AJ Sico sits silently in a wheelchair, a stark contrast to the vibrant life he once knew. His body bears the invisible wounds of a spring evening in Vancouver, an evening that irrevocably shattered his family’s world.
“I never expected to see my adult son like this,” his mother, Jhosie Sico, whispers, her voice heavy with grief. For eight months, she has remained his constant guardian, sleeping in a recliner beside him in the long-term care facility, a vigil born of unwavering love.
AJ’s needs are profound, demanding round-the-clock care. Simple tasks – changing a diaper, ensuring his feeding tube remains secure – are constant reminders of the life stolen from him. Jhosie describes it as caring for a baby again, each cry a jolt of worry, each movement a cause for vigilance.
This Christmas marked a fragile milestone: AJ’s first time outside of hospital or care home walls since the devastating attack. But the freedom was fleeting, a small comfort against the backdrop of a long and uncertain future.
Eight months ago, the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a celebration of Filipino culture, became a scene of unimaginable horror. An SUV careened into the crowd, claiming eleven lives and leaving dozens injured. For those directly impacted, the struggle to rebuild continues, overshadowed by mounting financial burdens and dwindling support.
AJ, then a 30-year-old barber, was standing with his cousin, Jendhel May Sico, when the unthinkable happened. They shared a bond forged through childhood, inseparable companions in every endeavor. That day, their paths diverged forever.
AJ survived, but Jendhel did not. He now communicates through groans and wails, a traumatic brain injury and nerve damage silencing his voice and stealing his ability to walk. The extent of his cognitive recovery remains unknown, leaving Jhosie to grapple with the heartbreaking question of whether he understands his loss.
The financial strain is immense. AJ’s income, which once supported the family, is gone. Navigating the complexities of disability benefits is a legal hurdle Jhosie cannot overcome alone. The initial support from the Filipino B.C. cultural association was temporary, and ICBC payments, though helpful, fall short of covering their essential expenses.
They rely on a GoFundMe campaign to afford vital therapies, like hyperbaric oxygen treatment for AJ’s brain. A referral to a rehabilitation facility is pending, but a concrete plan remains elusive. The constant waiting, the bureaucratic delays, are a crushing weight on top of their emotional trauma.
The initial outpouring of community support, channeled through the Kapwa Strong Fund, has raised over $2 million. However, concerns are growing about how effectively those funds are reaching the families most in need. Some feel the promise of direct aid has not been fully realized.
Filipino B.C. emphasizes its long-term vision of building a cultural centre, but acknowledges the urgent need for sustained support. They warn that as time passes, the public’s awareness – and generosity – may fade, leaving families to face lifelong challenges alone.
The tragedy has left many breadwinners unable to work, creating a ripple effect of financial hardship. Families are struggling to cover basic living costs while providing full-time care for their injured loved ones, a burden compounded by rising expenses and systemic obstacles.
Advocates are urging government intervention, calling for a commitment to long-term care and financial assistance. The fear of being forgotten looms large, a chilling prospect for families already grappling with unimaginable loss.
While the Ministry of Health and ICBC point to existing programs and nearly $2 million in aid distributed, the need remains substantial. The City of Vancouver admits it lacks a dedicated financial assistance program for victims of tragedies, relying instead on existing grant programs.
Jhosie Sico’s story is a poignant reminder that the aftermath of tragedy extends far beyond the initial shock. It is a story of unwavering love, relentless advocacy, and the desperate hope that her son, and others like him, will not be forgotten.
