How Do You Convince A Stranger to Save One Life?

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

We are writing to seek your support for Jens Parrilla, a remarkable young mother from Manila who is courageously battling a recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Jens' journey began with persistent nosebleeds followed by hearing loss during the pandemic, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of stage 4a nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Jens’ journey has been incredibly challenging. She experienced severe anemia due to continuous nosebleeds and had to secure funds for blood transfusions before starting chemotherapy. Despite enduring multiple biopsies, chemotherapy, and radiation, Jens continues to face this aggressive disease with extraordinary strength and determination.

Jens’ ordeal would be unimaginably hard even in the most privileged of circumstances. Unfortunately, Jens’ reality has never been one of privilege. Living in Smokey Mountain, a notorious slum in Manila built on an enormous landfill site, Jens has had to face this devastating disease without adequate shelter, electricity, or clean water, surrounded by the thick smoke and unrelenting pollution created by burning waste.

At the time of her diagnosis, Jens’ son, Kyle, was 3 years old. Throughout her treatment, she has continued to care for him while also pursuing her studies in order to carve out a better future for herself and her child.

In June of this year, we received the wonderful news that Jens’ most recent MRI was clear, with no residual signs of cancer. We breathed a collective sigh of relief that after her long ordeal, Jens could finally look to a more hopeful future together with her son. One month later, her lymph nodes began growing again, signaling a return of her cancer.

To effectively monitor and treat her cancer recurrence, Jens urgently needs a PET CT scan. This critical diagnostic tool will guide her doctors in providing the best possible care and treatment.

We have witnessed firsthand the resilience and hope that Jens embodies, and we are committed to supporting her and her son through this challenging time. Your donation can help cover the cost of the PET CT scan, further diagnostic tests, and transportation, making a significant difference in Jens' fight against cancer.

In Jens’ own words: “There were so many challenges…, but nothing is impossible when you fight and don't easily give up on the challenges that come your way.”

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Dr. med. Alice Hucko, MD & Susanne Carai, MD