Dear all,

We are raising funds for our beloved Joy - a loving and devoted mother of three-year-old Angel, a caring sister to seven siblings, a fun and supportive auntie to many nieces and nephews, and my partner whom I, Norman, love beyond words.

Joy is turning 40 this month (sorry for giving away the secret, Joy!), and up to a few weeks ago Joy and I were happily letting our imaginations run freely with plans for the future. We live half a world apart: Joy and Angel and all her extended family are in the Philippines, and I'm hunkered down in Winnipeg, Canada. We had the amazing luck to meet online 15 months ago, and Joy drew me irresistibly to her, chatting every single day and learning all about each other. We fell in love completely, and I have become "Daddy Norman", as Joy's daughter Angel has lovingly called me since she was two.

On March 2, 2026, Joy went to the hospital after suffering dizzying headaches and throat pain for a couple of weeks, ultimately affecting her ability to talk, breathe, and eat. After a CT Scan and blood tests, the hospital gave Joy the news that nobody ever wants to hear, that she had a cancerous tumor in her neck.

Joy has received a tube inserted directly into her trachea so she can breathe, and another tube into her stomach so she may receive food. She now awaits the start of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The day Joy received the news that the four lumps she felt at the side of her neck were in fact a cancerous growth, she reacted as anyone would - with shock, deep sadness, and many tears. When Joy awoke in the hospital bed the next morning, her incredible attitude towards life shined through and took charge. Joy decided to face this situation with optimism and an inner strength that is superhuman, and comes from her selfless love and desire to keep being a mother, sister, auntie, and partner.

Joy is entirely committed to surviving and healing and continuing to live life. As many may not know, as I didn't know, in the Philippines the primary care system is public. However, beyond that, for any hospitalization or specialized medical care, it's mostly a private system, with nearly all costs incurred by the patient. Joy and her daughter live simply and modestly in a rural village and do not have the financial means to keep up with the ongoing costs of chemo, radiation, hospitalization, and medication. As her devoted partner, I am helping as much as I can, but that also will surely not be enough. So, it is in this situation that I ask on behalf of her entire family, for monetary donations. Every contribution will go 100% to helping pay for Joy's medical expenses.

Please consider giving whatever you can to help Joy, no amount is too small. And sharing this story to as many people as possible would be deeply appreciated. Thank you, all.

Sincerely,

Norman, on behalf of her entire family.