Help Save a Teacher's Beloved Niece

My name is Edgar Tibayan, and I’m a school teacher based in Pecos, Texas.

I’m reaching out with a humble and heartfelt plea for support. My sister, who is also a dedicated teacher in the Philippines, is facing a crisis no parent should ever have to bear. Her daughter—my beloved niece—is currently battling a serious heart condition that requires urgent medical attention.

Avie’s Story

From childhood, Avie experienced unusual symptoms — a visible heartbeat, chest pains, and breathlessness — signs that were misunderstood or dismissed as minor. As a child, an X-ray revealed an enlarged heart, and she was advised to avoid caffeine. But this was only the beginning.

In senior high school, her condition worsened. Chest pains became more frequent and intense. By college, it became debilitating — she struggled to walk a few steps without gasping for air. Then came the turning point: during a PE session in her second year, Avie collapsed. Her heart was pounding visibly through her shirt, and she lost consciousness.

Doctors ran tests. The results were heartbreaking: Avie was diagnosed with congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect) and severe pulmonary hypertension. Blood was flowing abnormally through a hole in her heart, straining her lungs and weakening her heart.

She was referred to the Philippine Heart Center, where doctors put her on 24-hour oxygen and prescribed medications that cost ₱500–₱1000 ($9–$18) daily. After months of treatment, a glimmer of hope appeared: her condition improved just enough to be considered for open-heart surgery.

But just as hope grew, a second opinion brought devastating news — she was not fit for surgery after all, and the earlier proposed operation might have endangered her life.

Then, a new possibility emerged.

On June 28, during a follow-up appointment, a compassionate doctor at the Philippine Heart Center proposed a less risky trial procedure — a minimally invasive method to close the hole in her heart. A new test on July 18 showed promising signs: Avie’s heart had responded well to treatment. She was now eligible for the trial.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Avie’s best chance now lies in this trial procedure, but it comes with a heavy cost: ₱400,000 to ₱500,000 ($7,000–$9,000) — far less than open-heart surgery, but still overwhelming for her family.

In addition, she needs ₱8,000 ($140) weekly for vital medications — a lifelong burden that her family is doing their best to carry.

Avie has been through so much: physical pain, emotional strain, sleepless nights filled with fear and questions. But despite everything, she continues to fight — quietly, bravely, with unwavering hope. She dreams of one simple thing: a chance to live a normal life, to breathe without pain, to walk freely, and to smile without fear.

How You Can Help

We’re asking for your support — whether through a donation, a prayer, or by sharing her story.

Any amount, big or small, brings us closer to saving Avie’s life. Every peso counts. Every dollar brings hope. And every share spreads her story further to reach someone who might be able to help.

With your kindness, you are giving Avie more than just a procedure.

You are giving her a future.

You are giving her a chance to live.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your time, your compassion, and your support.

Let’s help Avie breathe again.

For those living in the Philippines, you may send your help through GCash 09199940423 or

BPI # 8949094058 Elvira T. Advincula