Filipina mother in Dubai fights for daughter's life after stage 4 cancer diagnosis

 Dubai: In the heart of Dubai, behind the polished floors and grand villas, works a quiet Filipina named Marmie Asuer. Since 2006, she has served as a personal assistant in a private household—dutifully caring for her employer’s home like a butler, and helps cleaning in the absence of the housekeeper. Her hands know hard work, but her heart carries an even greater burden—her daughter, Angel, who is bravely fighting stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Marmie, a mother of four, has spent nearly two decades abroad to give her children a better life. In 2022, Angel visited her in Dubai for a short vacation. What started as simple rashes on her legs turned into something far more serious.

Back in the Philippines, rashes were on and off and later it continuously goes around her body. Doctors initially misdiagnosed her condition as TB lymphadenitis. Twice (in different hospitals in Manila), they were told it was not cancer.

Still worried, Marmie’s employer insisted they bring Angel back to Dubai for a thorough examination—and even paid for her airfare, visa and preliminary consultation in a specialist. In February 2025, mother and daughter went to the American Hospital in Dubai. The diagnosis shattered their world: Hodgkin Lymphoma, stage 4.

When Gulf News interviewed Marmie, she started crying as she recalled the moment she first learned about Angel’s diagnosis. “I broke down. I felt helpless. It was like the world stopped. The room went silent, and every fear I’d ever had as a parent came crashing down. Nothing prepares you for hearing your child is seriously ill. I kept thinking: Why her? How do we get through this? But even in the shock, I knew I had to be strong for Angel — even when I was falling apart inside.”

That strength hasn’t come easily. Being far from home and extended family has made an already impossible situation even harder. “There are days when the weight feels unbearable,” she says. “But my strength comes from faith, love, and the determination to give Angel every chance at healing.”

Angel’s resilience has been a guiding light. “Even on the hardest days, she finds a way to smile. That gives me hope.”

And in the midst of the struggle, Marmie found unexpected support. “My employer stood by us and helped me. That meant the world. Just knowing we weren’t alone made all the difference.”

Angel’s hospital bills soared to Dh90,000 — with no health insurance to cover the cost. Marmies' employer shouldered half, while she is paying the rest through monthly deductions from her already modest salary. More treatments followed—CT scans, chemotherapy costing thousands more. Thankfully, Tarahum Charity Foundation stepped in and covered two therapies, worth Dh27,000 each as well as Axios for the other therapies.

Today, Angel is in better condition, responding to treatment. But the road ahead remains uncertain. More therapy is needed. More funds are needed. And Marmie still carries loans for previous treatments.

Marmie broke down in tears — overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from friends, strangers, and her community. The support gave her renewed hope. From heartfelt messages to fundraisers, people are showing up.

A tennis player herself, Marmie has found strength in Dubai’s tennis community, which is organizing tournaments and lessons to help. Friends from the Pinoy Padel Community are also hosting a padel tournament on July 4 at ISD Dubai Sports City to raise funds for Angel’s care. In every act of generosity, Marmie is reminded: she’s not alone in this fight.

With tears in her eyes, Marmie said, “Thank God. And thank you — to my employer, Tarahum Charity Foundation, Axios, my friends. I could never fight this battle alone. Your help gives me the strength to keep going. I pray more people continue to support us — through donations, prayers, or simply by caring. Every bit of hope matters to Angel and me.”

It’s not always grand gestures — it’s the kindness that’s made the biggest difference. A message. A prayer. A bit of help. Even a quiet “I’m here for you.” Those moments have kept us going.

Gulf News also spoke with Aten Auro, 46, founder of the Pinoy Padel Group, who has been living in Dubai for 12 years. She shared:

“We believe in the power of community. For us, it’s not just about playing padel—it’s about being a family. We’re inspired by Angel’s strength, positivity, and resilience, and we want to do our part to help ease some of the burdens she and her family are facing.

By organizing this tournament, we’re not just raising funds for Angel’s therapy—we’re sending a message of hope and solidarity. We’re saying: we are here for each other, we care, and we are committed to supporting one another through life’s toughest challenges.

This tournament isn’t just about raising funds for Angel; it’s about showing her she’s not alone. Every dirham counts, every act of kindness matters. By rallying behind Angel, we’re not just helping one person—we’re strengthening our entire community and reinforcing the bonds that tie us all together.

By organizing this tournament, we’re not just raising funds for Angel’s therapy—we’re sending a message of hope and solidarity.

Angel’s story is one of fierce struggle, deep love, and unshakable faith. Behind her brave fight is a mother bearing the weight of the world — pushing forward with hope in her heart and strength drawn from countless prayers. It’s also a testament to the Filipino community in Dubai, always ready to lift one another in times of need.