I want to help my sister pull through and get better.

Hello everyone!

I am Aris Paolo S. Roberto, the younger brother of Maria Aizel "Apple" R. Cortes. She is currently living with me in Pasig City, Philippines.

Apple was recently diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (a.k.a. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5), Superior/Inferior Vena Cava Syndrome, and Diabetes Mellitus.

She is required to undergo regular hemodialysis to avoid congestion and further complications. As it is, she is immobile, unable to stand and walk. She is scheduled to undergo AVF (arteriovenous fistula) creation by the end of April or mid-May. For the meantime, she does her hemodialysis through an IJ catheter just below her ear.

Both our parents are retirees and are likewise dependent on pension/social security benefits. While I am employed, I myself am suffering from Chronic Heart Failure. I am taking maintenance medicine which in turn, takes a huge chunk from my monthly salary.

My sister has been hospitalized twice, the first one was in November last year. My family hasn't fully recovered financially from the first one when she got confined again this March. She was discharged on April 6th, further putting us in debt due to her lab tests, dialysis sessions, professional doctors' fees, and medicines. While preparing for her AVF procedure, my sister has to take insulin and erythropoietin injections, on top other medications, which are very costly. She does not have HMO coverage and her government healthcare (Philhealth) benefits can only help to a certain extent.

Forgive me for my shameless post. I really want my sister to pull through, get better, and become a functional individual again. My family is very much worried that we will not be able to sustain the expenses of regular dialysis and medication. We are also trying to apply for financial support from other charitable institutions and government agencies.

I am embarrassed to ask for help, though I hope the online community can help my sister.

My family and I are sincerely grateful for anyone that can help. It will certainly go a long way. I would be happy if you could share this to other online forums or platforms. Thank you and stay safe!!!