WASHINGTON, June 12 (PNA)-

But she died with her last wish fulfilled - breathing her last in her homeland she loved dearly.

When doctor in the United States diagnosed her of cancer, stage four, Panlaqui would like to go home in Pampanga, but she did not have the money for her airfare.

She sought the help of the Heritage Commission (MHC).

The MHC in cooperation with Fil-Am St.Michael of Silver Spring MD and the El Shaddai Charismatic Group of St. Stephen in Washington D.C. promptly organized a fund raising drive of Panlaqui.

Many Fil-Ams heeded the call and attended the dinner-dance event. The "Harmony" live band performed for free. Other groups such as the Mother Butler's Guild of St. Mary's in Rockville, MD also made an appeal to its parishioners on Susan's behalf. Cash and check donations amounting to US $ 3,715.50(includes the value of the one way plane ticket by the Philippine government) were directly handed to Susan during the final visit of the MHC Executive Directors Grace Valera-Jaramillo and Jesse A.Gatchalian, and Philippine Embassy ATN Rep/Attache' Loy Cortelat the Manor Care in Fairfax, Virginia.

All her earnings were sent to her family in the Philippines and whatever was left was used for her modest living in the U.S. Susan had been on her own after separating from her husband years ago.

MHC's 3 Executive Directors Arnedo Valera, Grace Valera-Jaramillo and Jesse Gatchalian sought the urgent help of the Philippine Embassy through Ambassador Gaa and Consul-General Nolasco for the medical repatriation expenses under its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Program.

After an evaluation of Susan's case, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs through its Embassy in Washington D.C. granted MHC's urgent request for the government to shoulder Susan's one way business class ticket. Said ticket was required to meet medical requirements of elevating her leg in upright position for Susan to withstand the long flight to the Philippines.

Due to her fast deteriorating condition, utmost efforts were done to fly her home at the earliest possible time. She arrived in Manila on 21 May 2008.

Through continuous prayers of family/ friends and medical care of doctors in the Philippines, Susan's life was miraculously prolonged to spend her final days with her family for another two weeks.

Susan died with her wish fulfilled through combined efforts of the Migrant Heritage Commission, the Philippine Embassy and her"kababayans" in Metro Washington D.C. A timely help indeed for a dear kababayan.

For donations to charitable programs for migrants, please This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 703-273-1196. Donations are tax deductible to extent allowed by law. (PNA)
PR/mec