Press Release - Bong Go and the Malasakit Center help family in Taguig City overcome health struggles

For many Filipinos, the struggles brought about by serious illness often go beyond the physical toll it takes on a loved one. The emotional weight of seeing a family member fight a losing battle, coupled with the overwhelming financial strain, is a reality too many have had to bear.

For the Esguerra family from Taguig City, this reality hit hard when their beloved matriarch, Susana, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2023. With bills piling up and hope dwindling, the family turned to the Malasakit Center, an initiative championed by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, which offered them the crucial assistance they needed during their darkest time.

Erica Esguerra, 38, still vividly remembers the moment they realized something was wrong with her mother.

"Nagsimula lang siya sa ubo. Inubo siya, akala namin COVID. In-obserbahan namin, kaya lang dalawang linggo na, parang hindi nawawala. Nahirapan na siyang huminga. Tapos isinugod namin siya sa ospital kasi isang gabi habang natutulog siya, biglang nabalian siya ng buto nang walang impact. Nakaupo lang siya, natutulog. Hindi naman siya 'yung natumba. 'Yun pala, part na 'yun nung stage 4 agad," she recounted.

The diagnosis was shattering. In an instant, Erica and her family were thrown into a whirlwind of fear, confusion, and desperation.

"S'yempre, lahat kami natakot, buong pamilya. Kasi 'yung baga, pangalawang cancer na sa family. So nung nawala 'yung kapatid ko, s'yempre yun ang takot ng lahat lalo na kung may sumakit lang na konti. Sumakit ang ulo mo, brain cancer. Sumakit 'yung dibdib mo, breast cancer. Sumakit 'yung ano mo, 'yun agad 'yung takot namin."

Susana, a woman who had always lived a healthy life—eating vegetables, and regularly attending Zumba classes—was now fighting a battle she never expected. The Esguerras were determined to do everything they could to support her, but they soon realized that fighting cancer was more than just a medical challenge. It was a financial burden that was quickly becoming unbearable.

Amidst their struggles, a glimmer of hope came through Erica's uncle, who had been tirelessly seeking assistance. One day, he called her with a message that would change everything.

"T