Just today, I'm realizing the traumatizing effect of going to the hospital everyday for three weeks. As Ate Liza lies in her bed, no longer in the ICU, I am already haunted.
In the off chance that you may have influence, contacts, or ideas, here is an email I sent out just now:
Hi folks,
Some of you may have noticed (depending on how often I see/email/chat with you) I've been sort of MIA the last few weeks. I've been avoiding telling more folks than absolutely necessary, just because my family has been going through some difficult times lately and I don't want to burden you if at all possible. However, I'm writing to let you know why because I am hoping you might be able to help.
This concerns close family friend of mine, who has been living with my family for the past four years. Her name is Liza Joaquin, and less than 3 weeks ago, she found out she had ovarian cancer, at its final stage - Stage 4. She has been in the hospital, and I've been taking turns with my mom to visit her nearly everyday, since the 5th of January. Though the chances were slim, we still hoped she could still recover - Liza, most of all. She is my "ate liza" ("ate" means older sister), because she has been truly a older sister to me, she just turned 31 years old last week. Before she was confined in the hospital, she was working as a domestic worker - a babysitter to be exact. And before that, as a teacher, back in the Philippines. Some of you receiving this email may have been lucky enough to meet her.
I had the chance to spend time with her the last few weeks, and thus, know what her "final wishes" were before she went into a coma last Monday. In fact, I was the last one in our family to hear her speak.
She was looking forward to seeing her 6 year old son, husband, and mother, all of whom are living in Obando, Bulacan in the Philippines. For the past two weeks, they have been trying to obtain special visas from the U.S. Embassy to no avail. It seems, without proper "contacts" or influence, nothing can be done. We feel Ate Liza is holding on, although in a coma, because she was so determined to see her son before she leaves us. I am hoping you can help me make this happen. Mom and I don't feel she can truly "rest" until she is reunited with her family while she is still alive.
If you know anybody who can possibly help us expedite their visas. They will most likely not stay more than a week, 2 at the most. Our family will take care of them while they are here. And hopefully, they will all be able to go back to the Philippines, with Ate Liza with them.
We were told that, even if it is a city councilor, congressman, mayor, diplomat from the U.S., that may have some sort of influence at the Embassy in Manila, would be helpful. IF you know anyone, or OF anyone, please let me know. Any ideas, contacts, etc are most welcome.
Please feel free to forward this to anyone that may be of help. And please feel free to contact met through this email. Time is short.
Thank you so much for reading this.
