Marko, our eldest son who resettled back in Metro Manila 16 years ago, recently got diagnosed with colon cancer at 41 years old. Even as he and our whole family deal with feelings of shock, fear, and deep concern on receiving such a diagnosis, Marko himself with my two older sisters, Debbie and Becky, have immediately gone into full action mode. Together they have not wasted precious energy nor time on dwelling in denial and anger.

With his father Toto, younger brother Andres, and I here in California, we are so grateful for such strong and constant support and guidance from his aunts. He is getting all the necessary diagnostic procedures done, getting educated and informed on his condition and treatment options, securing a good and compassionate oncologist and other needed medical providers, securing health insurance options available to him, making immediate lifestyle and diet changes, initiating chemotherapy and radiation treatment very soon, preparing himself for the subsequent surgery, and opening up to support from peers and closest friends besides family members. 

Marko even from a very young age has been a community activist and a fighter starting at an early age in Metro Manila then in the San Francisco Bay Area from his teens to mid-20s then back again in the Philippines. Some highlights… 

• at 11 years old protesting against France’s nuclear testing in the South Pacific
• community organizer in the East Bay and SoMa fighting against gentrification and for Filipino WWII veterans rights
• anti-war organizing with the ANSWER Coalition after 9/11
• awarded one of 10 Outstanding Young Activists by the Vanguard Foundation in 2004  
• educated Filipino youth on their rights before immigrating from the Philippines to other countries
• volunteered with Art Relief Mobile Kitchen providing much needed food assistance to communities after natural calamities and military conflicts

He has fought and advocated for so many throughout his life. Marko is strongly determined to win this fight, the fight of his life and for his life! And we're beside him to give him all the unconditional love, support, and resources he needs as he faces a very challenging road ahead. We cannot leave any stone unturned to get the best possible treatments and immunotherapy for him, to help mitigate the physical and mental challenges of dealing with side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and besides these to cover all the costs of living, transportation, and all other ancillary expenses.

We are in need of support in whatever way you are able and may feel moved to offer. Powerful prayers for his full healing, positive healing energies and information, hopeful messages especially from those who may have experienced similar health challenges, and yes, financial assistance is very much needed… we leave the door open to anyone, any ideas, and intercessions. You are welcome to share and repost this if you wish to.

We are so humbled and strengthened by the love and care for Marko. We were encouraged to set this up and are so grateful for your wisdom, support, generosity, and selflessness -- YOU, our family, friends, mga kasama at kababayan, and the various communities Marko and we have served and engaged with over the decades. Taos-pusong salamat sa inyong lahat, heartfelt gratitude to you all! Padayon and blessings of safety and good health for us all!