Good afternoon, everyone!

Some updates on Ate Marie - her oxygen support has been decreased from 100 to 40% since yesterday. She initially had some difficulty with the decreased support but eventually managed to breathe well and her doctors are hoping to be able to completely wean her off the ventilator in the coming days. If not, the breathing tube inserted through her mouth will be replaced with a tracheostomy tube which is a more long-term type of breathing assistance. This tube is inserted through the neck with direct access to the windpipe.

Ate Marie is still on maximum dose of morphine, with rescue doses accessible to her as needed, to ensure that she has no discomfort at all. Yesterday she had an episode of vomiting and frequently feels bloated. Her doctors have been informed of this and she is being given anti-vomiting medications and her diet is being adjusted accordingly.

Overall, Ate Marie is in a stable condition and continues to fight despite all the tubes inserted in different parts of her body. Last night, she was also visited by a family friend priest who prayed for Ate Marie's comfort and reminded her (and us) to cast all cares and lay our burdens to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) through these difficult times.

Along with other relatives & private nurses, Ellen is well supported by Ate Marie's friends and colleagues from UP MSI (Marine Science Institute) who take turns watching over her day and night. If any of you in this group are from UP MSI, maraming salamat po sa pagmamahal at suporta!

Many thanks as well for the financial donations for Ate Marie's hospital bills. Raia and I are aiming to raise at least P300K to aid in the amounting expenses for Ate Marie's fight, any amount helps! We have some who donated anonymously, so whoever you are, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Hope you are all having a great weekend! God bless!