Modern Day Heroine Comes Home

Nelia Hulgado, terminally-ill OFW is assisted by the PNRC at the airport

How does it feel to be miles away from home with no family around to turn to when help is needed during a life-threatening situation? Nelia Hulgado, 65 years old, an overseas Filipino worker for more than 10 years in the US working as a nanny, was caught in this situation. She was just given 3 to 6 months to live by the doctors as her mestatic breast cancer has spread to her lungs and liver. All that was left for her to do was to come home to the Philippines and to spend her last days with family and loved ones. Her hard earned money had been spent on treatments for her ailment and she had no resources anymore for a plane ticket.

Her fellow Filipinos of the Fil-Am Community of Washington D.C. heard her plea and quickly mobilized a movement to raise funds for her. The group tapped the help of the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) that spearheaded fundraising events in cooperation with various Fil-Am organizations and Filipino church-based groups. In a period of only one (1) week, the group was able to raise US$6,500.00 through a despedida party (farewell party) event which they dubbed "Salu/Salo/Dance". Her former American employer and other companies/organizations donated their money to come up to the amount. Nelia was given the title, "Modern Day Heroine" by the Community for her sacrifices working miles away from home to support her family even at the point of falling ill.

Accompanied by Fil-Am businessmen Carl Abella and Frank Valencia together with nurse Jeanette Calahong who are members of the MHC, Nelia was finally able to come home. On the evening of January 29, 2008, they arrived with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) assisting her at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport together with PNRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon. An ambulance was waiting for her with a nurse and an emergency response officer. The participation of the PNRC was made possible through the coordination of Bing Cardenas Branigin, Chair, Community and Media Outreach, National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA), who called Sen. Gordon himself the day before Nelia's arrival. Sen. Gordon duly responded.

The ambulance then safely transported her home to Novaliches, Quezon City. Her son, daughter in law and granddaughter also met her at the airport which was a very dramatic moment. Nelia was overwhelmed with all the help that she got that went more than what she expected.

This is part of the humanitarian services of the Philippine National Red Cross – to answer to the challenges of migrant issues and other situations where life is threatened.

The Philippine National Red Cross, alleviating human suffering.