Baby Abel is 8 months old, the youngest of the 6 children of his parents. He was referred to “Tahanan ng Pagmamahal” for temporary shelter by one of the Social Welfare Offices.
When he was 2 months old prior to his referral at Tahanan, he was confined in a hospital because of Tuberculosis and COVID-19 infection. Abel recovered from these illnesses. However, one early Saturday morning in June 2021, the houseparent was shocked by his huge bloody stool. He was rushed in the nearby hospital but after long hours of waiting, there was no room available to take him in. The only room available was very near a COVID ward which might increase the child's exposure to the virus again. He was transferred quickly to another hospital and was admitted in the emergency room where he underwent several laboratory tests including RT-PCR test as a requirement prior admission.
Upon release of the negative COVID-test results, the child was immediately transferred to a clean room. He was diagnosed with Meckel’s Diverticulum, an uncommon congenital defect of the gastrointestinal tract which occurs in about 2% to 3% of the general population. Blood transfusion was done immediately the following day. An emergency surgery was completed successfully by several doctors in the midst of the pandemic where bringing children to the hospital is very challenging. Financial support from several generous donors saved the life of the child.
We are, indeed, most grateful that Baby Abel is now playing, physically active and has completely recovered as if nothing had happened to him.
Thank you for being part in saving not only the life of Baby Abel but also the remaining 40 children who improved their health and sustained their physical needs.
