How caring are you?

A couple of my concerned friends told me about GoFundME, YouSharing and other Crowdfunding sites. When they told me about it, I refused and said there’s really no need for it coz it’s not like I’m raising funds for a much needed medical procedure like surgery or something. I’m continuously doing a fundraising campaign to sustain my recurring medical needs; NF is a continuing battle. Besides, there are a lot of people who needs more help compared to me. I didn’t want to put up a fundraising page then, but I considered and told myself that if I really need to raise a big amount for my surgery, I’ll make one.

Please don’t feel obliged to give. Share only if you can and I’ll sincerely appreciate it. You can buy a shirt from me. May tshirt ka na, nakatulong ka pa at may chance ka pang maka-inspire ng kung sino mang babasa ng nakasulat sa shirt mo! Haha. Praying for me is helping too. I really feel comforted and more at ease whenever someone tells me that they’re praying for me.

http://www.youcaring.com/kcatumors

Anyway, here’s my youcaring page, I tried creating a gofundme page but they  don’t accept Paypal. We have a dollar account but my mom’s not sure if it’s still active. Time is moving and we still have a lot of things to do, so I'll use my Paypal at youcaring site instead.

Please read:
3 bad tumors: Please help me shoo them away!

3 bad tumors: Please help me shoo them away!

  

MRI scan results are out and it’s 3 pages long! Meningioma. Schwannomas. Lesions. Mass. Soft tissue. Irregular. Abnormal enhancement. Definite progression. Tumors, tumors and more tumors all over my cranial MRI. Aside from the 4cm big bad brain tumor, there are also tumors on my optical wall (on each side) that needs to be treated. That’s 3 bad tumors! Hopefully the other tumors will remain small and behave forever!

It’s Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) times two that costs Php 593,450.00  and we need to raise it within this month.

Here’s the copy of the estimated price quotation we got from Medical City (the only hospital in the country that has this kind of treatment) – the red marks are the discount.

Here’s the plan according to Dr. Vega (radiation oncologist):

Please help me shoo this big bad tumor away

Hello! I’m Kcat Yarza. As you all know, I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF–tumor of the nerves) and I have so many tumors all over my body (inside and out), including the brain. I got lots of small, benign and harmless tumors in my brain except for one aggressive big bad tumor that measures 3.8 x 4.7 x 4.3 cm and causes further compression of the brainstem. Although no too severe (yet?) this causes my frequent dizziness, nerve pain and headaches. If I am able to walk by myself, I would have fall down often and lose my balance. Maybe that is why I kept on falling from my chair countless times.

This tumor needs to be treated with 5 sessions of hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy that will cost Php 400,000 or it could be more. It’s not really an emergency but we need to prioritize it because it’s already big and we don’t know how aggressive it is. If it gets bigger, it could cause more harm. How soon is soon? Hopefully before Christmas. Maybe. With your help, this CAN be possible! God will provide.

Every cent counts.

Big bad brain tumor

In May or June (this year), I noticed that I frequently have headache, nerve pain (inside my head) and I often feel disoriented. Good thing, I already know how to manage it. That’s what life is with Neurofibromatosis (NF) and I’m used to it. Then a few weeks ago, I’ve been feeling disoriented and I almost had a seizure. I know the feeling every time I’m about to have seizures. I just know. Amazing, right? I just have to stop what I’m doing, be calm, drink water, drink my anti-seizure, drink water again, and deep breathing. Inhale. Exhale. It works all the time! I never had seizures ever since I started doing this. Almost seizure but it never succeeds! I always win! Haha.

After that, I told my mom that I almost had a seizure and told her about that ‘disoriented feeling’. Then we remembered that it’s been a while since my last cranial CT scan to monitor my tumors. After that, my mom told my neurosurgeon, Dr. Lopez about it and a few days after we got the letter of request and I was scheduled to have the CT scan at PGH-FMAB.

Dinner for Carlisle tomorrow!

Finally! I'll be able to step out of the house. My yaya/secretary has been busy and is still busy until September (?) ends. Pero keri, wala ding pang-lakwatsa. But we're scheduled to attend Carlisle's Dinner For A Cause tomorrow talaga - Talitha, Maro, Michelle, Camille, Kathreen & Kariz. We've already paid, so there's no backing out. Push! Go! Kain galore. Since Camille won't be able to join us tomorrow, my dad is going with us instead of her. My dad's gonna be eating for her. Thanks Camille for helping out Carlisle pa rin :)

Wanna join us? Tara!

Let’s Help Andrei Fight Cancer

A few weeks ago, someone posted on my page I AM KCAT on Facebook, seeking help for her sick son by posting about it and spreading his story. As usual, I overlooked that post and it was only yesterday that I got to talk to her. Good thing she was currently online when I sent her a message on Facebook.

Marinelle (9) is battling with cancer and she needs our help

A few days ago, my friend (I mean gwapong friend. Haha) Armin’s niece, Vera posted a message on my Facebook timeline asking me to repost the link she sent me.

It’s about her friend, Manel, who was diagnosed and battling with cancer.

Here it is::

HELP MY DAUGHTER BECOME CANCER-FREE & WALK AGAIN

 

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 

KCAT CAN: Power of a heartfelt prayer

Read
Power of a heartfelt prayer

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” — Mark 11:24

What are you praying for? Most of us pray for good health, guidance, safety, finances or a better understanding of life. We would pray for ourselves, our friend, our families and the world. Those who are sick like me, pray for complete healing. Others ask God for forgiveness or thank Him for all the blessings they receive. Most prayers are done inside places of worship, at home, at work, while traveling, or wherever we maybe because God is always with us. There are those who do their prayers while lighting a candle, holding a rosary or crucifix, or while kneeling. Most people pray silently while some say it out loud or write it on a paper.

It’s amazing to know that there are so many various ways to pray and communicate with God, but do we have the time for Him or are we too busy with our lives?

KCAT CAN: The best way to fight life’s battles

The best way to fight life’s battles

In our Neurofibromatosis group page on Facebook, one of our NF friends posted, “Sadya bang ganon…? Tayong mga maysakit parang bawal magalit at bawal gumawa ng kasalanan? Dapat alam kung ano ang tama at alin ang mali? Kailangang magpaka-bato pagdating sa love dahil sa takot na baka di tayo sapat.”

I immediately disagreed with two letters, “NO!” Then, I later explained, “Hindi maiiwasang magpaka-emo minsan, pero don’t take everything seriously nalang and choose to laugh at it than be sad about it. Mahirap? Pero hindi impossible.”

KCAT CAN: Carlisle's Plea For Help

“Wala na po bang ibang option?” Marie desperately asked the doctor when she was told that Carlisle needs to undergo another brain surgery. She’s completely aware that craniopharyngioma is a tumor that may come back even after surgery and radiation therapy but she never thought that it can be this fast, it hasn’t been a year since Carlisle’s recent brain surgery.

“I know this is for the best, but as long as there are other options, that I’m sure there will be, I don’t want to risk his life again,” Marie shared.

Read
Carlisle's Plea For Help

On the dawn of March 31, Marie Ruth Berma was blessed with a bouncing baby boy who immediately cried after coming out of his mom’s womb, a sign that he was healthy. The handsome little boy with rosy cheeks and birthmark on his foot, was named Carlisle Von Patrick. For Marie, Carlisle was perfect.

KCAT CAN: Waiting For God's Signs

Whenever I can’t think of anything to write about— whether I mention it in my prayer or not, as long as I would think about it—God always gives me a ‘sign’ to answer this prayer; and Ndre’s story is my answered prayer. 

Read
Waiting For God's Signs

“Do you believe in signs?” My sister asked me one day.

Let's PLANT TREES so we can SAVE LIVES

My co-Happiesst Pinoy Finalist (she's batch 2012) Mommy G — Gilda Fortunata Altez is inviting you to join their Valentine Advocacy Project!

Organized and sponsored by World Letters Assurance Society Inc. in partnership with A Voice In the Storm Counseling Advocacy & Mommy G's Online Boutique.

Mommy G shares, "Why wait for another HABAGAT or YOLANDA for our minds to be OPEN? PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. If we love our children and our future generation, let's start NOW!!!!! Let's campaign for a GREEN ENVIRONMENT, let's campaign for a GREEN PILIPINAS. Halina kayo at tayo'y magsama-sama para sa isang ligtas na bansa!"

For any inquiries on how to join, you can contact their office at
7013848 / 6216449 / 0928-2771847 / 0917-634-7455.

Check out the TREE PLANTING EVENT on Facebook.

KCAT CAN: An infant’s struggle to live

Everything that I wrote were taken from "Hope for Coby" page as relayed by his Uncle Pau, Aunt Tracy and his dad, Emer. I don't know Coby or anyone related to him but it doesn't I won't help him; not financially, but with the best that I can. After I finished writing, I learned that God is alive and working on Coby because he's been touching a lot of lives, including mine.

An infant’s struggle to live

Pope Francis recently said, “The internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God.” After reading this quote, an update on the “Hope for Coby” page showed up on my Facebook timeline. It was like God telling me to share this little warrior’s story.

KCAT CAN: Make the most of your time

Make the most of your time

Everything we do requires time. There’s a time to sleep, time to eat, time to work, time to play, time to study, time to pray, and so on. Time is really essential. We need it, we have it but we can’t control it.

Time will keep on moving whether we like it or not but it shouldn’t define our life. We can’t control the continuity of life but we shouldn’t let time take over our life.

It’s still up to us. The choices and actions that we make from our time here on earth will define our whole life.

KCAT CAN: Haiyan tragedy brings out the best in humanity

Haiyan tragedy brings out the best in humanity

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens

My friends and I decided not to push through with all our plans for our annual Christmas activities for kids in our place. It doesn’t seem right to ask for donations when we know there are a lot more people who need immediate help.

The news about Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was really depressing.

KCAT CAN: The gift of hearing (II)

The gift of hearing

A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that can provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. It can’t restore someone’s hearing nor cure deafness but for a person with hearing impairment and their family, CI is a life-changing device.

I too, have experienced a better quality of life after receiving my CI in 2008. I may still not understand speech or listen to music but the little sounds that I hear make the difference. It may just be a mere noise to most people but for me, it’s a blessing; it’s life.

Our generous and faithful heart will help save Xaviera Miaka

"Aside from being responsible for ourselves, we also have a responsibility towards others, bearing each other’s burdens, offering prayers of hope, strength, and faith to the needy…" (Compassion, KCAT CAN 04/02/2012)

From Prayers for Xaviera Maika on Facebook:

Our beautiful daughter, Xaviera Miaka Castillo Soriano was born 31st March, 2013. She was a healthy, beautiful baby girl. But, after a month. We noticed her color was turning to yellow. At first, the doctor suspected jaundice which is normal to a new born baby, but after tests results, she was diagnosed with biliary atresia.

Let's help Wael Renzo to hear the world!

I got a message from Princess Bendecio a couple of weeks ago. She has a child who is deaf and is in need of a very expensive cochlear implant. I promised her to post her letter on my blog, so here it is. Please read and share this with everyone you know.

KCAT CAN: Help save His masterpieces

Help save His masterpieces
By Maria Katrina Lopez Yarza
Published: April 29, 2013

The Lord is not slow to keep His promise. He is not slow in the way some people understand it. He is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, He wants all people to turn away from their sins.” - 2 Peter 3:9

Gilda Fotunata Altez, whom everyone calls “Mommy G,” is one of the 10 finalists of the 2012 CLIS Search for Happiest Pinoy.

22 days 'til MAY Birthday Project 2013

Our hands will never be too small for helping those who are in need, as long we have the heart to care.

Our 7th annual gift-giving at PGH tagged as MAY Birthday Project 2013 is going to be in less than a month and we still don't have enough gifts to share yet.