Let's fight with a Filipino granny for her life and dignity

Dear all,
Let's do something to help Nanay Uday. (Mama Uday) Thanks a lot!



(Forwarded from Reggie Aquino)


From: Reggie Aquino
Date: Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 3:19 PM
Subject: Nanay Uday

KAISAHAN, 24 February 2010


Earlier today, our office received two visitors. A couple. The man, is Melchor Pollas, dearly referred to by everyone in the CARP Extension campaign as Tatay Kurokoy. The woman is Zenaida Pollas or Nanay Uday to friends. They both hailed from Brgy. Talibayog in Calatagan, Batangas.

Two years ago, Nanay Uday was one of the valiant farmers who walked from Calatagan, Batangas to Manila to advocate for the passage of the CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPER), a bill that is now RA 9700. She was also active in their land case regarding the incursion of a mining company in their agricultural land. She braved the scorching sun, the truncheon wielding police and 2 months of camping outside the gates government agencies to peacefully petition government to hear their grievance.

Fast forward to today, Nanay Uday bravely fights another battle. She is struggling with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.I'm not very familiar with medical terminologies but when I read through her documents and clinical abstracts and repeatedly came across the words malignant mass and diffuse large-B Cell Lymphoma, I knew then that she was suffering from cancer.

This cancer has taken its toll on her. The mass which started from her nose, has now engulfed almost her entire face. The gentle features of this earth's steward was now lost in that huge lump of something unrecognizable and lamentable. As she was crying, only the flutter of her eyelashes revealed to me that was where her left eye used to be. Her right eye and nose were not visible anymore. On top of that, she has lost a lot of weight as eating is difficult. But when I talked to her, I sensed the same peace and quiet, the same resilience she demonstrated in fighting for social justice.

For the past 5 months, they have been coming back to two public hospitals here in Manila and they have only gotten as far as having the tests done. Meanwhile, the cancer is spreading, literally eating her up. She needs to undergo 9 chemotherapy sessions and if possible operation but the family is financially incapacitated to shoulder medical expenses. And the couple, both in their mid 60s are now unable to work and provide for expensive medical care. Their children shells out what little money they can spare, but they are also hard up.

The sight of Nanay Uday's condition wiped off the smile i was wearing all morning. The usual jovial KAISAHAN atmosphere turned grief stricken. My heart breaks to see Nanay Uday hide behind a towel, embarrassed by her condition. I wanted to tell her she has no reason to feel that way. That if there's anyone who should be ashamed it would have to be this government who steals from the country's coffers, fattening their pockets at the expense of quality health care for people like her.

It is bad enough that she is stricken by a disease that deprives her of living a life she deserves but it is however, criminal that she is robbed of her fighting chance because she is poor and the government that is supposed to provide quality health care continues to be unperturbed about the plight of millions upon millions of Nanay Udays in this country.

I would like to appeal to the people, if we could somehow help give her back that CHANCE, THAT CHANCE TO FIGHT CANCER WITH DIGNITY. Maybe you know of a doctor, a hospital, a politician, a philanthropist, a foundation who might be able to help her. Or maybe you can shell out whatever you can. Or maybe you have better ideas...like my friend Tomas (Step Juan) who's now on a Walking Expedition of the Country to raise awareness on Cancer.

I appeal to those whose lives have been particularly touched by these farmers...to our friends at OSCI, SLB, COSCA, Adamson boys, brothers, sisters, fathers, bishops, legislators, AR friends. To my mountaineer and patintero friends; high school, college and MA classmates; to friends from other countries, other political persuasions and religious beliefs...I'm knocking at your hearts...

Whatever help you can extend her will be greatly appreciated. Just send us at KAISAHAN a message and I will reply.

Thank you very much!

Reggie Aquino
Policy Advocacy Officer, KAISAHAN
aquirage@gmail.com


kind and friendly Nanay Uday


Nanay Uday is an active participant in Agrarian Reform movemnt.


Suffering Nanay Uday needs help to fight for her life and dignity