Yeon’s Story: A Mother’s Faith, A Warrior’s Heart, and a Journey Filled With Hope

By mommy Ann

Yeon’s Story:

A Mother’s Faith, A Warrior’s Heart, and a Journey Filled With Hope

Our journey began when Yeon was just three years old. What started as a simple admission for diarrhea quickly turned into something we never expected. During her check-up, the doctor heard a heart murmur — a sound no parent ever wants to hear. She was referred to a cardiologist, and after a series of tests, our world changed.

Yeon was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease — Atrial Septal Defect — and she needed immediate open heart surgery.

Hearing this broke my heart. We were scared, uncertain, and overwhelmed. Our cardiologist advised us to prepare for surgery at the Philippine Heart Center. While searching for help, we learned about an upcoming medical mission at Cebu Doctors Hospital. We had Yeon screened, praying for a miracle — and God provided.

She was accepted, and in November 2014, she underwent her first open heart surgery. The operation was successful, and we did not have to pay anything. God had opened a door we didn’t even know existed.

We thought it was the end of our battles… but years later, during her regular check-ups, her cardiologist saw another problem. There was a new leak in her valve, and over time it progressed into mitral valve regurgitation. She would need another open heart surgery— a mitral valve replacement.

My world collapsed again.

The fear returned, and this time an even bigger question followed:

Where will I get enough money for another major surgery?

But God never abandoned us.

Through Ma’am Diana and different support groups, I learned about something very important for Filipino families seeking medical help — the Guarantee Letter (GL). In the Philippines, a Guarantee Letter is a DOH-approved document issued by government offices, foundations, or charitable institutions that guarantees a specific amount to help cover a patient’s medical procedure or hospital expenses.

This GL becomes a financial pledge that hospitals, including the Philippine Heart Center, honor for surgeries like open heart operations.

I started gathering these Guarantee Letters in January 2025 — going from one office to another, applying to foundations, approaching government offices, and asking for help from kind-hearted people and programs. A private institution, Rotary Club of Cebu, also funded a portion of the cost through the Gift of Life Program.

By June 2025, through persistence, guidance, prayers, and all the support God sent our way, I was able to secure 60% of the total surgery cost. With this, we immediately went back to the Philippine Heart Center for Yeon’s evaluation. Soon after, we received her surgery schedule: October 22, 2025.

And with God’s grace and the expertise of our Filipino medical team —

Yeon’s second open heart surgery was successful.

Our warrior survived another battle.

And once again, God used doctors, nurses, donors, and every person who extended support as instruments of His love.

I am forever grateful for every prayer and every helping hand that made this journey possible. It was truly an answered prayer.

To every parent raising a Heart Warrior, I want to say this from my heart:

Do not lose hope.

There is a way.

There is help.

And right here in the Philippines, we have skilled, compassionate medical professionals capable of giving our children a fighting chance.

Trust in the Lord — He will never fail you.

And may all our Heart Warriors grow up with strong, happy hearts.

This is our story.

Long live our brave warriors.

To God be the Glory. 💚