Help Joan Tan Get a Second Chance at Life

On April 4, 2016, in Doha, Qatar, I married the love of my life, Joan. It was a day filled with hope, love, and the promise of a beautiful future together. But just six months later, on October 22, 2016, our world was turned upside down. Joan was diagnosed with end-stage chronic kidney disease—a life-altering moment that marked the beginning of an unimaginable journey.

Joan’s strength has been unwavering, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. While undergoing dialysis treatment in Doha, she became pregnant—a ray of hope amidst the storm. But complications arose, and after five months, the doctors had to terminate the pregnancy. The pain of that loss was indescribable, yet Joan faced it with incredible resilience.

After her diagnosis, Joan returned to the Philippines to be with her family, who live a humble life, selling vegetables to make ends meet. Though they support her as much as they can, her medical needs far exceed what they can provide. That’s why I’ve been working in Canada for the past five years, striving to support her treatments and build a future where we can be together again.

In December 2021, we dared to hope for a miracle—a kidney transplant that could change everything. For nine days, we believed we were on the path to a brighter future. But then, COVID-19 struck, and the transplant was rejected. It was a devastating setback, but once again, Joan’s courage carried her through.

These five years apart have been incredibly difficult. We haven’t seen each other since I left for Canada, but every long day and sleepless night is for her. My dream is to raise enough funds for her next transplant, to bring her here to Canada, and to finally live the life we’ve always imagined—a life where we can be together, free from hospitals and distance, just as we dreamed on our wedding day.

Joan shares that dream, too. She dreams of leaving behind the pain and uncertainty, of starting anew in a life filled with love, hope, and the simple joys of being together.

Our journey has been one of love, sacrifice, and unyielding faith. Though we’ve faced loss and heartbreak, we’ve also found strength in each other and in the hope that brighter days lie ahead. One day, we will be together again, living the life we’ve fought so hard for—a life we promised to build when we said, “I do.”