Mom's Story
Hello friends, family, and supporters,
My name is Glenn Guiao, and I’m the founder of Pink Penguin Studios. Today, I’m reaching out to share some deeply personal news and ask for your support in a very special way. My beloved mom, Rosemarie, has recently been diagnosed with endocervical adenocarcinoma. This has been an incredibly challenging time for our family, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure she receives the best possible care.
Rosemarie's Story
A little about my mom
My mom, my brother, and I migrated to the US from the Philippines in 1999. Before our move, she owned a small school supplies business in Manaoag, Pangasinan, where she sold everything from uniforms and notepads to pencils. She has always been a hard worker and a loving mom. She enjoys playing the guitar and cooking delicious Filipino food, hobbies that bring joy to our home.
She is one of six siblings: Uncle June, Uncle Persi, Uncle Jaime, Uncle Gabrielle, and Auntie Ely, most of whom live in the Philippines. She loves gardening, thrifting, and enjoys the simple things in life.
Our journey in the US began with humble beginnings. Like many immigrant families, we started by taking on any job we could find, often scrubbing toilets to make ends meet. Despite her hard work, she faced significant hardships, including the 2008 bankruptcy, losing our home, and going through a divorce. And now, she is facing the toughest battle of her life—cancer.
The diagnosis
In the past year, Rosemarie began experiencing abdominal pain and unusual bleeding. Initially, she managed these symptoms at home, but as they worsened, she sought medical attention. After a series of visits to urgent care and the emergency room, followed by numerous tests including ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and a biopsy, the devastating diagnosis was confirmed – Rosemarie has endocervical adenocarcinoma.
The findings
The medical examinations revealed a 3.4-4 cm mass in her cervix and a 6 cm ovarian cyst. These findings have been deeply concerning, and the doctors have identified the mass as suspicious for neoplasm, indicating cancer. Although we are still waiting to determine if the cancer has metastasized, this diagnosis has led to a comprehensive treatment plan involving further imaging and laboratory work.
Treatment plan
Rosemarie’s treatment plan includes an PET Scan and additional lab work to assess the extent of the cancer and to determine if it has spread to other organs. The doctors are thinking about shrinking the tumor first with chemotherapy and then removing it surgically, depending on the results. If the cancer is localized to the uterus, a total hysterectomy might be necessary.
The challenge
One of the significant challenges we face is the financial burden of Rosemarie’s treatment. With the absence of insurance, covering the costs of her medical care is daunting. Despite this, Rosemarie’s spirit remains unbroken. She has always been the one to support others, and now we have the chance to rally around her.
How to help
In addition to our ongoing fundraising efforts, I’m offering several ways for you to support Rosemarie’s battle with cancer through my photography services.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Wedding photography bookings:
I am opening up my dates for the rest of the year to potential clients who haven’t hired a wedding photographer. I will take on ANY budget within my reasonable means. This is a great opportunity to get professional wedding photography while supporting a meaningful cause.
2. ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS:
I will be opening more dates for engagement sessions. Whether you’re newly engaged or just want to capture some special moments with your partner, booking a session will directly support my mom’s treatment.
3. DISCOUNTED PHOTO SESSIONS:
Every Monday from 3 PM to 7 PM, I am offering discounted 30-minute photo sessions at St. James Episcopal Church for $300 per session. These sessions will include:
• 30-minute photo shoot
• Edited photos delivered within 2 weeks
• Online gallery for easy access and sharing
BOOKING DETAILS:
• How to Book: Contact me directly at glenn@pinkpenguinstudios.com or visit my contact page to schedule your session.
• Location for Discounted Sessions: St. James Episcopal Church
WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE:
• Wedding Photography: Full-day coverage with a photo documentary style, customized to fit your budget.
• Engagement Sessions: Beautifully captured moments that reflect your love and connection.
• Discounted Sessions: 30-minute photo sessions with professionally edited photos delivered within 2 weeks through an online gallery.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS:
By booking a session or hiring me as your wedding photographer, you’re not only getting high-quality photography services but also directly contributing to my mom’s medical expenses. Your support means the world to us and helps provide the necessary treatment for Rosemarie.
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