Hello, my name is Shantell Pambuan and I am fundraising for my mother, Merlin Pambuan's Funeral/Celebration of Life.

My mother a dedicated ICU Nurse at St. Mary's Medical Center in Long Beach for 41 years contracted COVID-19 on the frontlines in April 2020. She spent 8 and a half months in the hospital and 4 months on a ventilator. She was very close to death on multiple occasions, but because of her determination to live and the compassionate care of her colleagues and friends she defied the odds and survived. On December 21, 2020 she was discharged.

Following her discharge mom was committed to doing everything possible to be on the best road to recovery. She participated in aquatic, physical, and occupational therapy, as well as pulmonary rehab. Some days were harder than others, but she always did her best! She wanted nothing more than to get stronger and better.

In mid October, however, she needed to be re-hospitalized as the long term effects of COVID-19 were now affecting her heart. She fought hard until the end and held true to our mantra of "don't give up, don't lose hope, just fight!"

Every day for the past all most 3 years she has made me proud. She is a true inspiration and my hero. My mother has helped countless patients and families over the last 4 decades and I have fought along side her to make sure she received the care she needed and deserved.

I would like to extend to gratitude and appreciation to everyone we have met and encountered on Mama Bear's journey.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards giving Mom Celebration of Life she deserves. Thank you in advance for your help.

Shantell