On Aug 9, 2022, at age 41, my cousin, Ramon Mercado "Kuya" was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. Sadly, the cancer has spread to his liver. At this late stage, Kuya will require extensive treatment including Chemotherapy, Radiation and Surgery in an attempt to prolong his life. Without this treatment, Kuya would likely have only six months to live.

Kuya & his loving wife, Faith share four beautiful children together - one very responsible young man and three supportive girls. The kids are amazingly resilient and strong. But they are just that - kids and they need your help. Although Kuya is trying his best to stay positive and continues to joke around, this recent diagnosis has brought on a new overwhelming emotional and physical toll on the entire family. This also creates a number of new financial pressures which include:

- A significant loss of income as Kuya is unable to work full-time and Faith will be taking periods of leave from work to care for Kuya and the children

- Expensive medications to manage symptoms and side effects of the cancer and its treatment

- The cost of private medical appointments - for example, dental examinations to monitor for treatment side effects

- Transportation and added fuel costs that will skyrocket with the upcoming frequent medical appointments

We hope and pray that with the various treatments Kuya has to endure and his willingness and inner-strength to fight, that his life can be prolonged. We want him to continue to make more lasting memories with his wife, Faith, his dearest children, family & friends. We are praying for a miracle .

Please find it in your hearts to help my Kuya Ramon and the Mercado family during this unbelievably difficult time. Your help is greatly appreciated and means the absolute world to all of us ❤️.

Thank you,

Joane Acosta