Moved by Parkinson’s – a Trip Back to Canada

Hi! I'm Jillian Villamayor, 21 years old from the Philippines. Since I was little, I have dreamed of traveling to different countries and discovering more of nature's beauties. One of the countries that quickly stole my heart and one that I would absolutely love to go back to is Canada - Vancouver, Canada. Apart from its beautiful scenery and genuinely nice people, I got to meet a 71-year old man diagnosed with Parkinson's who have not only touched my heart, but gave me an entirely new perspective in life.

His family have lives of their own already and have left him to stay in a "home" where my Aunt met and took care of him. A while later, he grew close with my Aunt and her entire family - husband (my Uncle) and children (my cousins) who eventually took him in to stay in a REAL home. He may not be our blood relative, but from where we come from, family is never limited to blood relation. We care for just as much as we would care for our blood relative. I, for one, look at him as if he was one of my biological grandfathers.

Unfortunately, I only got to stay with him and my relatives for two short weeks, and then I had to fly back home. We both cried, and it broke my heart to leave him knowing that for him, we were his only constant family left, and having people close to him leave him is not really part of his "favorites list". This is why I was driven to do all I can to save enough money and make a trip back. A round trip from Philippines to Canada would usually cost around $1,500 or so. Currently, I am looking for jobs that can help me raise that amount, alongside the support I hope to get from you guys here in GoGetFunding. ANY amount would definitely be most welcome and appreciated.

Two weeks was all it took for a 71-year old new friend who battles with movement every minute (due to his Parkinson's Disease) to MOVE me. When I was at my lowest, he picked me up, so the least I could do is to make him feel that there will always be somebody caring for him and is willing to do the same for him, just when he feels like all hope is lost.

I hope and pray for your generous support. Thank you so, so much. Sending my warmest gratitude to each  of you.