please share this page in social media so your connections can stand with us, too!  Finally, I ask for your prayers for Chilette's full recovery. 

Thank you and may God bless you a thousandfold for your kindness and generosity.
- JJ Francisco