Iggy Villanueva- A Lasallian needs help

I was watching TFC, Rated K to be exact. My heart melted when I saw Mrs. Beng Villanueva's interview about his young son named Iggy. Iggy was diagnosed with Accute Myelogeneous Leukemia last January 6, 2009 and from that date he only have 4 months to live if untreated. Jay, my ex-bf-now-hubby, and I went to google to read Mrs. Villanueva's email right away. We were really moved.. as a Christian.. and as for me- as a Lasallian and as a woman who desires to be a mother... prayerful of having a son soon.. is writing and hoping that God may touch the reader's heart to share for a brother who's in need of God's blessings.. The Sacrament of giving doesn't pertain to the amount but to the joy of one's heart, who freely allow God to move and bless other people through their lives and resources. Please read it with me one more time..

20 January 2009

OUR DEAREST FRIENDS…

I am so embarrassed to do this yet, I am humbling myself to ask,please read on..

January 6, 2009 was the worst day of my family’s life,our eldest son, IAN GABRIEL PICART VILLANUEVA, was initially diagnosed to have ACUTE MYELOGENEOUS LEUKEMIA. It is already the 20th of January, and after a 2nd and even a 3rd opinion from different doctors, the diagnosis, sadly is still the same: ACUTE MYELOGENEOUS LEUKEMIA. To aggravate things even, he even has pneumonia. Thus, chemotherapy cannot start just yet. Untreated, he just has 4 months to live…

Treatment plan for Iggy includes at least 3 rounds of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant! To date, we have already moved from 3 hospitals.  Currently we are at National Kidney & Transplant Institute to save on cost.

Though we may belong to a middle income family, the medical expenses that have and are to be incurred is so staggering! The amount needed is about 5 Million.Thinking of how many zeroes the figure has makes me want to give up…But I know I wont and I cant!  I will do anything or everything to save my son to the best that I could. Sad but true, I have nothing. Whatever is left of our meager savings has all been used up. Time is essential.  The bone marrow transplant will be performed 2-3 weeks from now, and I need funds to deposit before any treatment can be done.

I am literally alone. It’s just Iggy & myself in the hospital.  Friends & relatives come to visit but I cannot compel them to do more.  I am a one woman army.  Thank God that I have the laptop and my mind as a weapon.

Iggy, is a well rounded individual who I can say is an achiever.  From grade school to college he is very athletic: red belter in taekwondo, track & field and basketball. An honor student from pre-school to college, a leader in his own ways.

As a mother, it breaks my heart that such potential should go into waste. He is so young. IT IS MY MOST FERVENT PRAYER THAT YOU BECOME PART OF THE CYCLE OF HEALING. IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE.  I HOPE I AM NOT ASKING TOO MUCH. HUMBLY I AM ASKING ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN EXTEND MY FAMILY. WHATEVER MEANS WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. I may not be able to repay your kindness and generosity in this lifetime, but I am confident that God knows.

I am realistic enough to understand how difficult life is today.  I am not asking for total dole-out.  If at all, any of you are willing to loan me. I would forever be grateful. I promise to pay, although little by little, with interest even. Please,This is already a desperate cry for help, I just cant imagine what is to be.

May I also request continued PRAYERS THAT IGGY NOT GIVE UP, HOLD ON AND BE STEADFAST IN HIS WILL TO LIVE.  Likewise, prayers THANKING FATHER GOD FOR THE HEALING.

Thank you very much for taking time out to read this letter.  I know in my heart that you will be able to help me and my family one way or the other. May the Good Lord always bless you and your loved ones.

Respectfully,

VIVIEN ‘BENG’ VILLANUEVA

Mother

09176201969

ACCOUNT NAME: Vivien Villanueva

BDO s/a: 3010063053

(Bacolod Capitol Shopping Branch)

SECURITYBANK c/a: 0242517530001

(Bacolod Rizal Branch)

you can email the amount and day/time deposited so we can issue a receipt of donation through vivien_villanueva@yahoo.com or zyon.aquino@gmail.com .

We also pick up donations: just text 09155364544 your name, address,venue and time. (http://thedaythatidie.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/a-mom-so-sweet-iggy-villanuevas/)

Just thinking of the amount, 5 million pesos to survive, will drown every believer's faith. For someone who draws strength from human beings more than God's, will surely give up and will just spend the rest of the days thinking that her son will die soon. Not for Mrs. Villanueva. She strongly believe that God will make a way to heal her son. She believes that Iggy is meant to live. I admire her strength as a woman.. as a mother..as a believer. 

To Mrs. Villanueva, I want you to know that Singapore will be praying for your son- I will do my very best to help you. I know that it is not the amount that counts but the sincerity in a giver's heart. I believe that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. He is our provider. He is the only one who can heal your son. It is a test of faith and loyalty. God will always be faithful to us- just continue believing and never shed any light of doubt. 

To my fellow bloggers- I do not know what went to my head to write this. I was absent for a long time, I know-- forgive me for I'm still adjusting to my roles as an employee and as a wife now.. This makes sense to me.. I mean, I want to be a part of the blessing to give. Giving is a privilege- you give because God gave you something to share. 

Deuteronomy 15:10- Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

Deuteronomy 15:14- Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you.

'Till the next bloggin'! Miss all of you guys!