A Fighting Chance for Melvin

We’ve seen it happen to other people. It’s something we hear, read, and talk about - but always as onlookers, spectators, the ones outside the picture. But with no clue whatsoever, from out of the blue, it happened to us, too.

For our dad, what started out as simple stomach pains – treated as hyperacidity – turned out to be something else.

It was first diagnosed as Peptic Ulcer Disease. But it was so bad it required subtotal gastrectomy, or the removal of a large part of his stomach. The ulcer had grown so big it ate through the layers of his stomach. Surgery was needed or we stood the risk of my dad bleeding. There was no choice.

A few days after the surgery, biopsy results came out. We were handed the life-changing diagnosis: Gastric Adenocarcinoma. Cancer of the Stomach.

The diagnosis brings a kind of pain that one couldn’t possibly put into words. The big C is not something that’s taken lightly. But we’re way past grieving. For our family, it’s all about putting up a fight. And this fight is what brings us here.

Our dad will be starting chemotherapy. This, perhaps, is the biggest battle of his life. We’re determined to make this ours, too because that’s what family is for. He is the best father anyone could ask for – generous, selfless, forgiving. He has given so much of himself. He very well deserves this fighting chance.

Each session costs Php55,000. The doctor has recommended one session every 21 days for 6 months. More or less, we’re looking at 10 sessions. That’s a total of Php550,000. We humbly admit, we couldn’t do this on our own. We need help.

We’re knocking on your hearts to please help us fund his chemotherapy sessions. No donation is too small; every bit counts. If you can’t give right now, that’s okay. All we ask is that you say a prayer for him when you read this.

May the good Lord bless you and the people that you love.

PS. For those who wish to make bank donations, you may send it to the following. Please send us a Facebook message, or email us at [email protected] so we can acknowledge. Thank you.

Emjay Annavi Baclay - BPI S/A 1059277282

Mara June Baclay - UCPB S/A 103110014673

Mara June B. Jarobel - Bank of Commerce S/A 025-20-008884-3