Hello everyone,

My name is Maria, and I’m reaching out from Canada with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit.

Just a few days ago, our 68-year-old father was rushed to the hospital in the Philippines after experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. He was immediately diagnosed with a heart attack and underwent an emergency angiogram and angioplasty at De La Salle University Medical Center, which cost our family approximately ₱300,000 PHP.

We hoped this would stabilize him, but doctors discovered multiple blocked arteries, and now he urgently needs a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) — a major open-heart surgery — within the next few days.

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⏳ Why It’s Urgent

The doctor suggested the Philippine Heart Center as a more affordable option, but the earliest available schedule is in September or October, which is far too late. His condition is fragile, and he is also diabetic, which increases the risk of serious complications.

If we bring him out of the hospital and wait weeks for surgery, there is a very real danger of a another heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest — something he may not survive.

At this point, medications are no longer enough, and angioplasty alone cannot fix the damage. The only real option to extend and save his life is to proceed with an urgent coronary bypass.

Even the Heart Center’s “affordable” option still costs ₱800,000 PHP or more, and care is delayed. Immediate surgery at De La Salle University Medical Center, where he’s already being treated, is estimated at:

➡️ ₱1,000,000 to ₱1,200,000 PHP

(approximately $25,000 to $30,000 CAD)

In the Philippines, medical bills are not free — even for emergency cases. As a senior citizen, our dad qualifies for about 20% assistance through the Senior Citizen Health Care benefit, but this is not nearly enough to cover the full cost of surgery, ICU, medications, and post-op care.

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About Our Dad — The Man We’re Fighting For

Our dad is one of the kindest, most selfless people you’ll ever meet. He spent his younger years working overseas — far from his wife and children — just to build a better future for us. When he came back to the Philippines, he didn’t choose rest. Instead, he pursued project-based work so he could continue supporting others, especially the workers who depended on him for daily income.

We begged him to slow down — he was taking on more than he could handle, sometimes not even earning a profit — but he kept going because he believed:

“If I stop, my workers and their families will starve.”

That’s just the kind of man he is:

• A protector and provider, not just for our family, but for many families

• The one neighbors call in emergencies — he always picks up, always helps, even if it means dropping everything

• A generous soul, who never turns away anyone who comes to him for help — whether or not he has the money

• A hands-on grandfather, who makes time to laugh with his grandchildren and guide them with wisdom

• A quiet leader in the community — not by position, but by action and heart

He’s never asked for anything in return — and now, he’s the one who needs help.

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How You Can Help

We are humbly asking for any amount you can give to help us afford this life-saving heart surgery. Your donation will go toward:

• Bypass surgery

• Hospitalization, ICU, medications

• Post-operative care and recovery

• Support during his healing

Even a small donation will bring us closer to saving his life. If you cannot give financially, please help us by sharing this campaign with your friends, family, or social media. Every share helps.

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(We’ve included a photo of him in the hospital to show his current condition, and one of him smiling and healthy — the man we all know and love.)

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From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your prayers, kindness, and support. You’re not only helping our dad recover — you’re helping someone who has always lived for others finally receive the care and compassion he’s given to so many.

With love and gratitude,

Maria & Family