Twelve years ago, my cousin Marjorie aka Butchay Aguilar from the Philippines was diagnosed with Stage 4 chronic kidney disease. After two years of treatment, her kidneys recovered — and we thought the worst was over.

But in 2018, severe abdominal pain sent her to the ER, where she was diagnosed with Diverticulitis and kidney failure. She had to start emergency dialysis, and she’s been hooked to it three times a week ever since, along with costly monthly medications. It keeps her alive, but it isn’t enough to give her a normal life.

Her doctors say there’s only one way forward: a kidney transplant. Back in 2019, she and her husband saved for it through their own savings, fundraisings, and the help of friends and family. But when COVID hit, she was hospitalized for two weeks with pneumonia. She survived — by God’s grace — but the Php1.7M ( $29,000 ) bill (wiped out everything they had prepared for her transplant.

Since then, it has been one setback after another: recurring pneumonia, a blood transfusion that forced another six-month delay, a hypoglycemia scare that mimicked a TIA, and recently, a failed fistula that required an emergency neck catheter just so she can continue dialysis. Another surgery is already scheduled.

This August, she finally restarted her transplant requirements — but the cost has risen to Php3M, ($51,000 ) and the medical bills keep piling up. She has now resigned from work to focus on staying alive.

Despite everything, Marjorie continues to fight with so much faith and quiet strength. But she and her family can’t carry this alone anymore.

Your donation — no matter the amount — brings her one step closer to the transplant that will give her a chance to live freely, breathe easier, and simply enjoy life again.

Thank you for helping her fight for that chance..