Mommy Mira Manzano Care Fund

My mother had me at 36 years old. Before her illness completely took away most of her senses, she always told me I was her miracle, her most precious gift. But truthfully, my entire life, she has been mine. She has been my rock, my source of inspiration, happiness, and unselfish love. Her show of strength in times of struggles and challenges, especially in the midst of her sickness is the very reason I am an empowered woman.

In 2012, she was diagnosed with Seizure Disorder, a disease that over the years crippled her. Slowly but painfully, she lost most of her functions. But while she still had them, she made sure they were never put to waste. When she could still walk, she made sure she to help me around the house, so I can better take care of my son. When she could still talk, she made sure to give me advice, and read my son books, which she is so passionate about. When she could still see, she made sure I can still see the beauty in life despite the tragedy that has struck our family.

She has been bedridden for the past two years with frequent trips to the hospital due to several complications and infections related to her condition. We brought her back to Makati Medical Center on April 25 and May 11 as she has again shown signs of urinary tract infection and sepsis, which were confirmed by her doctors.

My mom is no longer responding well to the medications given to her by the doctors. Her congenital brain cyst that has been putting pressure to her brain, is giving her body a hard time fighting off infections. The cyst, which has weakened her nerves, has also affected her hearing and urinary bladder. She is now using a foley catheter to drain her bladder. Unfortunately, the catheter is causing her recurrent and chronic infection. She is also now being fed with nutrition formula through a feeding tube, because of her inability to swallow solid food.

She is still currently confined and our current bill, including doctor’s professional fees, is already at P 220,000.00, while her maintenance medications and required medical supplies cost P23,000.00 per month. I am afraid that we will not be able to shoulder the cost of her medical expenses. My mother is already a retired public school teacher, and I am a stay-at-home mom with an online job. The income I get from working online is not enough to cover my mom’s medical expenses.

I appeal to your good hearts to help my mom in this most trying time of her life. She is very much in need of medical care and it pains me and my father to not be able to provide for it, given our very limited resources. Once discharged from the hospital, my mother will still need 24/7 medical assistance.