To the kind public:

Greetings in the name of the Lord!
May this letter of solicitation finds you in good condition.

My name is Charmaine Astudillo, 25 years old.  I am diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease, 3 damaged valves that are needed to be repaired/ replaced immediately in order for my heart to function well.

Pleadingly,  I would like to knock on your hearts to help us raise the funds. There`s no way that my family alone can afford the expenses needed for the operation. I believe that all your generosity can make it possible.  Please let my story be known by sharing. 

Attached are the documents to prove authenticity of my claims. 


Huge thanks to you all and may the good Lord bless you in a double portion!



Sincerely,
Charmaine Astudillo



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          May 10th of this year was the starting point to run the race. This is the day when someone encouraged me to go for a check up because I was so scared to go by myself and I do know that there's something wrong with my heart. I was trembling the moment I entered the room until I left. The doctor then said that it has a murmur sound which leads him to let me have a 2d echo test which I did. After few days, I got the result and went back immediately to my doctor. My hands started to shake as my heart beats so fast as if it's going to burst. I think I'm panicking but the doctor said "calm down Charmaine, let's see what it says", as he opened the paper and said what I'm afraid of. "Charmaine, you have a Rheumatic Heart Disease". Silence... I only heard the breeze of wind and I felt emptied. My friend Kath comforted me and kept me calm. The doctor was explaining but I hear nothing. All I know and wanted to know was the nicest thing,nothing more,nothing less. I was doomed and caught on the edge. After how many mins. I composed myself and tried to relax and that's the time I was able to record what he says. After that I went home and prayed. Lifting myself up and remembering the words of God. Reminiscing that nothing is impossible with God.

          We tried to ask for a second opinion and meet other doctors but all their diagnosis were the same. Rheumatic Heart Disease. However my last doctor requested me to run a test for TEE, wherein they'll enter a camera to see my heart passing it thru my mouth. As a result, three(3) valves weren't functioning well. My Mitral valve needs replacement because it's already severe. The two valves need repair. What really made me cry was the blood clot that formed within my heart. The doctor said that it needs to be looked after to because if some blood goes through the brain, it can lead to stroke. My body started to shake again but I prayed. I was at ease atleast because a medicine prescribed by the doctor where the blood clot will melt.

         Living with RHD is not easy. There are the constant feeling of being empty,sleepless nights,crying all day,physically and emotionally in pain and even losing appetite. I can't breath well too. Around 5-10 steps walking uphill makes me tired as if I carried something too heavy. Also, I need to sleep with 2 pillows for me to breath well. If you ask how my heart feels, well the heaviness may not whisper nor utter a single word to describe it, thou sometimes I felt that I'm about to palpitate or something is stabbing/pinching me inside. Honestly speaking, I am emotionally and mentally broken. I keep finding the light when darkness strikes. Keeping myself busy, viewing,meeting/going out with friends, laughing or making stories together are gifts to me that make me smile against all odds. That made me strong and let me believe that within my circles of life, family, friends and relatives are my strong hold, my prayers of defends and Jesus as my guide.

          My faith was tested, hopes were failing, all were hurting with the news and so do I.

          At the moment, I am living with the medicines while waiting for the my operation. May your prayers and helping hands be with me. 

          This story of mine was not made to pity me but rather shared to ask for your support with prayers of the love of God.

         Thank you so much and Godbless!
            ❤️❤️❤️