My loving Father's Medical Fund
Donation protected
My name is Mark Mendez. People know me as someone who is friendly and has a good energy and positive vibe. I have always loved helping others in need. But this story is not about me.
It is about my loving and most kind hearted dad whom I have not seen in years. My father lives in the small island of Bohol, Philippines with my only sister Vanessa and my little nephew and niece. For those who know my dad, Camilo, he is a simple man, a quiet person who does not say much. He worked very hard when he was younger to be able to support us, his family. He was always there for us as a good husband, father, and grandfather.
My father has had Type 2 diabetes for as long as I can remember. Last week, my sister took him to the hospital for his regular check-up and, while he was there, he started feeling severe chest pain. He was immediately rushed to the emergency room where they were able to stabilize him, and then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He has remained in the ICU under observation for the past three (3) days. I have been in constant contact with my sister who is dealing with this in Bohol by herself. I feel very helpless not being able to go home and be there for my dad. It feels awful to not know what is going to happen next and being thousands of miles away from your family.
The doctor recommended that my dad should be transferred and be kept under further observation in a better, more well-equipped hospital (with a competent heart specialist) located in another, more progressive city. Most likely, he will have to undergo open-heart surgery soon.
It is unfortunate but, as with most people in third-world countries, my family has not obtained the best insurance to prepare for this kind of medical emergency. The cost of transport (by flight), extended hospital stay and surgery will not be fully covered and will have to be shouldered by my family.
Per the estimates relayed by the doctors to my family, the open-heart procedure alone would cost somewhere between 500,000 to 1 Million Philippine pesos. That is around $25,000.
I am in despair thinking how in the world my family and I can raise that amount of money in the little amount of time we have before my dad's recommended surgery. I am living in Los Angeles and taking care of my 84 year old mother. She was away from her husband the last 26 years to work here and be able to send money to help my family in the Philippines. She has sacrificed so much. w/ me i also have a startup business (and have even resorted to doing part-time work to make ends meet).
Well-meaning friends suggested starting a GoFundMe movement to raise funds. Asking for help is not the easiest thing to do but, for my family's sake during this time of financial hardship, I decided to do it. So, I am reaching out to all the kind people out there who know me. Any amount is greatly appreciated - the best birthday gift for me this year would be knowing that I have enough medical funds to save my dad. Thank you in advance for the help! This means so much to me.
Sercerly yours
M-
It is about my loving and most kind hearted dad whom I have not seen in years. My father lives in the small island of Bohol, Philippines with my only sister Vanessa and my little nephew and niece. For those who know my dad, Camilo, he is a simple man, a quiet person who does not say much. He worked very hard when he was younger to be able to support us, his family. He was always there for us as a good husband, father, and grandfather.
My father has had Type 2 diabetes for as long as I can remember. Last week, my sister took him to the hospital for his regular check-up and, while he was there, he started feeling severe chest pain. He was immediately rushed to the emergency room where they were able to stabilize him, and then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He has remained in the ICU under observation for the past three (3) days. I have been in constant contact with my sister who is dealing with this in Bohol by herself. I feel very helpless not being able to go home and be there for my dad. It feels awful to not know what is going to happen next and being thousands of miles away from your family.
The doctor recommended that my dad should be transferred and be kept under further observation in a better, more well-equipped hospital (with a competent heart specialist) located in another, more progressive city. Most likely, he will have to undergo open-heart surgery soon.
It is unfortunate but, as with most people in third-world countries, my family has not obtained the best insurance to prepare for this kind of medical emergency. The cost of transport (by flight), extended hospital stay and surgery will not be fully covered and will have to be shouldered by my family.
Per the estimates relayed by the doctors to my family, the open-heart procedure alone would cost somewhere between 500,000 to 1 Million Philippine pesos. That is around $25,000.
I am in despair thinking how in the world my family and I can raise that amount of money in the little amount of time we have before my dad's recommended surgery. I am living in Los Angeles and taking care of my 84 year old mother. She was away from her husband the last 26 years to work here and be able to send money to help my family in the Philippines. She has sacrificed so much. w/ me i also have a startup business (and have even resorted to doing part-time work to make ends meet).
Well-meaning friends suggested starting a GoFundMe movement to raise funds. Asking for help is not the easiest thing to do but, for my family's sake during this time of financial hardship, I decided to do it. So, I am reaching out to all the kind people out there who know me. Any amount is greatly appreciated - the best birthday gift for me this year would be knowing that I have enough medical funds to save my dad. Thank you in advance for the help! This means so much to me.
Sercerly yours
M-
Organizer
Marq Mendez
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
