Gea's journey was instrumental in us opening our Home Away from Home
In May 2016, during our hospital visitations, we met Georgea “Gea” Kristina, a sweet little girl who had just turned five. Gea had traveled over 12 hours by boat from Surigao to Cebu to receive a proper diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). In just a few months in Cebu, she had been in and out of the hospital multiple times, even on her birthday. She was admitted to the ICU due to a severe infection and was feeling very far from home.

When first discharged from the hospital, they had no place to stay. Her mom, Emee, searched for the least expensive option and found a very small room near the hospital. As I listened to Emee share their story, I quickly felt the longing of this mother’s heart for her daughter to have some normalcy in the midst of hospital visits and treatments. She shared that Gea was depressed being away from family and having to stay in a small little room without windows, but there wasn’t any other option. I felt a tug on my heart to offer for them to stay in my home. The next day, I returned to the hospital and offered my home as a safe haven for her family to stay. Emee was in disbelief. As we hugged and cried together, I could feel some of the burdens being lifted from this mom. I reminded Emee that God cares deeply for Gea and for her family, said Kristina Andersen, Founder.

When Gea first moved in, she was unable to walk and had lost significant weight. The transformaton that we saw in Gea over one and a half months staying in Kristina’s home was simply amazing. She enjoyed playing, laughing, and being surrounded by people who loved and cared for her. She was able to receive more nutritious foods into her body and began to gain weight. Soon she regained enough strength to walk again, and within weeks she was going up and down the stairs.

While our team was gathering school supplies to help a handful of children with cancer and their siblings, Gea asked if she could have a backpack. She expressed her greatest desire to attend school. The smile on her face was priceless when she received her backpack and we told her: Gea, God has great plans for you and surely one day you will attend school! She held on to every word.
Six weeks after moving in, we celebrated with Gea as her doctor approved for her to return home to the Province of Surigao for a short visit. She was so excited to go home and see her brothers. I remember as though it was yesterday, the words she said to me as she was leaving: “Thank you mommy Kristina. I love you”. My heart melted. I instantly felt an urgency to find a home where more children could stay!

Our small team gathered and we agreed to begin praying. We prayed for a home where more children like Gea could stay. A place where families would have community, not feel alone, and be encouraged by one another. A place where families would be surrounded by a team who would help them navigate the system and find the necessary resources and support. Most of all, a home where they would be reminded on a daily basis that there is always hope and to trust the one who holds them in His hands!
Gea gave us the courage to take a huge leap of faith to open our Home Away from Home in July of 2016, just one month later
Gea returned to Cebu a few months later, but this time she was able to stay in her new Home Away from Home with many other children and families. She made many visits to Everlasting Hope over her four years of treatment and by God’s amazing grace, she completed her treatment January 2020.


"We are profoundly grateful for the invaluable support provided by Everlasting Hope Cancer Foundation during our daughter's cancer battle. Your unwavering dedication, resources, and compassionate community have empowered us, eased our burdens, and created a sense of belonging. Your exceptional care and understanding of our holistic needs have made an immeasurable impact on our lives. With Everlasting Hope, we face the future with renewed determination, confident in our ability to overcome challenges. Thank you for being our beacon of light and transforming our journey."
Emee Laban, Mother of Gea
Gea's Dream of going to school became a reality!


Gea is Now 13 Years Old
We will miss seeing her on a regular basis, and will always be her second family, but are incredibly happy that she is in school, doing amazingly well, and enjoying life. Most of all, that she is carrying everlasting hope in her heart!
