We, the undersigned, respectfully lend our support to the spouses Rica and Gideon Tonog in their Application for Deferred Action from deportation which is currently being litigated before the Immigration Courts in Newark, N.J. The deportation, if not deferred, would certainly cause permanent and irreparable harm to this couple as well as the community.

      Our greatest cause of concern involves Rica who was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus. She has since undergone two operations and, is currently receiving aggressive treatment for severe endometriosis and endometrial hyperplasia. She previously had suffered two miscarriages which believed to have been caused by her unfortunate medical condition. Gideon, her husband, is the only relative she has and, Rica relies on him to bring her to the doctors and to take care of her.

      The civic commitment of the Tonogs can be seen profoundly in various social, cultural, spiritual and professional activities. They are instrumental to the fund-raising affairs of different organizations that in turn donate regularly financial and charitable aid for people in need both in the US and in the Philippines. Rica’s untiring volunteerism for the Filipino-American Cultural Enrichment School (FACES) for the children and for the Filipino-American Development Center (FCDC) is a trait that we can only hope for others to have. Gideon has been a generous source of technological knowledge and logistical support for organizations and families in diverse ways. He is an active organizer of sports activities for the children.

      On behalf of a community that has not only benefited from Rica and Gideon’s community service and, out of a deep concern for her medical crisis, we pray that their Application for Deferred Action be granted.

(PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THE TONOGS DO NOT SOLICIT DONATIONS THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. IF YOU WISH TO DO SO FOR THEIR LEGAL AND MEDICAL FEES, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected].)