Two months ago, we wrote about Justin Marc Russel Nieto Paga, a child in need of a liver transplant.
His condition, called biliary atresia, simply means that he has no bile duct. This leaves the bile trapped inside his body and caused him massive liver tissue loss. Several procedures did little to help the baby, he really needed a liver transplant.
Thanks to donations from family, friends, civic groups and other organizations, they were able to undergo the transplant process at the Kaoshiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. Both Mom and baby are in good condition after the surgery.
Justin’s mother, Jocelyn, donated part of her liver so her son could have a chance at life. The family is still in Taiwan since the baby is still under observation. Fortunately, he is out of the Intensive Care Unit, but he will have to remain there until September to complete yet more tests. From there, he will be monitored by his doctors at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
While Justin now has a fighting chance at a normal life, including an active childhood, his Mom says that he will need continuous medical monitoring and medication. The surgery cost them more than PHP2 million (the hospital has yet to give final billing) and the monthly maintenance when they get back will be in the neighborhood of PHP20,000 a month. This is why the fundraising campaigns continue.
According to Jocelyn, this miracle would not have been possible without the generosity of Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, among others.
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