It has been seven months since the tragic events of Lapu-Lapu Day on April 26, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left many others injured.
In an exclusive interview with Omni News, Jhosie Sico, the mother of AJ Sico – one of the victims critically injured in the car ramming incident, is sharing her story publicly for the first time.
Expressing her frustrations, Sico revealed, “It feels as though we have been forgotten as the victims in all of this.”
Speaking from her son’s room at a care facility in Vancouver, Sico is surrounded by messages of love and support from friends and family.
Despite suffering a severe brain injury that has left him unable to speak, 30-year-old AJ still finds moments of joy, posing for photos and surprising his mother by singing karaoke in Filipino.
Sico sees these moments as signs of her son’s resilience and gradual progress towards recovery, stating, “It gives me hope to see him making small steps forward.”
Opening up about the impact of the tragedy on their lives, Sico emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in the face of adversity, stating, “Miracles are possible when we hold onto hope.”
While grateful for the support received from loved ones, Sico expressed disappointment in the limited financial assistance provided for AJ’s ongoing recovery. She criticized the Lapu-Lapu Day block party organizer, Filipino BC, for their perceived lack of continued support, calling it a ‘slap in the face’ to victims like AJ.
In response, Filipino BC emphasized the need for sustainable government funding to aid all those affected by the tragedy, highlighting their efforts in raising over $2 million for various charities to provide both immediate and long-term assistance.
Looking ahead to a different Christmas this year, Sico remains optimistic, finding strength in the small moments of joy and progress in AJ’s recovery journey. She affirms her unwavering love and commitment to her son, declaring, “Our fight is not over, and we will continue to stand by him through it all.”