For Our Tatay Joseph

Joseph Astilla, whom we call Tatay, is a loving father, husband, uncle, and grandfather. We, his nephews, nieces, and grandnieces, set up this GoGetFunding campaign for his upcoming operation scheduled on September 21, Thursday. We are particularly reaching out to those who know Tatay Joseph, or Nanay Patsy, and/or Sharon, and who have been thinking of how they can help this family in their time of need.

A little bit of background on Tatay’s illness: On November 2015, he had a kidney failure and had to undergo hemodialysis twice a week. By May 2017, the frequency of the dialysis was increased to 3x a week. This costs the family PhP4,600 per session, excluding medication, or PhP 55,200 per month. Unfortunately, there is cap to the Philhealth assistance for dialysis patients, and they have long ago exceeded this cap.

Aside from the dialysis, there were other complications resulting from his Type 2 Diabetes. On May 8, 2017, he had an Above-the-knee Amputation (AkA) that resulted from just a small wound on his left toe that did not heal. That was very devastating for Tatay. His heart could not handle it, and he had a mild stroke a week after, and his right side was paralyzed. His regular hemodialysis continued as he needed it to keep his body functioning. After just a few months of therapy, and with the ever steadfast Nanay Patsy always at his side, he got his speech back, and eventually was able to sit down.

Barely a month after that major operation, he had another wound on his right foot. In late June, they performed another operation to amputate a part of his foot. But that wound did not heal as hoped for and now, they need to perform another Above-the-knee Amputation (AkA) to the right leg. Their doctors also told them that Tatay’s fistula on both arms are no longer viable, so they need to do graft placement just so he can continue with his dialysis.

During this period, he has been in and out of the hospital for various ailments resulting from complications of the Diabetes, or as a result of his heart ailment. All these operations and hospitalizations were very expensive. His family said they already spent PhP350,000++ for this year’s hospital bills alone. This is on top of the PhP845,000++ they have already spent on the dialysis since it started until August of this year (and counting). They have already spent 1.2 million in the last 21 months.

This has been very tough on Nanay and Sharon, emotionally and financially. Nanay is a retired government employee subsisting on a measly pension, while Sharon, an only child, is also on a government salary.

They already received a lot of financial help from Nanay and Tatay’s brothers, sisters, cousins, Community members, and close friends. His doctors have been waiving fees or giving discounted rates just to get him through one procedure to the next. Without their generosity and kindness, Nanay Patsy and Sharon would not have been able to sustain all of his medical needs and expenses.

We remember Tatay saying that he would not survive another amputation. But Sharon was able to convince him to do it because it is his only chance of surviving. We cannot even begin to imagine what is going through his head as he prepares to lose another leg. He is a fighter, and this is what keeps the family going-- Tatay’s strong will to live. He said he wants to see his grandchildren grow up.

So here we are now, humbly asking for your support to give him as much fighting chance as we can. Know that any help, prayers, and encouragement are gratefully received. May the Lord repay you a hundredfold.

____

For those without PayPal, you may deposit or transfer your donations to Cheska Lelina's BPI Account:

BPI Savings Account: Francheska Marie U. Lelina 9639 0810 25

____

Special mention to tatay's family who helped him...

Lola Mi, Auntie Fely and family, Uncle Bebot and family, Auntie Libeth and family, Auntie Nora and family, Uncle Boy and family, Uncle Rudy and family, Uncle Nestor, Uncle Baby Gil and Family, Ninong Orly and Ninang Melba and family