Life-saving Brain Surgery for Victoria Sardea

I know most of us have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Our family is still coping and recovering from the financial losses that the pandemic has caused us.

 

I can say that I try my best to keep my life private as much as I can but I felt the need to do this.

 

My Mom was recently diagnosed with Meningioma (brain tumour) and it’s about a size of a golf ball; well, slightly bigger than that.

 

It was said to be a slow growing tumour, maybe it has been growing for the past 3 years, and removal of the said tumour is quite significant to be able to give my mom a chance to live longer. The neurosurgeons also stated that the tumour has infiltrated the superior sagittal sinus. It is the major venous drainage of the cerebral hemispheres. Damage to this critical structure can result to a devastating morbidity or even death hence, enucleation of the tumour is not recommended; therefore, there’s a possibility that my mom would also need radiation therapy post-operatively depending on the meningioma grade.

 

The neurosurgeon’s MRI impression was, “It is likely benign (non-cancerous) but regardless, it needs to be taken out ASAP.”

 

We are a family of 6, separated in 3 different countries, and we haven’t seen each other since 2018. I just want to go home to the Philippines and be able to spend quality time with my mom before anything happens.

 

I don’t want to be a hypocrite to say I only believe in miracles. As an ICU nurse, I fully understand the mortality rate and complications of a brain tumour. My Mom is only turning 65 years old with no significant past medical history as she has lived a healthy lifestyle. She only had very occasional/intermittent migraine attacks since we were young and her previous scan did not show any abnormalities then.

 

My Mom brought us up to have a close relationship with God and ever since she found out about her condition, she would only say, “God is in control and we need to surrender it all to Him”.

She was the one who was comforting us; she worries about us even more like any loving mother does. I honestly don’t know what God’s purpose is, but whatever it is, we still need more time to accept this unfortunate situation.

 

My Mom has always been known as the best/favourite Tita (Auntie) in our family as she has her own special way in touching one’s life. Her genuine act of kindness and care to anyone she meets is quite noticeable. She remembers everyone’s birth dates and even their wedding anniversaries.

 

When my parents stayed here in Australia for almost 2 years, they have committed themselves in volunteering in a nearby op shop that is run by elderlies every week. They have made friends and are still in touch with them the old school way via snail mail, posting letters from Manila to Adelaide.

 

My parents find happiness and contentment in the littlest things which makes them very easy to please: a trip to the beach with good music, fish and chips from a local shop or simply jamming with talented buskers are already one of their memorable trips here in Australia.

 

At the moment, we are hoping that there will be no further partial seizure and that she remains neurologically intact, but with any brain tumours or abnormalities, it can be unpredictable. The neurosurgeons have prescribed anti-seizure medication to be taken twice a day. The tumour can rapidly change my mom’s current condition as it is already compressing her brain.

 

All of us have struggles. With all modesty, we are humbly asking for your help because we are in need of additional financial support for the surgery and post operative treatments.

 

Our set goal is only a portion of the total cost of the procedure as we are also doing our part to raise money on our own. Your contribution will fund these costs: the cost for a craniotomy including the neurosurgeon’s, and anaesthetist’s fee range from $28,000 up to $33,000, plus the diagnostic tests like MRI costs $400 - $600 each. Post-brain surgery, my mom will be closely monitored in the ICU (intensive care unit) for a few days and ICU admission costs around $1,000-$1,500 per day.

 

Whatever your beliefs may be, if it’s okay, spare a thought and show compassion if you can for my mom.

 

So, for the ones who still got their parents by their side, spend quality time with them, give them a hug, and make them feel loved and appreciated for bringing you into this world.

 

May your act of kindness and generosity bless you abundantly in return. Thank you very much.

For the ones who have asked for a direct PayPal account: [email redacted]

For Manila transactions, you may support us thru GCash  Jeriel Sardea +639478999638.

Thank you very much.