Annielyn Borres is a friend and colleague, a dedicated ICU and ER nurse who has spent her career caring for others in their most vulnerable moments. On April 24, 2026, Annielyn suffered a devastating ruptured brain aneurysm at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was found by her roommate and rushed to the hospital, where she has been receiving care ever since.
Despite receiving maximum top-notch care from our neurosurgeons, Annielyn has not recovered as much as we had hoped. Annielyn is conscious and aware of those around her — she can recognize the people she loves — but she is now only able to speak a few words, is unable to walk, and occasionally moves her right arm. She now requires full-time nursing care. Her road ahead is uncertain, but what is certain is that she deserves to spend this time surrounded by her family.
She has no family in the country. Almost all of Annielyn's family lives in the Philippines. Her husband, her sister, and the rest of her family are ready and willing to be her caregivers. The only thing standing between Annielyn and her family is the cost and logistics of getting her home safely. Because of her medical condition, Annielyn cannot travel on a standard commercial flight. She requires a specially arranged medical stretcher transport, accompanied by myself as her physician and her friend, Melissa, as her nurse who will care for her throughout the journey. This kind of transport is complex and expensive — and it is the only way to get her home.
We are raising funds to cover:
- Her medical stretcher flight from Little Rock to Manila, then to Iloilo in the Philippines
- Ground medical transport to her departure airport and from her arrival airport
- Medical supplies needed for the journey
- Basic medical supplies for her family to continue her care at home
In the less likely event that her family gets approval to come to the U.S. on a humanitarian parole visa, the funds would go towards paying for their travel and lodging while they are here to be with Annie.
Annielyn spent her career showing up for patients and families in their hardest moments. Now we are asking you to show up for her. Every dollar raised (minus fundraiser platform fees) goes directly toward bringing her home to the people who love her most.
If you are unable to donate, please share this page. Getting her story in front of people can help may be the most important thing you can do. Thank you for caring about Annielyn.
With love and gratitude,
Christie del Castillo-Hegyi, MD