Help My Lola Carmelita Win Her Battle with Heart Disease

Hi everyone,

My name is Trish, and I’m reaching out with a hopeful heart to ask for your help for someone very dear to me — my grandmother, Carmelita Dueñas Juan. She’s 76 years old and has always been the heart of our family: loving, strong, and full of faith. But right now, she’s facing a serious and urgent battle with heart disease, and we are doing everything we can to help her.

Three years ago, my Lola underwent an angiogram, and doctors found she had 7 blocked vessels in her heart. At the time, they recommended open-heart bypass surgery, but she wasn’t ready — physically or emotionally — for such a major operation. She chose to manage her condition with medications and lifestyle changes.

Recently, we were hopeful again when a follow-up showed that her condition had improved to 3 blocked vessels. Her doctors then scheduled an angioplasty (PTCA), a less invasive procedure to relieve her chest pain and prevent further complications. However, on May 1st, during the procedure, the surgeons discovered that the blockages were more complex than expected. They had to abort the angioplasty and are now strongly recommending open-heart bypass surgery as the only viable option.

Despite the risks and the fear that come with such a major procedure, my Lola has made the brave decision to move forward with the bypass surgery — because she wants to heal and finally be free from the chest pain that’s been holding her back.

My Lola is a widow and only receives ₱2,000 a month (about $35 USD) from her pension. It’s barely enough to cover her daily needs, let alone the cost of surgery, medications, and follow-up care. Our family is doing all we can, but the medical expenses are simply beyond our means.

That’s why I’m turning to you — friends, kind strangers, and anyone with a generous heart. Any amount you can give will go directly toward her medical care. Even the smallest donation is a step closer to giving her relief, comfort, and more time with the people who love her deeply. And if you’re unable to donate right now, simply sharing this message would mean so much to us.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Maraming salamat po.

With love and hope,

[Danica Juan, Denieze Juan, Drazen Manansala, and Patricia Delgado]

Grandchildren of Carmelita Dueñas Juan