OFW dies, needs aid for funeral
September 7, 2008
Her story is a tragic one. As far as is known, Elena arrived in the U.S. as domestic helper to an American diplomat in 1992. She reportedly then married an American, a certain Mr. McNeal, but later separated allegedly because of his mental condition. In December 2005, she had been diagnosed with kidney disease which required regular dialysis treatment. However due to her diabetic condition, she had not been gainfully and regularly employed for almost four years even prior to her dialysis treatment until her demise.
No assistance nor support was received by Elena from her husband due to his condition so Elena was left to fend for herself until her diabetic complications set in disabling her from being gainfully employed to earn a decent income.
Elena had been sharing a room with a fellow Ilocana, Elsie Ribao who had accommodated her free of charge since March 2005. She was only depending on her for accommodations and living expenses. Sometimes, other friends would pitch in for her living expenses. Unfortunately, most of Elena’s earnings prior to her disabling condition were used for her modest living expenses and to support her only daughter as well as her niece and nephew in Abra, Philippines.
On Aug. 18, she was brought to Virginia Hospital where she died 12 hours later.
Having neither family in the U.S. nor savings at all, her friends and MHC are appealing to the Filam community for prayers and any assistance that can be extended to cover her funeral expenses. Not knowing if her only known surviving daughter who lives in a remote town in Abra will have the financial capability of giving her mother a decent funeral back home, MHC and friends provided her a decent burial in Maryland. Viewing was held at a funeral home here Aug. 24.
For more information, please call 202-247-0117, 703-675-6334 or 202-631-8856.
For donations, make checks payable to MIGRANT HERITAGE COMMISSION memo : Elena Bisares funeral expenses and mail to MHC, Mosby Towers, 10560 Main Street, Suite 519, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Similar Topics
We love to hear your comments...
Got something to say?
