Baguio local artist raising fund for mother battling cancer: ‘Everyday lagi kaming umiiyak kasi anytime pwede na sya kunin ni Lord’

Baguio City, Philippines – A local artist from Baguio City has turned her God-given talent into a lifeline, opening art commissions to raise funds for her mother, who is currently battling three types of cancer.

Through her work, the artist said she expresses both determination and grief as she and her family cling to hope and a strong will to do everything they can despite overwhelming odds to prolong their mother’s life.

Believing that her talent has a purpose, 28-year-old artist Andrea Lourice Rafael said she will continue creating art to help fund her mother’s medical care and explore further treatment options in private hospitals. Her story has garnered attention online—not only because of her paintings, but because of the struggle behind each artwork.

Mother battling three types of cancer

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Andrea shared that her mother, Anna F. Soliman, 66, a single mother, has been diagnosed with three types of cancer: Stage 4 lung cancer, Stage 3B kidney cancer, and brain cancer with a large tumor, along with another tumor found in her liver.

The young artist recounted that this marks the second time her mother has been rushed to the hospital. The first was in 2019, when Anna was diagnosed with cervical cancer—a battle she survived. However, cancer cells from her earlier illness later spread, leading to her current condition.

“…single mother po ang aking mama. Malakas siya, maraming alam sa buhay at masipag. Mapagmahal siyang nanay. Second time na siya naitakbo sa hospital—first time noong 2019 kasi na-diagnose siya ng cervical cancer pero na-survive niya. Second time was last November 29, 2025. Kumalat ’yung cancer cell from 2019 kaya sobrang dami ng sakit,” Andrea shared.

Anna is currently in Taguig City with her family while they await further plans to transfer her to a private hospital.

Daily medical expenses for medicine and care increasing

Andrea said the family is now facing increasing daily expenses for medicine and care, including additional costs for oxygen support.

CT (Computed Tomography) scans and MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) alone cost between ₱10,000 and ₱15,000 each, bringing total medical expenses in December to an estimated ₱30,000 to ₱40,000 after the family turned to private healthcare due to delays in public hospitals.

Beyond the financial strain, the emotional and physical toll on the family has been immense. Soliman now requires constant assistance, as the brain tumor has affected her motor and sensory functions, leaving her unable to move her right arm and legs, along with behavioral changes such as mood swings.

“Every day lagi kaming umiiyak,” Andrea said, recalling the doctor’s warning that her mother’s condition is critical and that she could pass away at any time. She added that some public hospital doctors have already recommended palliative care, focusing solely on pain management.

“…laging puyat kasi minsan gigising siya kahit anong oras sa madaling araw. Affected kaming lahat emotionally and physically, kasi sasalubungin namin ang 2026 na sinabi sa amin ng doctor anytime puwede na siya kunin ni Lord. Sinukuan na kami ng lahat ng doctor sa public dahil sa condition ni mama ko,” she added.

Andrea’s art works: how and where to avail

Despite the grim outlook, the family refuses to give up. Andrea said they are holding on to hope, believing that even a one-percent chance is still a chance worth fighting for. This determination pushed her to reopen her art works—the same means that helped support her mother’s treatment during her cervical cancer battle in 2019.

“…since naniniwala ako na lahat ng talent may reason from the Lord, gagamitin ko ulit itong talent ko to raise funds para madala na namin siya sa private hospital. Umaasa kami na kahit one percent chance lang, isusugal namin lahat para lang mabuhay siya,” she said.

The young artist also expressed gratitude to those who have shared her story online and offered prayers and support. For their family, every artwork sold is not just a source of income, but a testament to their unwavering will to fight for their mother’s life while there is still time.

Those who wish to help Andrea and her mother may view and avail of her artworks through her Facebook account Andrea Lourice or her Instagram account @calouricee. Donations may also be sent directly to her GCash numbers 0927-175-0500 or 0969-461-0122.