Wilma was our family's blessing for nearly 20 years. She worked in our family, watched my brother and I grow up from toddlers to adults, took care of us and is one of the closest family member I have.

Wilma passed away from lymphoma on April 22nd 2021. She was first diagnosed in early 2020 and had received treatment throughout the pandemic to contain the spread. Despite the severe side effects, there were early signs of recovery by end of 2020. Despite this, her lymphoma was relentless and on April 21st 2021, she was admitted into ICU due to rapid deterioration from reoccurrence.  

She was the kindest, most hard working and honest individual I know. She came to our family in Hong Kong to provide for her family in Philippines. She saved up all her money to support her brother's education, her parent's medical bills and family's outgoings. During any festivities, our house would be filled with boxes and boxes of sheets, toothpastes and clothes that she would pack to send home. She worked her whole life in dedication to her family. 

She had the biggest heart and lived her life selflessly. Not only did she take care of us, she also looked after my late grandparents and some elderlies from church by helping out with housework and cooking whenever she could. She was a blessing to all those around her. 

Growing up she was my second parent, my partner in crime and the best cook. She used to smuggle my favourite order from McDonalds into my room, stock up my secret stash of junk food behind my bed, wake me up before school as I overslept for all of my alarms. Every year for my birthday, my friends would flurry to my party for her cooking - the famous spaghetti and sausage and pineapple bites she loved to make. She made the best fried rice, beef ribs and enoki beef rolls you could ever imagine. She was family. 

During her cancer treatment she could not stomach food, lost severe amounts of weight and became extremely frail. Yet, I would still find her folding laundry at 2am in the morning as I begged her to please rest and have some sleep. We wanted to take care of her and make sure she received the best medical treatment when she was with us. We promised her once she recovered and we would bring her back to the Philippines so she can retire and enjoy her hard and earnest work. 

The pandemic was unforgiving and there were no flights between Hong Kong and the Philippines. Despite early signs of recovery after a year long treatment, her lymphoma took a rapid turn and spread throughout her whole blood stream. The hospital permitted our family to stay with her in ICU. I was stuck in London with no flights available so my brother held me on the phone as I spoke to her about how we always said we would go to Philippines together and she would show me around, how she always told me that she'd come visit me in London and I can finally take care of her. She could not speak but nodded feverishly whenever in consciousness. 

She is now finally free from the pain and discomfort of lymphoma, resting in the peace of God's embrace. She can now finally enjoy the hard works of her labor in a much better place than Earth. We all love her so so dearly and miss her so much within our family. 

I would like to raise for Lymphoma Action by participating in a 15,000ft skydive on June 5th. This is an organisation that dedicates their resources to educate and support individuals who are diagnosed with lymphoma. Please reach out and support all those who are suffering from any form of mental or physical distress and are away from family during the tough times of pandemic with any of your time or monetary support. It will mean the world to me. 

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Matthew 25:21