Help Us Fight Our Mom’s Battle with COVID-19

We are Joven, Claire and Mitzi, and we are raising funds for the medical expenses of our mother, Menchie, who is fighting against COVID-19.

Our mom started complaining of shortness of breath and weakness three days before she was brought to the hospital on Sunday, August 9. By the time we reached the ER, her breathing had become more labored that it was difficult for her to talk. Her oxygen saturation dropped dangerously to 81% (the normal is 95% or higher). Two days after she was admitted, her medical team told us that her COVID test came back positive. That was very concerning for us since our mom is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 because she is a diabetic and because of her age. That also meant that we can not be with her during her hospital stay.

We started this fundraiser because her medical expenses are overwhelming. As of hospital day 3, her bills already stacked up to PHP500,000+ (USD10,000+). That only includes emergency room procedures, lab tests, scans, central line placement, medications, and hemoperfusion. Hospital room and professional fees will not be figured in until the completion of her hospital stay. We are required to prepay in cash for some of her treatments (e.g., hemoperfusion, remdesivir). Later today, our mom will undergo her fourth hemoperfusion procedure which costs ~PHP50,000 per cycle - to be paid in cash before it is even initiated. It is likely that she is going to need more of it.

Except for Joven, we live in Manila where COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate of 3,000 confirmed cases daily since the first lockdowns were lifted in early July. Currently, the city and its neighboring provinces are under very strict confinements. Therefore, in this most trying time, no one is allowed to be with our dear mother in the hospital like many others who are suffering from moderate to severe acute respiratory distress because of COVID-19. And since we live under one roof, our entire extended family is forced to quarantine.

We are thankful to have a responsive and highly skilled medical team taking care of our mom, but we do need your help to cover the cost of her expenses so that they can do whatever they need to do in order to bring her back to health. In addition, we also covet your prayers not just for our mom's recovery, but also for peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) to fill her heart during this difficult time of isolation.

We understand that making a donation through this fund raising platform may not be the most efficient means for some. Should you choose to do so, you may directly send your donation to the following accounts.

Mitzi V Garcia

BDO Savings Account 008060076812

PayPal [email protected] — 09190015270

Claire Junieve Clemente

BPI Savings Account 0449309405

GCash 09064079009

Joven Cerdenia

Zelle and Venmo - [email protected]