Uncle Don’s Final Expenses

UPDATE: My uncle’s body was finally released to us this week after placing my aunt’s land deed on the account as collateral in additional to the ₽446,722 we had raised/contributed between family members and this account. My uncle is currently in San Ignacio, Manay, Davao Oriental for this wake and then will be transported to the hometown of my mom and her siblings for internment in 9 days. My family and I would like to express our appreciation to everyone who has donated and who has shared this.

Hello, everyone. For those of you who know me, you know it’s very out of character for me to ask for help, let alone financial help, but unfortunately my family is desperately in need. My uncle was admitted to Davao Doctors Hospital in Davao City, Philippines on April 3, 2025. He was fighting liver cirrhosis, renal failure, and was a diabetic. Yesterday, he began bleeding internally and lost blood at a rapid rate. This morning, right before 10:00 am EST, my uncle coded, and despite the medical team’s several attempts, he passed away.

As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for the family, but the financial burden is even greater. The healthcare system in the Philippines is not the same as here in the United States. Very little is covered by PhilHealth, their health insurance, and payment is required in full.

Currently, the tentative bill is ₽962,842.39, which is about $16,890.79, and this is not an up to date invoice; this is only reflecting April 3rd through April 9th, after applying the money we have already sent towards treatment up to this point. Until the invoice is paid, my uncle’s body will not be released and we cannot move forward with a proper funeral, or any of those costs. We are also being charged ₽7,000/day for them holding his body, which is about $122, thus making the invoice increase by the day.

Making this post is incredibly difficult, but I am desperately trying to help my family ease the burden of the expense. On top of medical bills, they had to travel several hours to Davao City, so travel expenses aren’t even included. My mom has worked so hard her entire life to help our family back in the Philippines, and she has selflessly taken care of everyone. Due to my mom being currently laid off, and being in the interviewing process while job searching back home in CA, her funds are limited and she has exhausted all of her available savings to get him the treatment he had so far. My mom and our family just really need help and I’m humbling asking that if you cannot donate, to please at least share and get the word out. I’ve never felt as helpless as I feel today, but I appreciate each and every one of you who took the time to at least read this far.

Thank you so much in advance and God Bless.