Help Honour Dolly’s Memory: A Fundraiser for Her Memorial

Hi, my name is Catherine, and I’m organising this fundraiser on behalf of Joyleen Moratalla, Dolly’s best friend of 27 years. Today, I want to share the inspiring and heartbreaking story of Dahlia “Dolly” Tividad’s journey with cancer and ask for your help to fulfil her final wish and give her the memorial she deserves.

Dolly came to the UK with Joyleen and their friends Monette and Evelyn, seeking a brighter future. She was a light to everyone around her, known for her kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit. Sadly, her life was cut short after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dolly’s Final Wish

Dolly expressed her heartfelt desire to have her body returned to the Philippines, her homeland, where her family and friends can honour her memory and lay her to rest. Her loving partner Ken, along with Joyleen and other loved ones, are committed to fulfilling this wish, but the costs for repatriation and a memorial are significant. We are raising funds to help make this possible.

Dolly’s Cancer Journey

In May 2022, while visiting the Philippines, Dolly noticed a lump in her right breast. An ultrasound revealed a suspected malignant tumour. Upon returning to the UK, further tests confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma. Undeterred, Dolly underwent a lumpectomy in June 2022, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, completing treatment in March 2023. By July 2023, she was back at work, determined to reclaim her life.

But in April 2024, Dolly’s health took another devastating turn. She discovered a new lump on her upper chest, and tests revealed bone cancer. By June, a PET-CT scan showed the cancer had spread to her ribs and lymph nodes. Despite starting new medications, Dolly’s condition worsened.

A PET-CT scan in October 2024 confirmed further disease progression. Oral chemotherapy was introduced, but its side effects were severe. Dolly experienced relentless pain, sleepless nights, and swelling that made breathing difficult. By December 2024, scans revealed that the cancer had spread to her liver, lungs, and lymph nodes, with pleural effusion complicating her condition.

On 26 December, Dolly’s condition rapidly deteriorated. She was admitted to hospital, where doctors confirmed that her organs were failing. Despite their efforts, Dolly passed away peacefully on 27 December 2024.

How You Can Help

Dolly’s family and friends are heartbroken by her loss. We are committed to honouring her life by fulfilling her wish to return home to the Philippines and arranging a heartfelt memorial. The costs for repatriation and the memorial are significant, and we need your help to make this possible.

Your donation, no matter how small, will help us honour Dolly’s final wish. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing her story. Your kindness and support will mean so much to us during this difficult time.

Thank you for helping us fulfil Dolly’s final wish and celebrate the incredible person she was.

With gratitude,

Dolly’s friends and family