Help Me Continue my Fight

In November 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. I immediately had my radical mastectomy with the financial help of friends and family. I had my first chemo session in January 2018, and just as I was getting ready to go back to work, I was offered to a separation package instead. With barely 8 months in my job, it wasn't even enough to last me through the whole treatment program lined up by my Onco. I couldn't afford the chemo both financially and physically as I am the breadwinner with my daughter entering her last year in college. I could not afford to stay in bed for a week with no income at all.

I tried to find a new job. I could still physically and mentally do what I do best, I was in Sales and Marketing before and I knew I could still work. Unfortunately, no company, both multinational and local would hire someone ill like me. The Labor Code of the Philippines doesn’t help as well, allowing employers to offer separation package to employees with illness that cannot be cured in 6 months. I felt it was unfair. I looked and felt healthier than others.

A relative and our village administration suggested I open a community store. With only $100 in capital to buy groceries for my initial stock, I went into the business. Somehow, my little store in our village helped us survive the months to come. With a few side jobs we were able to tide it through in the next 2 years.

However, in December 2019, I started to have back pain episodes. They were so painful I could hardly move. By the start of the 2020, I was diagnosed with bone metastasis. The cancer has spread to my lumbar spine and my ribs. The lumbar spine was most delicate I could hardly move at all. My oncologist warned me that one wrong move could paralyze me or even kill me. I needed to go through immediate treatments - radiation and oral. My friends and family moved heaven and earth to help me raise funds for my radiation therapy and oral treatments.

Pandemic struck by March 2020. My daughter lost her job, my little store was barely making enough for our daily food. Despite the do's and don'ts of my condition, I had to make a living. I could not afford to rest even if it hurts so much. I had to force myself to be physically able to find other sources of income from our little store. I offered to do the grocery shopping for those in the neighborhood. It gave me enough income though it was tiring. Adrenaline helped me to physically bear the difficulties. I would walk several blocks just tonget from one store to another without public transport.

In Novemeber 2020 however, I developed neuropathic pain, it hurts so much I had no choice but to stay in bed during really bad episodes. I had to lie low from grocery shopping and was even forced to close my store in most days. Bills were piling up and I could hardly afford to buy my painkillers.

You might be wondering where my savings after 25 years of working went...
In 2012, I lost my husband from chronic kidney disease. It was a 6 year battle that took all our lifesavings together and buried us into deep debt. After he passed away, I found a high paying job and helped me start my financial recovery. Barely 3 years into the job, I was given a redundancy package, which I used to start a small business. The start up required me to come up with millions in funds but went sour when we started having issues with product qualities. In short, I failed. Just as I found a financial redemption with another high paying job, to help me get out of debts, November 2017 struck.

I found myself in a far worse fight, my own fight. My fight with cancer. With no money, no job, and armed with the love of family, friends and even strangers, I continue my fight. I cannot give up.

Please help me continue my fight.