RIYADH, 17 August 2005 — Seven months ago, Sonia Mana-ay kissed her six children and husband goodbye at their home in Iloilo, in the central Philippines, with a promise to free them from abject poverty.
She flew to Saudi Arabia with a suitcase of dreams, only to find later that she had contracted cancer in the breast.
With her earnings as a dressmaker in Thouqba barely enough to feed her family, the discovery of her disease was devastating for her.
“Where would I get the money for my medication?” Mana-ay recalled wondering. She said she could only turn to prayers.
Her prayers were not in vain. Kind souls who heard about her problem solicited help for her medication and money to buy a ticket for her trip to the Philippines.
Paul dela Cruz of Saudi Aramco was among the first to initiate the “one riyal for Sonia” campaign by sending out e-mails to friends, who likewise passed on the “SOS” to their own friends.
“I disseminated the information to my friends all over the Kingdom, and surprisingly with just a knock in their hearts, the outcome was overwhelming,” Jessie Escosar, also of Saudi Aramco, told Arab News.
Escosar said Filipinos working at the Saad Specialist Hospital, led by Rey Licudan, did not need much prodding to contribute.
He also cited Cornelio Gabriel of RSAL, Maria Debra Hernandez of Saudi Aramco and Virgilio Lunaspi of Zamil Steel for their efforts in collecting donations.
“I wish she could get a royal order so that she will have her medication free, just like my husband,” said Beth Lumaque of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh.
Lumaque’s husband underwent free chemotherapy and radiation process through a royal order.
“I’m happy that I gave my share,” said another OFW, who asked not to be named.
Rolly Tuzara, Saudi Aramco’s maintenance engineer in Dhahran, wrote to Vice President Noli de Castro in Manila to seek help, saying the employer refused to shoulder Mana-ay’s medical expenses.
“Sonia prefers to go home and we are trying to raise the money required for her air ticket,” Tuzara added.
Employees of Worley Petrocon Company also passed the hat around and collected 902 riyals, which Edgardo Abacan handed over to Mana-ay.
“She was crying so profusely with joy when she received the donation that I could not hold back my tears,” Abacan recalled.
To make matters worse for Mana-ay, she had a misunderstanding with her employer and that brought her to the labor court in Dammam.
A hearing was set for Sunday, but the case was settled immediately through the intercession of the local authorities and the POLO in Alkhobar, said Welfare Officer Jake Samain.
Mana-ay left the Kingdom Monday morning on board a Gulf Air flight from the Dammam International Airport, Arab News learned.
Dela Cruz said he had Mana-ay, who was on her way to the Carlton Hotel with her employer, at 2:30 a.m., to hand over cash donations totaling US$600 plus some Philippine peso bills.
He said Mana-ay expressed her gratitude to all kabayan (compatriots) and friends who responded to her plea for help.
Dela Cruz said the campaign is not yet over, however.
He noted that cancer patients require chemotherapy and rigid medication, which demands a big amount of money.
He said anymore kind souls who wish to do their share may contact him at his e-mail address, [email protected].
“We will send all donations to the account of Sonia in Land Bank Iloilo,” he said.
George Flores of Middle East Battery Company had this to say as he endorsed the campaign: “Let’s help this woman. It’s better to give than to receive.”