Supporting our dear Babette

BABETTE, as we fondly call her, is a childhood friend and classmate from kindergarten to high school back in my home country, The Philippines!

A lady who loves to laugh, that's Babette! She has a signature infectious laugh that would make gatherings so alive and fun. She loves life, her daughter, and cooking gastronomic delights. Babette is 53 years old who makes a living by baking delicious pastries. She takes pride that people who have tasted her cakes would want more; be it a another slice or to order for the next celebration.

Last month, Babette was hospitalized due to an infection on her foot.  She had to undergo a debridement for an infection in her left foot.  She is diabetic and has a chronic heart condition.  Her being a diabetic, the fear of having her foot amputated was very much a possibility.  Thankfully, the doctors were able to do a debridement and saved her foot.  Imagine, this was all happening in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the hospital was like a warzone. Yet she and her daughter braved the hospital scene. She was admitted for 10 days until she was well enough to go home. The hospital bills were mounting and because baking was her only source of income, she had to rely on friends and relatives to help. 

Then just last week, she is back in the hospital again. Her infected foot had turned gangrene. And on Monday, May 18th in the Philippines, her left leg starting right below her knee down, was  amputated. We were all devastated!!! 

Myself, along with our classmates in our batch in the Philippines and here in America, are joining forces in finding resources to help Babette. We are hoping that through this GoFundMe, we could come up with enough money to help her pay for her hospital bills and medication. This is a plea from her friends to all those who would take time and help someone you may or may not know. PLEASE help our friend so she can laugh and bake again.  ..... Again her name is Babette!

A daughter's heart:

Life hasn’t always been easy for our family, but the pain hits differently this time knowing how it has put my mom’s life at risk. For many years, my mom has been in and out of the hospital multiple times because of her health condition (heart attack, diabetes, you name it) - it was physically, mentally and financially draining. But I suppose we never get used to pain, do we? Still, my mom remained the aloof and funny Babette that many so fondly recognize her, and that was more than enough reason for me to continue to fight up to this day especially in these trying times. After all, she taught me this is not a battle I will face on my own but along with the people who truly care and love my mom the way I do.

To my mom’s friends who started a fundraising drive for her speedy recovery, I am very, very grateful for the support that you have given our family. And to all those who have showed us love and prayers, thank you very much. I hope and pray that one day, this will all be over soon. I love you mom.  

-Anna Alejandria (Babette's daughter)