The Gift of Hope

This year, our family was put to test. My mom was diagnosed with Carotico Cavernous Fistula (CCF) affecting her left eye which she just thought as conjunctivitis at first. CCF results from an abnormal communication between the arterial and venous systems within the cavernous sinus in the skull.

Knowing our mother who barely gets sick, this was a very stressful moment for her. The red eye turned into a swollen eye then became lazy eye. That was when depression hit her. She started not talking, not eating and locking herself in the room because she hated how she look and felt ashamed about it. She felt that if she goes out, and if people ask what happened to her, she is obliged to explain herself.

We consulted several doctors from different hospitals in the metro. She went through several medical tests (including CT scan and MRI).Her neuro surgeon said that her condition is not life threatening but if not addressed, she will lose her vision/eyesight. For the second time, she felt depression again. There was a point that she said, she wanted to give up.

We were given options but was recommended for her to go through embolisation (In a catheter embolization procedure, medications or synthetic materials called embolic agents are placed through a catheter into a blood vessel to prevent blood flow to the area). This procedure is safer than an open surgery but is really expensive. We were asked to prepare at least 1.6 million pesos or almost $32,000 USD. Our money is way too far from it. My mom and dad did not have savings at all.

Last Sunday, August 3, my mom woke up with a swollen left eye which could barely be opened. We rushed her to the ER because based on my previous research it's another sign that her condition is progressing and an operation is needed asap. She was admitted at the hospital for monitoring and pain management.

I know for some, it's not urgent. Yes, she is not going to die because of CCF but imagining that my mom would not see what this life has to offer is a heartbreaking situation for us. I still have 3 little siblings that are studying and we want mom to see them be successful at their own chosen career. My daughter is just 5 years old and there are still a lot of amazing milestones that we wish my mom can witness and see.

She will celebrate her 50th birthday this August 14 and we want to give her the best gift ever. The gift of hope. The gift of positivity. The gift of life and the gift of security that she will still see her family.

We are eternally grateful for the ongoing prayers and support, near and far. Your help is truly needed and we are grateful for anything you feel called to contribute.

You can also do online bank transfer for your donations:

Bank Name: Angelita G. Flores

Bank: BPI

Account Number: 4099 1569 24

Gcash nuber: 0998 991 2480