May 3, 2015 (Manila time) will be remembered by most as the historical day of the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight, but I will remember it as the day my grandfather was admitted to the hospital.
After suffering a massive stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. A CT scan revealed that areas in his right brain (memory, speech, etc.) had been affected. To rule out aneurysm, his doctor wanted to perform a diagnostic exam.
But before this diagnostic exam could be performed, he suffered kidney failure. Because of this, they had to administer an emergency hemodialysis. While they were putting in the catheter for the hemodialysis, his lungs gave out, and his condition was suddenly critical.
We were told by his doctors (at that point, there were three) that we could lose him.
At that moment, he was no longer able to breathe on his own, so they had to put him on a respirator while they worked on fixing his lungs and kidneys (because of this, he ended up doing three dialyses in his first week); all so they could work on his brain, where the initial problem lay.
As of June 3, 2015, my grandfather has been in the hospital for over a month, his recovery is slow, his blood pressure is still unstable; the drugs the doctors have him on to drain the blood from his brain are dehydrating him, leading to extreme weight loss; because he is unable to move, bed sores litter his body, from his ears to his feet. He is scheduled for a tracheostomy on June 4.
As a full-time college student, this is the best form of support I can think of to give to my family besides prayer and moral support. The amount I am trying to raise (that which covers the doctor's fees (he has four doctors) which must be payed in cash) is only a small part of my grandfather's hospital bill, but I am determined to help in any way I can.
My grandfather has been a very big part, not only of my own life but, of the lives of those around him. He has served as a teacher for more than 30 years, in the Philippines and in Papua New Guinea, and has touched the lives of his students and coworkers.
He has always been the kind of person to lend a helping hand; a loving, charming presence that warms the spirits of those around him. The love and care he has given to the people he has met might be insurmountable; too much so to completely give back, but it is for this exact reason that this cause finds purpose.
Any amount is much appreciated. Even just sharing this to your friends and family is a big help. Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal, and please pray for my grandfather's speedy recovery.
