Help me assist a struggling family in the Philippines

A New Purpose, A Continued Commitment

Since 2016, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Philippines four times. My first two trips were with my late domestic partner. Though we weren’t legally married—due to her need to retain her late husband’s military insurance—our bond was very real. Tragically, during our second visit to the Philippines in 2019, she passed away. It was a deeply traumatic experience that reshaped the course of my life.

It was during that time that I met Samely, a kind and resilient young woman with two children. Her story reminded me a lot of my partner’s early years. Over the past four years, Samely and I have stayed in touch, and I’ve returned to visit her and her children twice. I had hoped to bring her to the United States, but that process has proven to be extremely difficult—and in today’s political climate, nearly impossible.

Originally, this GoFundMe was created to raise funds for a film project in the Philippines. That project is still dear to me, and I’ll be shifting my fundraising for it to a platform better suited for creative works, where supporters can also receive perks in return.

However, I’ve decided to keep this GoFundMe active with a new focus: helping support Samely and her family.

Living across two countries—emotionally and financially—hasn't been easy. If we were all in one place, things would be more manageable. But I remain committed to doing what I can, especially as health concerns and the cost of living in both locations grow more challenging.

Any help you can offer—no matter how small—means the world to me. Whether you give, share this campaign, or simply keep us in your thoughts, I’m truly grateful for your support.

Thank you for being part of this journey.