Hi Everyone!

My dad, Edwin, just got an angiogram last Tuesday and the results were far worse than what we were expecting. The left ventricle of his heart, which is the thickest of the heart's chambers and is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to tissues all over the body, is 75% blocked.

Because he has diabetes and would need more than 4 stents, the surgeon said Angioplasty would be dangerous for him. Not to mention the fact that each stent would cost about Php 250,000.00 or around $4,800.00 per stent.

Our family was informed that his surgery would cost Php 900,000.00 or around $17,300.00. He needs to have his surgery within 5-7 days, if left untreated, there is a huge possibility of him getting a heart attack, and it could be fatal.

We, his family are able to share half the total cost and costs of hospitalization after his surgery, but is having difficulty in coming up with the deposit for him to undergo the surgery as soon as possible. Deposit is around Php 300,000.00 or around $5,800.00.

He has been suffering for a long time but none of us understood how sick he really was until after his heart had a bad reaction to the stress test he went through the previous week. He also didn't want to burden anyone which is why he always blew off his chest pain as "gas". And even though he was suffering from pain, he still continued on with his work as a photographer, lifting lights, cameras, heavy lenses, and other heavy equipment on occasions for a long period of time. Continuously playing the role of a provider.

My dad is relatively young (61), and by God's will could hope to live on for another 15-20++ years if able to get his surgery as soon as possible. For us, who are closest to him, each day spent with him is precious.

With all of this on the table, we want to reach out to everyone, but we also do not want to burden anyone by asking for a huge sum of money. Instead, we are appealing to your gentle hearts for a small donation. It is said that great things are accomplished by a series of small things brought together. If a great number of friends, family, and strangers can contribute a small amount to this cause, we can quickly raise the rest of the money needed for his surgery.

Your prayers are also needed and will be appreciated greatly in this time of need. May God bless your soul for caring and for your good intentions, we also pledge our solidarity to you and we are sure that the Universe will also provide for you in your time of need.