May The Force Be With Pors

My mom, Flora, has recently been diagnosed with Stage 2 Colon Cancer. While the Big C is always a scary word to discuss, my mom's cancer was detected early on hence we have bigger chances to win this.

A week ago, we rushed her to the hospital to due complained weakness, diarrhea and vomiting. the Medical City was very thorough with the tests they did and so they requested for CT Scan in her abdomen area. Back then, the doctors said that if there are no anomalies in the CT Scan, then we should be good. Otherwise, she may need to go through Colonoscopy. They found masses in her intestine, closest to her rectum. They also did biopsy on the masses and later on confirmed that they are actually cancer. The surgeon attending to my mom suggested to perform surgery on the said area to remove these masses. The silver lining in this whole ordeal is that, the masses are localized and have not spread in her other organs. She is not in pain or in any discomfort but that doesn't mean that she is well, hence we need to act fast. As in any cancer cases, we would also be seeking 2nd opinion on her case. but if it proves that surgery is the way to beat this thing, then we will take that path however it would also involve a lot of money. hence this fundraiser.

My mom is 62. When I was in Nursery School, she worked as a caregiver to a patient who suffered from stroke and was unable to move normally as she would until the end of her life. Dr Velinda Amigleo Samonte of the Philippine Normal University was her patient since I started schooling, until I graduated from college in UP. Mama would often tease Mommy Velinda that she should stay alive until I finish school since working with her was our only source of income to send me to school. She kept that promise, as if staying alive is something one can commit to anyone. Mommy Velinda died the day after my college confirmed that I was part of the graduating class of 2006.

My mom also worked as a Barangay Health Worker in Pitogo, Makati City about the same length as my school years. In the span of those years working for the Barangay Health Center, there were innumerable tuberculosis patients that she administered medicines to everyday; kids who have grown knowing her during Oplan Patak -- when they administer drops to prevent polio, Iodine deficiency, Vitamin A, and many other. Little boys would remember Mama for prepping them up during summer for their rites of passage to manhood.

She was the go to person when someone in the family would get sick. Cousins, Aunts, Nephews and Nieces who got sick, gave birth, or just needed an extra hand would call Mama for help. Neighbors', and friends' kids grew up with Mama looking after them, which is why she is Lola Pors to everyone. My mom was everywhere. She took care of almost everyone she knows. She was never good with expressing her concern or love for others, but she was good with her actions.

She didn't need a lot of things. The black bowed Celine shoes she wore in my Kindergarten graduation are the same pair of shoes she wore when I got my degree. She was contented when her pantry is filled with groceries. She's always beaming with our refrigerator filled with meats rather than her closet filled with clothes. We got tired worrying about what to giver her during her birthday and Christmas because she would always prefer to receive money so she can buy food, and rice grains mainly.

I am reaching out to family, and friends who worked closely with my mom, who laughed with her in afternoon Bingo and halo-halo, or lunch time over tapsilog. Those whom she loved unconditionally, and that's all of us. She needs us now more than anytime. I fervently hope that you could extend help for her treatment so she can live a longer, comfortable life, because I really believe that she deserves to live a lot longer.