Raising Funds for Erna’s Throat Surgery

Greetings of peace, love, and healing to all of you.

I am Anna Patrice Sedigo, 39 years old from Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines.

This fundraiser is for my mother, Erna Sedigo, 72 years old and a retired college teacher, who will undergo throat surgery this coming June 15, 2022, at Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City.

My mother, Erna has taught at a university in Baybay City, Leyte for more than 20 years. She juggled work, motherhood, and graduate studies all at the same time up until her retirement in 2014. She is now based in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines together with my father.

In 2011, she was diagnosed with Papillary Carcinoma, Stage II (Thyroid Cancer). This was discovered through an ultrasound which showed 2 nodules on the right side of her thyroid area. Her Endocrinologist had it biopsied and it came out to be Papillary Carcinoma.

She underwent a total Thyroidectomy in October 2011 at the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu City, Philippines. A month after, she underwent Radio-Active Iodine (RAI) to clean the thyroid area. In 2016, her Thyroglobulin test showed high results from the normal level so she underwent another RAI. In 2018, a node was seen in the Thyroid area and the Thyroglobulin test showed high results again, so she underwent RAI for the third time. She had to have laboratory tests and checkups at least once every 3 months to monitor her Thyroglobulin level which should not go above the normal level. Whenever the test results go up, it meant that the Cancer cells are activated again. Her Surgeon’s advice is to have the RAI and another surgery was not recommended considering her age.

From the onset of the COVID19 pandemic in 2020 until 2021, she couldn’t have her regular checkup and tests in Cebu City because of the health protocols and travel restrictions. Sometime in 2021, she noticed that she would cough out phlegm-like substances with blood and it became frequent. She would also have shortness of breath and a raspy voice. This prompted her to see her doctor in Cebu City in May 2022 and she was advised to undergo the tests. Unfortunately, her tests came back with very high results. So, her surgeon referred her to another doctor who has the same specialization and this doctor advised her to undergo a Neck CT scan. The CT scan showed that she has a tumor on the left side of her neck and about 40% of the mass has entered her trachea which causes her shortness of breath. The Surgeon recommended another operation to remove the tumor and especially the part of it that entered her Trachea. Two doctors will be doing her operation/surgery on June 15, 2022, at Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City, Philippines.

The doctors have quoted around Php350,000 to Php400,000 for the surgery/operation and post-operation expenses. Both my parents are now retired and their pension is not enough to cover this amount. I am also a rank-and-file government employee and even coming with a bank loan is not possible for such an amount.

My mother is a very strong woman -- she loves cooking and baking, home decorating, gardening, landscaping, and many other small crafts. She is a doting grandmother to 3 granddaughters -- my only daughter and the 2 daughters of my elder brother who passed away in 2013. Despite her current condition, she still continues to do the things she loves doing despite the doctor's advice to take things slowly from the time she was operated on in 2011. I want my mother to live a longer life and be able to spend more time with us.

As her youngest daughter, I am setting up this fundraiser to help her come up with the needed amount. I am well aware that many of us are also facing certain difficulties and challenges, along with the pandemic and other circumstances. But I still believe in the innate goodness of humanity. I am a fervent believer that the goodness we give to those in need will always come back to us in many folds and in unexpected blessings.

I pray sincerely that help will come our way. Any amount you can willingly and lovingly share will be a great help. I appreciate it if you could also SHARE this fundraiser with many others.

With much hope and prayers for my mother's surgery,

Anna Patrice