Laban Para Kay JJ (Battle for JJ)

My name is Aida and I am widow with 4 kids named Chris, Andrei, Gil, and Eya. I am sharing this story as narrated by my daughter on why we are trying to reach out to generous hearts to raise funds: -

July 9, 2021 was a day that changed our family’s life forever.

It started that morning when I received a call from my elder brother Gil – something unusual as he was not the type to call me. I recall his voice gasping for air, telling me frantically, “Eys, mahihimatay na ako, nasa emergency ako, sabihan mo nalang sila” (I might faint, am at the emergency room, please tell them). I immediately called our eldest brothers Chris and Andrei, as well as our mother. Being the nearest to Gil’s location, Andrei was the first to reach the hospital.

After a series of tests that afternoon, we were informed that the doctors found a tear and leak on his heart which needed immediate surgery. Unfortunately, the hospital’s blood bank did not have enough bags for his blood type (B+), hence the urgent need to gather enough for the surgery to proceed, and the clock was ticking with each delay.

We were able to gather enough blood bags with the help of friends and family – some of which were kind souls whom we never expected would extend assistance. Thus, the hospital prepped my brother for surgery.

We later received word from the doctors that during the operation, my brother experienced internal bleeding while at the recovery room, thus required additional surgery.

The morning of July 11, I was able to finally see my brother Gil at the coronary care unit (CCU). It took an enormous amount of effort to appear to be strong as I did not want to worry him by letting him see me cry. It pained me to see him in so much pain – the discomfort agitated him, making him cry out for help to remove all the tubes and needles attached to him that it took several nurses to strap him down to keep him from moving.

The days that followed were the most crucial as I saw my brother struggle to fight for his life. He grew weaker and unresponsive to the medication. I even prayed to my late father to watch over Gil, but that we weren’t ready to let him go. Our family offered prayers every night for his recovery as it seemed only a miracle would save my brother.

July 18, 2021 – he had his CT scan which showed improvement. It was then that we knew God was working and heard our prayers. Gil was finally responding to the medication. However, he still needed to undergo a series of tests to see what was causing his pain.

We were focused on Gil’s recovery, but there was the concern of raising funds to pay for his surgery and – and each day at the hospital, plus the ongoing tests my brother had, only increased his running hospital bill.

Finally, from the CCU, my brother was later transferred to a regular room which meant more time to recover from all his surgeries and tests. We weren’t out of the woods yet. Blood was not properly flowing in his left leg and we were later advised that he needed to undergo another surgery.

My brother has undergone 3 major heart surgeries. He is truly a fighter, an inspiration, and a miracle. God truly listens and makes impossible things possible.

His hospital bill has now reached PhP7.6 million pesos. We are continuously trying to raise funds to pay for all the expenses – not including the medicines he would need for maintenance.

Which is why we need your help.

With the help of friends and family, we have started several fundraising activities. We are knocking in your hearts to help raise funds for my brother. If you have extra money to spare – any amount – may it be big or small – means a lot to us and we are grateful for any assistance you can provide.

July 9, 2021 was a day that changed my family’s life forever but it doesn’t end there. The battle continues, and we know that we will soon overcome.

#LabanParaKayGil

#GilMadeIt