Not many people on Bohol Island know who we are and what we do. This helps us keep an objective view on things and provides us with flexibility in our pursuit to help others.
We came to know Robert from a nearby construction site and learned that he and his family were currently living with relations and needed a place of their own, so we decided to build them a home.
On my last trip to the Island in February of this year, Robert and wife Shierly came and visited us. Shierley was visibly unwell, and we soon found out that she had been diagnosed with 'meningioma' brain tumour, way back in 2015. An operation was prescribed but unfortunately the family cannot afford to have it done and since then her condition has worsened.
During our conversation, Shierly tearfully asked us a favour . . .
I agreed that instead of building the family a home . . . we would try and save her life.
Our intentions were never to deviate from our housing, education and livelihood programmes and venture into the more complex field of medical assistance as we feel it is beyond our means, but I could not say no to a mother with young children asking for her life.
It’s a big ask, and this situation just landed in our lap. But fate plays a part in our lives. Perhaps this was meant to be.
The family desperately needs help. Here is the current reality of the situation and possible avenues for assistance;
The Public Health system.
The sector works very hard, but resources are limited. Current queues for patients are lengthy and I’m afraid Shierlys condition may not allow her to wait that long. We will push this avenue as best we can and hope.
The Private Health system.
This option is the quickest but as one can imagine the cost is very prohibitive, and I fear an organisation of our size would struggle to raise that kind of money in time, although we will certainly try.
A Volunteer Doctor.
Possibly the best option, if anyone amongst us (or even through a church, or an association you belong to) may know a doctor who would be willing to do the procedure for free. A local doctor would be a miracle, but I am sure there are means available for a foreign doctor to come to us.
Thank you all for your time. I hope and pray that with our support we can help this end well for Shierley and her family.
Ruben