Hello everyone!

This JustGiving page is dedicated to raising funds that will help fund treatment for my dear friend, Grace Abalos.

Grace and I were co-teachers in the Secondary Department of SWCSF in our hometown, Baguio City, Philippines. Last May 2017, she was diagnosed with Yolk Sac Tumor, a rare kind of cancer in the ovaries. By December, the cancer cells had metastasized in her liver. This January 2018, Grace started chemotherapy.

I have decided to do a couple of gigs when I go back to the Philippines this May to help raise some money to go towards her treatment, and am hoping that alongside that, I would also be able to raise funds here in the UK.

You see, in the Philippines, health care isn't centralized. A round of chemotherapy (including doctors' fees, medicine, etc.) would amount up to 40k-50k pesos, roughly £500 - £700 GPB. This is over twice the average household income in the Philippines. It makes me so sad and angry that when you're faced with a serious illness such as this, the last thing that should be on your mind is the added worry of being able to afford treatment. So if you are fortunate enough to be in a position to help, could you please spare a thought for this amazing woman who has given her life to helping others: students, teachers, and everyone around her.

It hasn't been easy journey, but I cannot even begin to explain how Grace remains to be an inspiration to me -- she is truly is the embodiment of her name.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. Every bit of help is appreciated. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me for any questions or updates, or to speak about partnering/looking at ways to help. My email address is mscharityjohnson@gmail.com.