Our three professional children (Mikhail Robert, 37, computer engineer; Michael Angelo Jr, 32, architect; and Zarina Hannah, 29, medical doctor) are closely-knit siblings. While in Texas, USA, Mikhail Robert was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor (butterfly glioblastoma) in September 2022. He underwent four surgeries, completed radiotherapy, and is undergoing chemotherapy. Zarina Hannah visited him twice coming from Australia, while Michael Angelo Jr flew from the Philippines. I share our children’s amazing story of love for one another amid this difficult medical circumstance.
1. Children’s Chronology and Career Context
Who are the luckiest parents?
We shall return to this intriguing question towards the end of this article. Meantime, I provide an overview of our children’s birth chronology and career context.
Our three children were born roughly four years apart without a specific pregnancy-spacing plan. Since childhood, they have been reasonably close siblings under the steady tutelage of my wife Angelita. As I prefer to remember them as children, I have kept in my wallet a particular photo of them as a trio (with wife as inset) while together in a park (Figure 1).
As the eldest, Mikhail Robert (named after the Latvian grandmaster Mikhail Tal and the American chess prodigy Robert Fisher) was born on 31 March 1986. He earned a computer engineering degree at the Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines; he later worked with information technology (IT) companies. The middle child, Michael Angelo Jr, was born on 14 December 1990, coinciding with my parent’s wedding anniversary. Jr earned a degree in architecture at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and currently works as a freelance architect in Quezon City, Philippines.
The youngest, Zarina Hannah, was born on 29 August 1994. After obtaining her nursing degree also at UST (Figure 2), she went to Australia, where she earned from Flinders University her degree in Doctor of Medicine; she now works as a government doctor in Darwin, Northern Territory. I use their nicknames in the succeeding paragraphs: ‘Robert’ for Mikhail Robert; ‘Jr’ for Michael Angelo Jr; ‘Hannah’ for Zarina Hannah; and ‘Lita’ for my wife – Angelita.
Our three children’s common traits include traveling to tourist places (Figure 3), dining out in fusion restaurants, consuming loads of caffeine, and drawing various caricatures. They likewise enjoy watching movies or indulging in TV series marathons. We watched individually and as a family, we particularly enjoyed watching the most-viewed TV series of all time – Game of Thrones, and on occasion, a few Korean telenovelas.
On the other hand, they have a few distinctive differences in personalities. Quirks and idiosyncrasies, so to speak. Robert tends to be both bossy and moody. Jr is more of a ‘take-life-in-stride’ guy who vapes and dislikes the 9-to-5 work routine. Hannah has been the most serious in terms of both study and work. Such individual peculiarities sometimes lead to their share of quarrels and rivalries as siblings; nonetheless, they readily patch up among themselves.
Yet, despite their individual traits, they have demonstrated an ‘amazing love for one another’ through the years. As their father, I consider this their most endearing collective trait as siblings. They have a group chat (GC) exclusive for the three of them.
This blog’s purpose is to share how they have become even closer with one another amid a challenging medical circumstance. It started when Robert was diagnosed with a brain tumor malady in September 2022. Hence, this blog is an awe-inspiring love story of three biological siblings.
2. Robert’s Brain Tumor Malady
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020, Robert resigned from his IT job in the Philippines and went to Frisco City, Texas, USA. He followed his then long-time girlfriend (Maria Teresa ‘Teri’ Chavez) who has been working there as a nurse. The plan: to settle in the USA and be part of the multitudes of Filipinos who have successfully achieved the American dream of material wealth and professional success. Eventually, they got married and eagerly waited for the birth of their son (our first grandchild named Marcus Chase) in October 2022. The plan appeared to be going reasonably well to establish their careers and raise a family. Or so we thought.
Without any warning sign, though, their lives turned into a proverbial twist when Robert collapsed and passed out afterward while descending from the car in September 2022. At 36 years old then, we were shocked to learn what the MRI showed: a brain tumor the size of a large apple.
His first surgery was for a biopsy to get a tumor sample. The result: A Stage 2 malignant brain tumor (butterfly glioblastoma). Simply put, he could die in a few days – or if fortunate enough – live another few years. A story we often just heard in the news, read in magazines, or watched in the movies before, had become a dreaded reality for our eldest son.
Robert underwent the second surgery (Figure 4) to put a shunt in his head to drain the cerebral fluid. Just when we thought it couldn’t be any more heartbreaking, his wife’s father suddenly passed away on 8 October 2022. That was just a day before their baby Marcus Chase was born.
Since the extended stay in the ICU and the two surgeries were barely covered by their insurance, they suddenly became financially drained. At a time when they were looking forward to starting their family in the USA, it appeared that their family life was simultaneously falling apart.
Amid this challenging medical situation, we have received an outpouring of incredible support from relatives, friends and colleagues. We even received financial support from complete strangers! What I share here, however, is focused more on the support of Jr and Hannah to their dear brother Robert.
3. Sister's Visit from Australia
Hannah affectionately calls Robert ‘Master’ being her long-term advisor and mentor in many ways. During Robert’s ordeal, she visited him in the USA twice.
First, she flew to Dallas, Texas, on 28 October 2022. Coming from her medical placement in Banepa, Nepal, Hannah was a graduating medical student at that time. Aside from her medical knowledge, Hannah had provided a stabilizing psychological presence.
I overlapped with her when I arrived in Frisco City, Texas, on 7 November 2022. Casually, the three of us discussed family and medical matters. At times, we just leisurely chatted and reminisced in the living room (Figure 5).
On occasions, Hannah and I strolled with my grandson Marcus Chase in the nearby park (Figure 6). There were moments when I also felt ‘desperate’ as I was practically powerless on my own to change Robert’s fate significantly – or at least make his life any better.
We all traveled to Houston to meet Teri’s family and some of Robert’s blood relatives on 24 November 2022, Thanksgiving Day, the most celebrated American holiday. We stayed there until 1 December 2022. Hannah flew back to Australia on 3 December 2022 to attend her graduation rites at Flinders University in Darwin, Northern Territory, on 13 December 2022. She had kept in touch remotely through chats and video calls.
Her second visit was on 20 December 2022. We both followed Robert’s family in Houston, where we spent the Holiday Season. Despite Robert’s ailment, being together during Christmas (Figure 7) and New Year (see Figure 8) were still fond memories to behold. With Teri, Hannah spearheaded the ‘GoFundMe’ scheme to fund Robert’s medical treatment. (Here is the still active link, and readers are still most welcome to donate: GoFundMe – No one fights alone – Help Mikhail beat cancer!)
GoFundMe is an on-line scheme to fundraise for various reasons such as medical, memorial, emergency and education. To date, U$22,851 has been raised out of the goal of U$50,000. Hannah has been actively contacting her network of friends and associates to donate for Robert’s medical treatment.
The last time Robert and Hannah were physically together was in the dawn of 12 January 2023. Robert’s schedule at the MD Anderson Cancer for his third surgery was on Friday the 13th, January 2023. (Historical footnote: Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition, such as in Norse mythology and Christian tradition). The awake craniotomy procedure was intended to reduce the brain tumor size before the start of radiation/chemotherapy.
Although Hannah still wanted to stay in Houston until after the surgery, she had no other recourse but to fly back to Australia due to her upcoming job as a government doctor. Before leaving, she embraced Robert tightly and wished him all the best for his awake craniotomy. He in turn gently caressed Hannah’s back. I was caught off guard when Hannah suddenly sobbed – a rather unusual action for a very composed and strong-willed woman. Against the light’s silhouette, the scene of a brother and a sister in a tight embrace simply broke my heart. I just walked towards the car as I couldn’t withstand the emotional anguish – too much for me to handle as a father.
Only much later did we learn that Hannah borrowed money to return to US and be with Robert for the second time. Due to the holiday season, she spent over US$3,000 for airfare and associated expenses for that second trip! When asked why she took that second trip back to the USA, Hannah simply replied: “for the love of my dear brother.” Up to now, she has continuously supported Robert psychologically, medically, and even financially.
4. Brother’s Visit from Philippines
On the other sibling’s side, Jr’s assistance to Robert has been manifested in myriads of forms. He spearheaded the compilation of documents for on-line requirements to secure a US visa (as first-time travelers there) for himself and my wife Lita. Jr likewise conceptualized their mock interview techniques and routines. Surprisingly, they were lined up with a very understanding consul and were both given multiple visas for amazing 10 years!
Before coming to the US, Jr actively circulated the ‘GoFundMe’ link for Robert’s financial solicitation. Literally, he ‘begged’ from his friends and colleagues to donate for his big brother’s medical treatment. I never thought that he would be capable of such an act of financial solicitation for the love of his big brother.
I left US on 31 January 2023 while Lita and Jr came together (Figure 9) on 22 January 2023 in Houston, Texas. Occasionally, he would sleep over at MD Anderson Cancer Center where Robert was confined earlier. Jr directly assisted Robert concerning his daily physical errands. Given Robert’s memory loss and/or lapses, Jr kept reminding him about some chores he must not do, such as bending and climbing stairs.
Jr’s strategic advantage, although younger, is he is level-headed and could adjust quickly to his new environment. Hence, he has handled Robert’s tantrums and mood swings well. He sometimes alternated with Lita in caring for Marcus Chase (Figure 10).
Being in the US is quite a sacrifice on Jr’s part as he cannot physically visit the construction sites for his architectural works in the Philippines. Hence, he has been doing his design work remotely, including Zoom meetings with clients. But he did it willingly for the love of his big brother. What more can I say? Both Jr and my wife extended their stay in the US until 12 July 2023.
5. Proud and Luckiest Parents
Acquaintances often tell Lita and I that we are quite lucky to have three professional children: (1) Robert as a computer engineer; (2) Jr as an architect; and (3) Hannah as a medical doctor. I genuinely agree with such a pronouncement – we are indeed truly proud parents that the three of them have become successful professionals. Particularly for us Filipinos, having all our children complete their university education is a rare badge of honor.
Let me now go back to the question that I pose at the onset of this blog: “Who are the luckiest parents?” As a father, this is my candid answer (Figure 11): the luckiest parents are those whose children passionately love one another. These children take care of each other with minimal parental guidance – or even without supervision from their parents.
Our three children have exemplified their ‘extraordinary love and care for one another’ through the years. I credit my wife Lita for raising them with such a philosophy of sibling’s love. Indeed, since day one, she has inculcated to them to refrain from petty sibling rivalries – and give the utmost help to the one in need the most.
I have come to appreciate better the significance of my wife’s adage. I have encountered some parents whose children have completed their university education and are successful professionals – and yet, their children are either psychologically distant or at loggerheads from one another.
Robert’s Stage 2 malignant brain tumor (butterfly glioblastoma) is an unfortunate circumstance that no one expected – and no single mortal can readily solve everything right now. Only The Almighty knows what is in store for him. Paradoxically, this medical case has drawn them closer to one another. Zarina Hannah visited him twice from Australia, and Michael Angelo Jr flew in from the Philippines to visit him as well. Hence, our three children’s best collective trait is being there for one another under the most trying circumstances.
The last time the five of us (including Robert’s wife, Teri) were physically together was in January 2020 (Figure 12), two months before the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. We all went to Batanes in the Philippines. I reckon, though, that our geographic disparities matter very little. Whatever happens to my wife and I – we are now both in our twilight or senior years – we are incredibly proud and genuinely confident that our three children will continue to take care of each other.
In Robert’s specific case, Jr and Hannah will always be with him – and for him. As incredibly proud parents, that is the only thing that matters, at least for now. Everything else takes a backseat – or has simply become a secondary consideration.
Copyright © 2023 by Michael D Pido
you and wifey raised your kids well. … truly, you both are indeed blessed to have them. God bless you more as He the almighty God, i pray will give your family peace of heart and mind amidst the situation your son is in. Phil 4;7.. more …
Hi Batch Norie – Thank you for the compliment. Your prayer is truly appreciated.
This is very moving Doc Mike. But you are indeed the luckiest parents. Sibling love is also my primary ambition in life; that my four sons will always love each other and be there for each other forever … especially when their parents are gone…
Dear Doc Amabel – Your kind words are very much appreciated. You are also a very lucky parent for having 4 four boys who stand for each other.
What a lovely story sir. Praying for Sir Robert’s healing. This touching story made me miss my siblings as well. We just had our family reunion last December and I know it’s gonna be long till we reunite completely again since two of them are abroad as well. I can’t wait for our next family reunion.
Hi Noel – I am glad that you appreciate the blog. Thank you for your prayer to Robert.
So inspiring… Indeed a noble legacy that you’ve raised your children loving and caring for each other. In the midst of the storm there is still light shining brightly..thats the love that binds them .. God bless Doc Mike and family. One with you praying for Robert’s complete healing soon. Nothing’s impossible with God.(Luke 1:37). We trust His divine mercy and compassion.
Hi Dean Marie – I am very pleased that you are inspired by the blog. Thank you also for your prayer for Robert.
I love this blog. I feel emotional reading this. I pray that by the grace of God, in His time, all will be well.
Hi Rik – I am truly delighted that you love the blog. Likewise, thanks a lot for your prayers. Take care there in Hongkong
Hi Doc Mike! This is such a very touching story; tears just kept flowing as I read through. As a parent myself (of 3 kids, too), I was able to relate to so many instances. My take away is that it is difficult to be a parent as you are not only after your development as a person but you are still looking after your children’s development and serving as a guide that they become the person God willed them to be. I must say you and your wife Lita are indeed the lucky parents. I am still in the process now that my two older children are starting their own families.
Thankn you for sharing your story…it’s an eye-opener.
Hi Sis Buena – Thanks for sharing your insights. I did not realize that this blog would touch the hearts of readers, particularly mothers. Hope all is well with you there at LB.
What an inspiration to parents and siblings Doc Mike. A very good read.
Hello Doc Jun – Am glad that you’ve found this blog inspiring.
Hi Sir Mike. A beautiful journey, painful though. You are truly the luckiest parents, you and your wife raised them well. I look forward that I could raise Val the same, I am just starting though. My prayers go with Robert and to your family’s journey throughout the end (until Robert’s full recovery). Thank you for sharing your family’s story, very inspiring po. God bless you and your family😇
Hi Val – Thanks a lot for your compliment and appreciation of the blog. Your prayers for Robert are truly appreciated. Best wishes.
A perfect example po of what it means to be your ‘brother’s keeper’. I’m so proud of my cousins for staying strong and I pray for Kuya Ook’s recovery!
Hi Janna – Thank you for sharing your kind words and prayers. Best wishes in completing your law degree there in Australia
I could honestly say, you and your wife were one blessed parents- raised all 3 children beautifully and professionally. All the supports and concerns, the loves especially- has definitely glued you all together on this journey. Thanks for sharing Doc. I’m sure people who read your story would either be inspired or touched. Will continue to be praying for son’s healing and recovery. You and your wife were amazing, with your 3 beautiful and wonderful children. May God’s abundant blessings be poured out to you all each day. God bless.
Hi Batch Lenny – Thank you for sharing your thoughts about being touched by the story. We truly appreciate your prayers for our son. Best wishes with your there in the US.
“Children are blessings from God.” ! Psalm 127 This claim is empirical in your family and us, blessed with 3 and 5 professional children, respectively. Let’s continue to entrust everything to God particularly with your eldest, Sir Mike. In His time he’ll be totally healed. Life is cyclical anyway, it begins and end with hope in the Lord as He have promised not to leave nor abandon us. Cheers to the luckiest parents!!! To God be the glory…🙌🏻
Hi Ma’am Lerna – The biblical passage you have shared gives us more strength to be hopeful. Thank you also for your kind words.
An amazing story of love and parenting 💖💖. It makes even more captivating because desperate situation turned into hope and faith. Keep fighting Robert, and may the Lord grant you 🙏🙏💞💞 another years of existence.
Hi Roy – Thank you for your compliment about the story. We are also thankful for your prayers and well wishes for Robert.
That brings joy to parents’ hearts, even after they’re gone.
Thanks for your feedback, Kumay Charity
The only kind of jewel that I expect my children to be is never, never hurt or step on other people…just like what my parents have always taught me. All other things will follow for the good of one.
Great to hear from you, Brod Andy! Thanks for sharing your parent’s invaluable words of wisdom
Very touching. I believe that this is every parent’s dream. You are blessed to have seen this among your children. And they are blessed to have parents like you and Ma’am Lita. I pray that Kuya (am not sure if they call him that,, though 😊) fully survives his ordeal right now. God bless your beautiful family, sir mike!
Hi Prof Sam – Thank you for your kind words and prayers for our son.
A very touching story sir Mike,this serves as an eye opener to parents and children,that being with family is the best thing we should do often,
Hi Doc Marj – I agree with you that the family is the most important social unit. It most cases, though, we prioritize work over family concerns.
Amazing story
Hi Gina! Great to hear from you from overseas. Take care
Touching. Moving. Inspiring. Thanks for sharing this blog. Praying with you for complete healing of Robert. He is the God of impossibilities. Despite the fact that “no mortal man has the solution to his condition”, our Creator God, is the miracle-working God Who is able. You have raised your children well and indeed, family and family support (in all aspects) matter most, at all times! Above all, hope in Jesus – – He is the Only One Who does not fail!
Hi Becky – Thanks a lot for taking the time to read the blog and reply. Your kind and comforting words are truly appreciated.
I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of
your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to
say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only
having one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Hi there! Thanks a for your suggestions. Will consider them. Cheers for now.
Thanks for sharing this, Dr. Pido. I love reading your articles. They are not only informative, but truly inspiring. God bless you and your family.
Hi Dr Neris – Thanks a lot for taking the time to read and share your positive thoughts. Truly appreciated.
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