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

Angel’s misdiagnosis nearly cost her life, but love and support are giving her hope

Last updated:
Manuel Almario, Senior News Editor
6 MIN READ
In the midst of her battle with stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, Angel finds strength in knowing her mom Marmie, brother, and sister-in-law are always beside her at American Hospital Dubai — a constant reminder she’s never alone in this fight.
In the midst of her battle with stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, Angel finds strength in knowing her mom Marmie, brother, and sister-in-law are always beside her at American Hospital Dubai — a constant reminder she’s never alone in this fight.
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 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.

By organizing this tournament, we’re not just raising funds for Angel’s therapy—we’re sending a message of hope and solidarity.
Aten Auro is the energetic founder of the Pinoy Padelist group in the UAE
Aten Auro is the energetic founder of the Pinoy Padelist group in the UAE
Aten Auro/Gulf News reader
Aten Auro - Founder of Pinoy Padel Group

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.

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma, once known as Hodgkin disease, is a group of blood cancers that develop in your lymphatic system. It’s one of two main types of lymphoma. The other type is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These cancers affect important white blood cells in your immune system called lymphocytes.

Hodgkin lymphomas form when genes inside B lymphocytes (B cells) mutate, or change, at some point in your life. Hodgkin lymphomas typically start in the lymph nodes in your neck or chest cavity. They may also develop in groups of lymph nodes under your arms or in your groin, belly (abdomen) or pelvis.

Every year, more people are living longer after receiving treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment can often cure Hodgkin lymphoma, eliminating all signs and symptoms. That said, this condition sometimes comes back (recurs). Medical researchers are investigating new treatments for when this happens.

How common is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is rare, affecting about 3 in 100,000 people each year. However, Hodgkin lymphomas are the most common cancers in teens between 15 and 19 and young adults.

Hodgkin lymphoma is much less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Text based on Cleveland Clinic.

Manuel Almario
Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor
Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful. Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says. Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added. “In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.” Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.
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