16/01/2025
US Expat friends and community
NEW UPDATE as of 20 January 2025: HE'S SAFELY DISCHARGED, AND BACK HOME!
UPDATE: Immediate Support needed for John Tewell
John Tewell is a collector of thousands of historical photos of the Philippines, made publicly available on Flickr.
John Tewell (81 y/o) is alive; he has no access to the internet upon moving to a temporary home last March 7, 2024. However, he is already frail with difficulty walking and needs general care support (assistance during hygiene, etc.) They need to move out of their temporary home as soon as possible, but they have no money for the last 7 months.
His wife Dorothy (72 y/o) is suffering from heart complications, making it hard for her to take care of John anymore. An e-mail has been sent to the American Citizen Services of the US Embassy Manila, but in the meantime we need urgent support.
We need help with any of the following:
- A friend who can welcome John Tewell & his cat in their home
- Transfer to a hospice/ home-for-the-aged facility
- Financial support to sustain a rental place*
- Medical support: For check-ups, medicine and transport
- Basic needs like food
- Ready finances in case of emergency
- Cost of passport renewal ($130)
You may donate via the QR codes provided, c/o Bea Dolores (Co-founder and VP, Renacimiento Manila). For PayPal or transactions via credit card, go to paypal.me/BeaDolores. For in-kind donations and other inquiries, you may coordinate with Ms. Bea via our Facebook and Instagram pages.
More information:
They are still residing in Imus, Cavite. The US Embassy of Manila provided John Tewell with an emergency passport (one-year validity) on June 20, 2023, assisted by Ms. Bea Dolores. Due to having no internet and aid for the elderly couple, they haven't been able to set an appointment for passport renewal, and it costs 130USD or 7,500+ Php.
Financial concerns are rooted in a technical and complicated family affair. Pension coming from United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds abruptly stopped 7 months ago (no actions taken yet). He could no longer use his debit card from Bank of America (kinain ng atm machine). Friends have recently assisted in their transportation to Bank of America BGC branch but no avail. Dorothy, Bea, and the bank have been contacting his son in the US but there's no answer.
We are in direct contact with Mrs. Dorothy since January 1, 2025. Her contact information can only be shared with direct friends of John. Starting Friday afternoon, we will personally visit their temporary home with a wheelchair and food.
John wants to stay in the Philippines. Let us help our important figure in Philippine heritage preservation.
Access the donations tracker here: bit.ly/TRACKER-DonateforJohnTewell2025
