Posting this story in behalf of my mum and dad who are in the Philippines:

In April 2016, my loving husband who became blind in 2002 due to diabetes has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which is a common type of motor neuron disease (MND). We were all shocked in disbelief as the disease is incurable and fatal. ALS affect the voluntary muscles and a person will no longer control their arms, face and legs and in later time , respiratory failure. His ALS has progressed and caused paralysis on his both arms In March 2017, he has difficulty swallowing food and a PEG was inserted on his stomach in order for him to eat. He gets his nutrition via tube feeding. In December 2017 the paralysis is has moved downward to his feet. He can only make 2-3 steps to reach the toilet. We placed his bed near the toilet for easier reach. His breathing has been slowly being affected and he drools a lot. With this situation, we try to make him as comfortable as possible and take care of him patiently. Last February 17, 2018 he complained of headache and lost consciousness. We rushed him to the nearest hospital and underwent CTScan. The result shows that he has an acute subdural haemorrhage with subarachnoid involvement. It is a brain haemorrhage caused by trauma. We were puzzled where he got the trauma as he has not slipped nor fall nor bumped his head to get this kind of trauma. He is confined at the ICU and he underwent craniotomy to remove the thick blood clot and to stop the bleeding. The running hospital balance is now Php 236,000 (£3200) excluding doctors’ profession fees The cost has been staggering. He needs to remain in ICU for days after the surgery. ICU rate per day is around Php 30,000 to 40,000 per day (£400-£500) The hospital expenses has exceeded our HMO limit and we have to come up with additional funds to pay for his confinement. The hospital now requires us to deposit P30,000 a day or they will stop the services and medicines.