On the evening of April 9th, 2022, Jason began experiencing chest pains. While alarmed, we both wrote it off as heartburn when it subsided a couple of hours later, and thought nothing of it. Two days later, the chest discomfort reappeared and this time, the pain was immense. I immediately took Jason to the hospital.

 

 

The doctors ran some tests and the results devastated us: he’d had a heart attack.

 

 

The medical team was very decisive about their recommended course of action. Jason needs an angiogram and angioplasty to repair the damage to his heart and should remain in the hospital until he heals.

 

 

The Philippines is known to have very affordable healthcare, and we do, but with one caveat: for folks who are uninsured, they must pay the full cost of a procedure before it’s performed. Typically for those in that situation, they’ll be provided help from as many family members as they can until they have enough.

 

 

For the past 24 hours, while the doctors wait on our decision, that’s what I’ve done. With our savings and help from family, we’ve pulled together enough for a deposit to get him admitted, but nowhere close to paying for the surgery itself. Which, all told, will be $10,000+,

 

 

Dear friends, any amount you have to spare would be most appreciated. As most of you know, Jason is a kind, loving soul who has inspired many with his words and actions of encouragement and support. He is the bulwark in our family, and a father our two children greatly love and depend on.

 

 

I’m so grateful for your help in this time of need.

UPDATE:

Well, we had the best of intentions. We had every plan in mind to move to the United States as everyone said we should. But after some soul-searching, decided we would stay in the Philippines.

We have adjusted our goal, and are now only seeking to pay off our huge debt, and have a bit of money to continue paying for my expensive medication. We have decided we will stay in the Philippines, where I can save money for an emergency fund, and should something happen to me, we will have the money in the bank to pay the bill.

The cost in the Philippines is better as well, although we have seen the price of gas, food, and electricity go through the roof recently, just like everywhere else. Frankly, it is still better to live here as it is safe, and we can afford to pay off our bills and save for the future.

We hope you will help us reach our goal and we can get back on our feet and try to save a little money in the process.

If you want to read more about our family and the situation we find ourselves in, please read the stories Jason wrote on Medium called "I May Die Because I am Broke " and "A Heart Attack Story "

Thank you,
Flora Mae Weiland & Jason Weiland