Your Help, To Save Our Source Of Strength (MY DAD)

This fundraising is for my father Ronald Salvanera, a father of three. I'm Dawn his eldest daughter. I want to share my father's story before anything else.

Earlier this year we noticed his been getting forgetful and sometimes when we talk he's out of the topic, the inconsistency just lasted for seconds he then could not remember what he talked about. I told him something's off, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer's and urged him to have him checked by a specialist and he said yes. In addition to that I'm also bothered about his tinnitus that's been going on for 3 years now. We consulted several ENT's, specialists but nothing happened. The following months he kept on delaying his checkup saying he's okay.

The month of May came and we attended my cousin's wedding, there his siblings noticed the difference in him. He used to be jolly and easy going but he became quiet like his lost in his thoughts and the left side of his face has sagged, which we thought resulted from mild stroke. The next day, May 21, 2019 we admitted him to the nearest hospital and according to the attending Neurologist the result of the CT Scan was not enough to confirm what it is so she reffered us to get a Cranial MRI with contrast in Cebu. We rushed to Cebu by land for we were unsure if the pressure on the plane would affect his condition. Got him scheduled for MRI at Perpetual Succour Hospital and consulted a Neurosurgeon for the reading. Based on the images Doc said it could be a Hemorrhagic Stroke, Low-grade Glioma, or a Demyelinating disease. He explained everything and that my father needs to undergo a Brain Lab Guided Needle Biopsy on his right frontal for it was the most affected area (the most significant part to get the samples from).

We needed time to consider the biopsy knowing it's an invasive procedure and is very expensive for us. But we understand it's the only way to confirm what's on his brain.

Contacted families and friends for help cause we needed to raise Php 300,000 to push through with the procedure.
With just enough money for the hospital's deposit we admitted him for the biopsy at Perpetual Succour Hospital, June 1, 2019. Unfortunately we were told the next day their Brain Lab machine got damaged. The hospital needed to transfer us to another institution (UC Med). Due to that we had to pay for the ambulance and had to repeat most of the laboratories as per the new hospital's protocol.

He was scheduled for biopsy, June 4, 2019 when his Blood Pressure dropped to 80/40. We just surrendered everything to God that time. The Doctors had to administer Norepinephrine to increase his blood pressure. He was closely monitored til June 6 because his blood pressure was unstable. The situation was unexpected so as the additional medication needed. It consumed all our deposit and had to purchase the additional medicines ourselves outside the hospital to get it at a cheaper price. The biopsy was moved to June 7, finally after the procedure he was brought back to the room half conscious. Fall asleep for almost 12 hours with constant monitoring because he did not move any of his fingers. He was confined at the hospital for 10 long days. And finally got the discharge order from the doctors. Had to ask help again from people we know for our final bill exceeded the money we have in hand. He got discharged and waited for the result for a week. Stayed in Cebu at his cousin's house who openly welcomed us. The result stated it was unremarkable for glioma so we had to sendout the samples this time to St. Luke's Hospital in Manila to undergo a set of special staining to verify the reading. Cost us another Php 20,000. We also had to buy a wheelchair for he can't walk anymore. The results from St. Luke's took longer than expected, we waited for a month in Cebu. Food, electricity, water are pretty much expensive in the city.

The results came out negative for glioma. Hemorrhagic stroke and Glioma were then ruled out. The course of treatment is now focus on Demyelination,demyelinating disease is any condition that results in damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve fibers in your brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems. . He finished the 3-month treatment and went back to Cebu for his follow-up checkup. His condition improved a lot. He was scheduled for another MRI by December.

But shortly after the checkup his tremors worsen. And just three to four days ago he had difficulty swallowing his food. He cannot stand and talk anymore, he lost his balance and strength. His hands are curled and he's sweating a lot. He cannot look into your eyes if you talk to him as if he cannot see you. He was rushed to the hospital last night and right now still waiting for another Cranial CT Scan : plain & contrast while on IV. He cannot eat solid food anymore.

I'm in Cebu right now waiting for the result of my job application and my 2 siblings are still studying in our hometown. My mom is with my dad at the hospital right now in the City (far from home). He's still in a coma state.

My father is always smiling, gentle and kind, and generous. He always finds a way to make time for people, and is constantly putting others’ needs before his. He is the best listener, and the most patient dad ever.
We still owe money to some people and yet this has happened. Our Source of Strength can’t even talk and stand on his own now. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small. With every penny put together, you can help my struggling family pay the medical expenses that weigh heavily on our shoulders. God bless you and thank you in advance for your generosity.