Grateful for Your Support — GJ ‘s Recovery Journey Continues

I’m grateful to share that GJ is continuing to make meaningful progress in his recovery at home. His therapy is focused on rebuilding muscle strength and endurance after significant weakening and atrophy during his extended time in the ICU. Though the process is gradual, each therapy session marks another important step. We’re encouraged by steady improvements in his breathing and swallowing, though he still experiences occasional double vision related to his Myasthenia Gravis (MG).

His neurologist is pleased with his progress and believes the peace and quiet of home have made a real difference. She has also recommended exploring a gluten-free diet to help better manage his MG.

GJ continues to consult with his infectious disease doctor while undergoing high-dose immunosuppressant treatment. Because he remains immunocompromised, careful monitoring is essential as he continues to regain strength.

Meanwhile, Ellen is working diligently to secure financial assistance from the Philippine government and related public agencies to help cover the significant medical expenses that remain after GJ’s hospitalizations. She is also exploring work-from-home opportunities so she can continue providing the care GJ needs. They are deeply thankful for every prayer, every share, and every act of generosity that has helped carry this burden.

If you have been considering giving, your support would still make a meaningful difference as they continue navigating both recovery and the financial challenges that remain.

If you’re not in a position to give right now, sharing GJ’s story with friends, family, or your community can make a tremendous difference. Every share helps more people learn about his journey and brings us one step closer to the support he needs for continued recovery.

We remain prayerful and hopeful—for complete healing, full financial provision, and clear direction for this new chapter in GJ’s life. Thank you for standing with GJ and Ellen through your prayers and generosity.

With sincere thanks,

Janet

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Gabriel John “GJ” Lazaro is more than my nephew — he is a dedicated teacher and a devoted youth pastor who has faithfully poured his life into young people in Manila. In 2022, GJ was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disease that weakens the muscles needed to breathe, swallow, and even keep his eyes open. Even so, he continued teaching and ministering faithfully until September 2025, when he suffered a severe medical crisis and was hospitalized for three weeks, undergoing intensive treatment and major surgery to help him breathe. Just months later, he went into respiratory failure and was rushed back to the ICU, where he required oxygen support and intubation as he fought for his life a second time. By God’s grace, he survived and was discharged in February 2026.

GJ is now home slowly recovering through physiotherapy, but he remains too weak to return to work. With no medical insurance, he and his wife, Ellen, are facing overwhelming medical debt from these hospitalizations. We are humbly asking for your help. Because of the difference in currencies, even a modest gift here becomes meaningful, tangible help for GJ in Manila. Any amount can go a long way toward easing hospital debt, covering medications, and supporting his continued rehabilitation.

All donations will be received through my U.S. bank account (as GoFundMe is not supported in the Philippines). I will personally transfer every gift directly to GJ and will cover all transfer fees myself. If you feel led to give, our family would be deeply grateful. If you are unable to give at this time, please consider sharing this campaign with your circle of friends, family, and contacts who may be able to help GJ in ways we cannot do alone. Thank you for taking the time to read GJ’s story and standing with him during this incredibly difficult season. With heartfelt gratitude, Janet