For the past 16 years, Rowena Maisling has spent every day serving her community.
She and her husband Hilton built a small rice stall in the public market of Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Seven days a week, with no vacations and no days off, Rowena worked behind that stall helping families put food on their tables. She knew many of her customers by name and often worried about those struggling to afford even the basics.
Even after becoming seriously ill, she was still asking about her customers and how rising rice prices were affecting them.
That is the kind of person Rowena is.
Today, she is fighting for her life.
In April 2026, Rowena suddenly began losing her ability to speak. During her daily video calls with her sister, she knew what she wanted to say but could no longer find the words. What initially appeared to be a stroke soon became something far more serious.
After multiple hospital transfers, scans, tests, and weeks of uncertainty, doctors diagnosed her with Autoimmune Encephalitis, a rare condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.
Since then, Rowena's condition has rapidly deteriorated.
She has suffered seizures, lost the ability to communicate normally, required a feeding tube, and spent extended time on mechanical ventilation. At times she has struggled to recognize loved ones. After months of hospitalization, she also developed a blood clot in her leg due to prolonged immobility.
Her doctors have recommended additional aggressive treatments, including:
• Plasma Exchange (plasmapheresis) to remove the harmful antibodies attacking her brain
• Rituximab therapy to suppress the immune system and prevent further damage
• Continued intensive neurological care, medications, laboratory testing, and rehabilitation
These treatments offer hope, but they come at an overwhelming cost.
The Financial Burden
Rowena's family has exhausted much of their available resources fighting to save her life.
Her husband Hilton has been forced to stop operating their small family business while staying by her side. Their income has effectively disappeared. Their children are doing everything they can, but they are only beginning their careers, and their youngest child is still in college.
Current and projected medical expenses exceed ₱2,000,000 (approximately $35,000 USD), including:
IVIG Treatment – ₱598,000
Plasma Exchange – ₱600,000
Hospitalization and ICU Care – ₱315,000+
Imaging and Diagnostic Testing – ₱99,000+
Blood Transfusions and Steroid Therapy – ₱45,000+
Medications and Laboratory Costs – ₱400,000+
The costs continue to grow as her treatment progresses.
We are committed to providing receipts, regular weekly updates, and transparency throughout this journey.
How You Can Help
Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward Rowena's medical care and recovery.
If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with friends, family, coworkers, churches, community groups, or social media networks would mean the world to us.
We are also grateful for any information about charitable organizations, patient assistance programs, or medical resources that may help families facing Autoimmune Encephalitis.
For sixteen years, Rowena helped make sure other families had food on their tables.
Now she needs our help.
On behalf of Rowena, Hilton, their children, and our entire family, thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.