These photos of Geraldine were taken only last Saturday, September 11, 2010 at her latest Dialysis treatment at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital. (Photos (c) Sheila Marie Dela Cruz)

Every day is a struggle. Every day is a battle. And every day, Geraldine fights even with her condition. She still wants to go to work despite her health condition. As much as it pains her to do it, it’s something she wants to do because she needs to do it. The trouble is, look. Just look. She can’t. But every day that she can’t go to work is an opportunity cost. Literally. A day without her working means no salary which she needs. Which her family needs.

What with her Dialysis treatments being extremely expensive and not to mention that she still has to provide for her family’s needs, their monetary resources simply cannot suffice, making her yearn for her workplace just to be able to contribute to the financial needs of her family.

Her expanded facial features make talking and eating difficult for her. Close members of the family can comprehend what she’s trying to say but it’s difficult. Very difficult, indeed. Even so, she finds a strength within her, to live day by day.

The photo above is a photo of Geraldine’s husband (Mario Esguerra Oliva) and friend (Sheila Marie Dela Cruz) with Geraldine. So long as there are those who believe that maybe things could get better, they might. There’s always hope for those who believe and there can be no miracles without impossible situations.

Once again, we would like to extend and express our deepest and sincerest gratitude to the generous donors who have continuously extended their help to my cousin in need. We cannot seem to thank you enough. And to those who help spread the awareness and the news about my cousin’s condition, we utter the greatest of thanks to you all for everything you all have done. May the good Lord bless you and your families for everything you have done.

A simple click, a simple word and a simple gesture of kindness may just be enough to save a life. So thank you. For everything.