Hello everyone,

Our names are Whilla and Melissa, the daughters of 2 immigrants from the Philippines. Whilla, being the oldest, and Melissa, the youngest. We are reaching out on behalf of our family to our community for support during an incredibly difficult time. We are usually not ones to ask for help, but this situation has weighed very heavy on all of us.

In June of 2024 our dad suffered a heart attack. We found out he had an ejection fraction rate of 11% - meaning his heart muscle is very weak and isn't pumping enough blood to meet his body's needs. After being diagnosed with severe heart failure he's been on several medications not only for his heart, but his pre-existing diabetes and high blood pressure. After being discharged he has been continuing on in his normal life, still working, but with reduced hours to keep up with bills and everyday life expenses.

This November, Whilla brought our father to the Vancouver General Hospital Emergency room where he was quickly admitted after suffering another heart attack. He was transferred to St. Paul's later that day for an emergency operation to insert a temporary heart pump meant to last for 2 to 3 weeks. In this time his kidneys had started to fail, requiring him to be put on dialysis for a bit. A full body CT scan was done to check other organs for any abnormalities, and they found nodules in his lungs. He's had 3 biopsies to figure out what the nodules in his lungs were, finally concluding to tuberculosis. He has remained in the Cardiac ICU for 28 days and counting.

These developments have left us facing the heartbreaking reality that his time with us may be limited. Unfortunately, the doctors have concluded before that he was not a suitable candidate for a heart transplant due to his active tuberculosis. Although there was a second option for an LVAD, a permanent heart pump, the doctors have concluded that this would not be suitable for him either. As the life of the temporary pump is nearing its end, they have no choice but to remove it to prevent any other complications. Their focus is now on ensuring his remaining time is as comfortable and dignified as possible. We cannot predict if when they take the temporary pump out if he will be stable enough for his heart to pump on its own, with help from a couple medications to help his heart beat. Our family has been spending as much time as possible at the hospital to support him and one another, staying informed about changes to his condition, medications, and care plan. We are deeply grateful to his medical team, who have worked tirelessly to find options that would both treat his condition and keep him comfortable.

We are endlessly grateful for the lives our parents have given us. Like many children of immigrants, we were raised by parents who came from very humble beginnings — both back home in the Philippines and after immigrating to Canada in the 90's. They have always put our needs before their own, working multiple jobs throughout their lives and continuing to work well into their 60s to support not only us, but our extended family as well. Although my father’s illness has been known to us since early 2024, he continued to work for as long as he could, determined to provide for our family. Being the only man in the house and having a background in auto mechanics from back in the Philippines, he loved looking after our cars. His spare time was either working on cars, fixing things around the house, watching basketball or hockey (Go Canucks!), or spending time with his wife and friends. Despite his declining health, he remained the same loving father and devoted husband we have always known.

As the cost of basic necessities continues to rise, making ends meet has become increasingly difficult. While our parents have always done everything they could, saving has been a challenge due to life’s many ups and downs. As adults, we try and do our best to help and to give back for all the years of love and sacrifice they have given us.

Melissa, being laid off earlier in the year and finding a job for a local glasses company and Whilla, working at a local hair salon and barber shop for the past 10+ years. Our mother has dedicated 15+ years to her career as a dietary aide, and our father was previously working as maintenance until his health conditions made it impossible for him to continue. In addition to losing his income, our mother has had to continue working past retirement age so that my father’s medications remain covered under her benefits.

Although we both work full time, Whilla's income as a hairstylist is commission-based. While the holiday season allows her to work more and contribute what she can, January is typically a much slower period in her industry. I plan to spend as much of that time as possible with my father but may need to take on a second job — at the cost of time with him — to help cover our family’s expenses. We are now facing the emotional weight of not knowing how much time we have left with him, alongside the financial reality of surviving without my father’s income.

We are asking our community for support during this painful and uncertain time. While all we want is to be present with our father, we still need to ensure that our family has a roof over our heads and food on the table — and knowing my father, he would never want us to go without necessities or smiles on our faces.

We have always lived modestly, and we will continue to do so. Any funds raised will go directly toward essential expenses such as medications, rent, transportation to and from the hospital, utilities, and food.

It has taken everything in us to ask for help, but any contribution — no matter the amount — means more than words can express. We also understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for many. For those who may not be in a position to donate, we are deeply grateful simply for your time, your kindness, and for allowing us the space to share our story.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.