Mama Oly Paredes

For those of you who do not know, my mom, Ma. Olivia Paredes, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer last May 2018. The family stood strong and prepared to face the battle ahead.

As it has been all our lives, we were led with strength and unrelenting positivity by our inspirational captain, Ma herself. Each day has truly been a blessing, as we grew in love as a family and in turn, as individuals as well. Some days were great, revealing days of the recent past (and hopefully a possible future) where we could do normal activities like stroll around the mall, go to the palengke and bring Sachi to the vet. Other days have been tough to say the least; dealing with the difficulties of cancer is a grueling endeavor for anyone who has been touched by it.

Needless to say, it has been a battle in the truest sense most of all, for our mom. Though not a surprise, it has been genuinely inspirational to see my mom continue to live each day with strength and love. As her children, we are eternally proud and filled with gratitude for the gift that she is. Not just in this time, but all throughout our lives. In reality, she has mothered hundreds. Anyone who has been lucky enough to be touched by the enormous blanket of her love and care can attest to this.

Following the example of our mom’s courage and optimism has been a real test for all of us but it has helped us get through most of these days with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts. Unfortunately, as powerful and uplifting as they are, love and good spirits can’t pay for the bills. Together we have faced 6 full cycles of chemotherapy, 2 surgeries, 1 radiotherapy session and at the moment, well over 40 days in the hospital and counting. Additionally we have had 4 MRI’s, 4 CT scans, 3 PET scans, 2 biopsies and a laundry list of meds.

There is no price high enough for time bought for our mom, but the financial blow of all this has mountained to quite overwhelming proportions. At this point, we are reaching out for help. Currently, we are just happy to accept any amount you and/or your family is willing to donate, should you wish to help us through this time.

Thank you for taking the time to read/share this and thank you in advance for your help should it be financially or even emotionally. On behalf of the Paredes family, we would like to extend all the love and light to you and your families. Please share this love and light with each other as you read this because really, there is no time like the present.