IT has been reported that Arianna Pando, a respiratory therapist at the Commonwealth Health Center, looked after Jesse Rivera when he suffered cardiac arrest that resulted in anoxic brain injury. Since then, Arianna has been a “guardian angel” to Jesse’s wife, Sharolyn Alvarez, and their two youngest daughters, one of whom was born on Saipan.
After Jesse suffered a heart attack, Sharolyn decided to bring the whole family back to the Philippines in 2022 because they had no source of income after what happened. Although the situation was untenable, she continued to seek alternatives means of living to support her family. She struggled to find steady work and did her best to hustle and sell products online to generate an income. After realizing that she alone would have to provide for her husband and children, she eventually decided to return to Saipan with her two younger daughters, a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old, last year, leaving behind her two older daughters and her husband with their family in the Philippines.
The two daughters left behind in the Philippines are 19-year-old Julianna and 15-year-old Kasandra. They desperately long to be reunited with their mother and two younger sisters. Julianna, who attended Marianas High School, said they have never been separated for this long before. When she returns to Saipan, Julianna said she would pursue a college education and work as much as possible so she can help her mother or at least ease some of her burdens. “Going back also means that I can take care of my sisters again, given that I’ve been taking care of them since they were born. My mom is having a hard time managing both of them on her own when it comes to finances,” Julianna said.
Sharolyn is seeking financial assistance for the plane tickets of her two daughters from the Philippines so they can go back to Saipan.
“I’m always reminding myself to be strong for the kids, because I can’t give up,” Sharolyn said. “I have four kids, they’re all relying on me. They’re depending on me. Sometimes I feel sad, and I especially feel sorry for my husband, but I can’t be weak. I need to be strong for my kids.”
She is knocking on our doors. Your assistance will be of great help to her family. “I really miss my daughters in the Philippines and I want to do more for my husband — at least help him with his financial needs for his illness.”
Those who want to make a donation — even if it’s a dollar — can drop it off at 6JMS Store in Garapan, beside SJ Auto Shop and Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection (look for George Medina or call [670] 483-6860); or at Auto Marine Office, Lower Navy Hill beside New Grand Market (look for Jun Lapeceros or call [670] 285-6136). You may also call Sharolyn at (670) 286-1401 or Lito Marquez at (670) 989-8905. Your one dollar can mean a lot and help reunite a family.
CARLITO J. MARQUEZ
Dandan, Saipan
