Help Sweet Suri Fight Autoimmune Encephalitis

In the quiet town of Ilocos Sur, my daughter Suri blossomed into a vibrant and intelligent 16-year-old. Her life had been a canvas of health and academic success until the ominous shadow of illness crept into our lives. Suri, my sweet and loving girl, was diagnosed with NMDAR Autoimmune encephalitis, a cruel twist of fate that shattered the tranquility of our existence.

She had been a consistent honor student with dreams of pursuing a college degree, a future that now hung in the balance. Since August 20, 2023, our family has been thrust into a whirlwind of hospitals and treatments, moving from Ilocos Sur to La Union and now finding ourselves in the heart of Manila at UST. Suri has spent nearly three agonizing months in the ICU, battling a relentless foe that has taken a toll on her fragile body and our family's spirit.

As a mother, watching my daughter fight for her life is a heart-wrenching experience. The days blur into nights, each moment echoing with the haunting uncertainty of what lies ahead. The medical bills have skyrocketed to staggering heights, and our once modest life is now drowning in financial distress. Life's precious moments and milestones are overshadowed by the harsh reality of mounting debts.

My husband, a passionate basketball coach, has dedicated himself to nurturing talents and uplifting the youth through tournaments. His earnings, however, have never been regular, and the funds he raises go back into supporting the dreams of the young athletes he believes in. As for me, a humble government employee in the province, my earnings were only sufficient to meet the daily needs and school expenses of our two children.

This unexpected and dreadful disease has turned our world upside down, leaving us grappling with emotional and financial setbacks we never imagined. We were once content, living within the embrace of the blessings bestowed upon us with grace. Now, the burden of uncertainty looms over us, threatening to snuff out the light that once illuminated our lives.

Being a mother is a lifetime journey filled with love, laughter, sufferings, and tears. It's a gift from God to treasure and hold, no matter the cost. Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the profound sorrow and pain that comes with witnessing your child's suffering. It's a journey that resonates with the agonizing moments of Mama Mary during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—a pain only truly understood when experienced firsthand.

Today, I reach out to you, fellow human beings, with a heavy heart and tear-streaked face. The weight of this situation is unbearable, and we find ourselves at a crossroads where we must humbly ask for help. Our family is going empty-handed, unsure of how long this treatment will continue. We appeal to your compassion and generosity to join us in this fight for Suri's life.

Every donation, no matter how small, is a lifeline that brings us closer to the hope of healing for Suri. Your support will not only alleviate the financial burden but also serve as a beacon of love and solidarity in our darkest hour. Together, let us rewrite the ending of this story, infusing it with the compassion and kindness that can change the course of a young life hanging in the balance.

If you find it in your heart to contribute, please visit our fundraising page [insert link] or contact us directly. Your generosity is a balm to our wounded hearts, and we thank you from the depths of our souls for standing with us in this journey of love, resilience, and hope.

All funds raised will be managed by Give.asia and pay directly to the hospital for Suri's medical bills.