Sue Ramirez appeals for blood donors for Mom’s open-heart surgery: “I am knocking on your hearts”

• Concepcion "Chit" Garina Dodd, mother of actress Sue Ramirez, is set to undergo high-risk open-heart surgery on Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• The family is urgently seeking donors with blood types B+, B-, O+, or O- who have been alcohol-free for at least 48 hours
• Sue’s mother famously raised five children as a single provider after Sue’s father suffered a stroke over 20 years ago
• For those unable to donate blood, the actress has requested a "prayer chain" to help guide the surgical team and provide her mother with strength

Behind the intense gaze of Mel Barrera-Montenegro, her character in the suspense-thriller What Lies Beneath, actress Sue Ramirez is currently facing a real-life crisis that requires more than just dramatic talent.

On January 5, 2026, the 29-year-old star took to social media to make an urgent and deeply personal appeal: her mother, Concepcion "Chit" Garina Dodd, is fighting for her life.

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In a series of vulnerable Instagram Stories, Sue revealed that her mother is scheduled for a critical open-heart surgery this Wednesday, January 7.

Standing by a hospital bed in a poignant photo, Sue reached out to her millions of followers with a humility that transcended her celebrity status.

"I am knocking on your hearts," she wrote. "It may be too much to ask, but if anyone here would be willing to donate blood for my mom, it would mean so much and could help save her life."

The medical requirement is specific. The family is in dire need of B+, B-, O+, or O- blood types. Potential donors are reminded that they must be in good health and have abstained from alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to donation.

For those unable to provide physical help, Sue shared a second, black-and-white image of herself and her mother, asking for the "spiritual currency" of prayers for strength and healing.

This moment of crisis highlights the deep-seated bond between the two. Sue has often credited her mother, a former labor union organizer from Negros Occidental, as the backbone of their family.

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Following Sue's father's debilitating stroke when she was just six years old, "Mommy Chit" became the sole provider and caregiver, raising Sue and her four older siblings with a mixture of "tough love" and unwavering support.

As the countdown to Wednesday’s procedure begins, the outpouring of support from the industry and fans alike serves as a testament to the lives Mrs. Dodd and her daughter have touched.

For Sue Ramirez, this isn't just about a medical procedure; it’s about protecting the woman she considers the architect of her soul.

A versatile powerhouse in the Philippine entertainment landscape, Sue Ramirez (born Sue Anna Garina Dodd) has built a prestigious career defined by her transformative acting, vocal talent, and magnetic public persona. A dual citizen of the Philippines and the United States, she first stepped into the limelight in 2010 through ABS-CBN's Star Magic, driven by a profound desire to support her family during her father’s illness. Over the past 15 years, Ramirez has evolved from a promising teen star in series like Mula sa Puso (2011) into a formidable dramatic lead. She is widely recognized for her "chameleon-like" ability to inhabit complex characters, notably as the polarizing Lexy Lucero in the critically acclaimed The Broken Marriage Vow (2022) and more recently as Mel Barrera-Montenegro in the 2025-2026 suspense-thriller What Lies Beneath. Her filmography is equally diverse, spanning indie hits like Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WiFi to the provocative comedy Flower Girl (2025).

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In late 2025, Ginebra San Miguel officially crowned actress Sue Ramirez as their 2026 Calendar Girl, introducing her under the captivating theme of the "Street Siren." Sue described the appointment as a deeply emotional milestone, representing her personal journey of gaining confidence and overcoming physical setbacks to embrace her most authentic self. The 2026 calendar features six distinct layouts, ranging from the "Sporty Siren" on the basketball court to the "Bao-Bao Siren" in the countryside, each highlighting a different Ginebra product. By taking on this role, Ramirez joins an elite roster of "Ginebra Icons," becoming the 35th woman to represent the brand's legendary "never-say-die" spirit.

Previously, during a heartwarming interview with Melai Cantiveros on Kuan on One, Sue Ramirez confirmed that her relationship with Dominic Roque is currently in a joyous "honeymoon stage" filled with discovery. The actress credited her bond with Roque for giving her the inner strength to walk away from situations that no longer served her growth, emphasizing that her heart is now truly "blooming." Reflecting on her past, Sue clarified that her split with former partner Javi Benitez was peaceful, noting that she approaches every new romance as a unique experience without carrying old baggage. Looking ahead into 2026, Sue shared that her bucket list includes traveling the world with Dominic, expressing a desire to explore new cultures and build a future together without external pressure.

Source: KAMI.com.gh