Please help me live and survive……Article 1

Posted on August 1, 2008 - Filed Under About, Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Causes of Liver Diseases, Contact Us, Type Liver Diseases | Leave a Comment

  sheldon-plays-with-her-mom-sarah.JPG                PLEASE HELP ME LIVE & SURVIVE……

Pangasinan, Philippines – a baby boy smiles while her mother sings her his favorite song- “ happy birthday Sheldon, happy birthday Sheldon, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday Sheldon….” a wonderful song and a melody to his ears as he struggles and pray to live and reach his 1st Birthday & wishes God to give him more birthdays to come …..with his family.

Sheldon Josh Earl S. Medina, born on October 08, 2007 with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease wherein the liver does not have ducts. As a result, bile is trapped in the liver, damaging it and scarring the liver cells. Biliary atresia is the single, most-common reason for liver transplantation in children. The liver soon becomes cirrhotic and eventually malfunctions completely, normally within one year of birth, leading to the death of the patient. When the liver becomes cirrhotic, there is no other recourse but a liver transplantation, if the patient is to survive.

Medical journals say that biliary atresia occurs in one out of every 15,000 births, but in the Philippines, records show that around 200 babies inflicted with biliary atresia are being born every year.

The cause of this disease is not known. In some infants, the condition is most likely congenital, meaning present from birth. About one in 10 babies with biliary atresia have other congenital defects. Some research indicates that an early viral infection may be linked to biliary atresia.

Scientists do know that biliary atresia is not hereditary; parents do not pass it on to their child. It is also not contagious, and it is not preventable. It is also not caused by anything an expectant mother did or did not do.( sourced from American Liver Foundation ).

A kasai procedure (developed by a Japanese surgeon, Professor Morio Kasai in 1959) affords biliary atresia babies with an 80-percent chance to live a normal life without having to undergo a liver transplant. This procedure is already being done in the Philippines. But for it to be effective, the biliary atresia baby has to be operated on within two months of birth, in the phase medical professionals call the “Golden Window.” Surgery can be done on children as young as 11 days old. Thus, early diagnosis is very important. If the procedure is done after two months, the chances for success may be nil. ( sourced from The Manila Times Internet Edition )

 “Most patients who suffer from this condition go through another surgery first called the Kasai procedure. However, not all of these are fully successful. At least 30 percent of those who undergo the Kasai procedure still end up needing a transplant,” explained head surgeon in the case is Dr. Leandro Resurreccion III, who trained in pediatric surgery in Sydney, Australia.  ( source : Manila Times Internet Edition )

Please Help Me Live & Survive…… Article 2

Posted on August 1, 2008 - Filed Under About, Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Causes of Liver Diseases, Contact Us, Type Liver Diseases, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

dsc02542.JPG              Efren, 31 year old, a private employee, and Sarah Medina, 32, public school teacher, were very happy seeing their 2nd son being born with no sign of abnormality after a delivery by a caesarian operation, as their attending doctor declares Sheldon a “Well Baby”. He was also negative with congenital diseases as a result from the new born screening done.

A week after his birth, his parents took Sheldon  to  Dr. Juvy Asuncion, a Neurologist from Specialist Group Hospital and Trauma Center, Dagupan City, to consult why Sheldon suffers seizures. She gave him some medications to prevent the seizure and recommended to have electroencephalography (EEG) to know the cause of the seizure. The impression of the EEG results that “abnormal EEG in sleep because of the attenuation of background over the right cerebral hemisphere”. Dr. Asuncion recommended to continue the medications as she continuous to observe the condition and development of the baby.

On Sheldon’s 2-months of age, his parents noticed that Sheldon’s skin becomes yellowish and his tummy becomes swollen. They immediately took him to a pediatrician and advised them to put Sheldon under the sun, but it doesn’t change the yellowish color of their son, Sheldon gets series of tests including ultrasounds and blood analysis.

“Our pediatrician told us to be calm for our son’s health eventually will settle for good after his recommended medications. After more than a month of observation, we took a 2nd medical opinion  from Dr. Ruby Socorro Dio Elguira, a Pediatric Diplomate of  Elguira General Hospital, San Carlos City Pangasinan and referred to us Dr. Randy Urtula, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist from Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Quezon City, diagnosed our son positive with Biliary Atresia, after series of tests”, his parents said.

Dr. Urtula told his parents that the only possible cure to this liver disease and a way for Sheldon to live a normal and healthy life is to get a Liver Transplant.

“In the case of Sheldon, he was not able to undergo Kasai procedure because he was diagnosed positive with biliary atresia a few days before his 4th month. Kasai procedure is only possible within the so called “golden period”- performed with the grace period before 2-months of age at least”, Dr. Urtula added.

“It seems that the world stops revolving and our minds discontinue thinking, pretending that our son isn’t in that condition. We are on the denial period on that time, we don’t know what to feel and what to do,” the parents said.

  

Please Help Me Live & Survive…. The Article 3

Posted on August 1, 2008 - Filed Under About, Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Causes of Liver Diseases, Contact Us, Type Liver Diseases | Leave a Comment

05272008003.jpg “One day, we wake up one morning as Sheldon smiles on us, that seems telling us, don’t lose your hope and don’t give up. please help me live and survive! That smile awaken us and uplift our spirit and taught us to raise our hope and faith for divine intervention, that God will never leave us. He will be our guide for the survival of our beloved son. From there on, we offer our hopes to God and keep praying for his help. We believe, He will be the one to guide us to the people He will use to convey His help.We firmly believe that everything is possible if God is on our side and that He is the great Healer” Sheldon’s parents said.

The family already have a contact to the possible medical institution abroad to conduct the liver transplant operation. Currently, there is no efficient technology here in the Philippines to hold a Liver Transplant operation. Patients would need about PhP3 million to push for the Liver Transplantation abroad.

“We have performed more than 360 LDLT (adult and pediatric) at present will a >95% 1-year survival rate. The last Filipino adult was Mr. Raymond Chan (with hepatocellular carcinoma, done January 2007). He is back in the Philippines doing well and without HCC recurrence. The last Filipino biliary atresia patient post-transplant is Rainier Carlos (done November 2007). He went home to The Philippines last March 2008.” – Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Taiwan R.O.C.

“Right now, we are mobilizing the whole family, friends and relatives, to help us raise the fund for the operation. Me and Sarah really can’t afford the amount of operation, that’s why we are seeking for all possible help we could get, appealing to all people, charitable institutions, and organizations that has an open heart and hand to help our son. We ask them to include our son to their prayers and that we could pass through this trials we have now,” Efren, the father said.

Sheldon is now on stable condition, regularly taking antibiotics and special vitamins to sustain his health under the care of Elguira General Hospital. He has a routine check up schedules with Dr. Urtula and almost monthly hospitalization for blood transfusions and for other medical processes it requires to uphold the stability of Sheldon’s health as the doctor’s requests for an urgent transplant.

“Our family was financially distressed and exhausted from almost monthly hospital confinement of our son. We already spent our savings and financial resources just to prolong and stabilize the health of our baby as we are trying to raise fund for the operation from the charitable institutions and foundations we appealed for financial help.” His father added.

Please Help Me Live & Survive…. The Article 4

Posted on August 1, 2008 - Filed Under About, Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Causes of Liver Diseases, Contact Us, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

   energetic-sheldon.jpg A bright future awaits Sheldon Josh Earl, only if given a chance to live and survive, if we just open our hearts to help him in any possible way, if we let ourselves lend our hands for the survival of this hopeful child. It is God who sent you this message to convey His will and ways to help Sheldon to live more days with his family and let him continue his journeys. We are very blessed  not to suffer this  illness and pains, that God gave us the opportunity to help and not to beg for help.

“ We thank God for the people He sent for the survival of son, Sheldon. May God reciprocate their kindness and compassion and continuously bless them with good life and health.” The parents.

You can give donations to any Metrobank Branches for the account detailed below:  Account Name : Efren C. Medina, Jr. ITF Sheldon Josh Earl S. Medina                       Account Number :   395-3-39510332-7 

You can see them at No. 35 Gen. E. Aguinaldo St. Poblacion Malasiqui, Pangasinan Philippines 2421

Or you can call at Cell No. +63917-5144728 / +63922-8774728 / +63917-2426328.

 

You can visit Sheldon’s Website at http://liverdisease.prepys.com

http://sheldonjoshearl.multiply.com

You may also send messages thru email ad:

ecm16_16@yahoo.com

sheldon2007@yahoo.com

 

Thank you very much for your charity and compassion. May God Bless your kindness. More power.

Sheldon Josh earl- A Pictures of Hope and Bright Future

Posted on August 1, 2008 - Filed Under About, Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Contact Us | Leave a Comment

sheldon-plays-with-her-mom-sarah.JPGdsc02542.JPG05272008003.jpgenergetic-sheldon.jpgdsc02662.JPGdsc02693.JPGplease-help-me-live-and-survive.JPGsheldon-eats-well.jpgsheldon-at-9th-month-birthday.JPGsheldon-photo-after-bath.JPGsheldons-photo-on-his-2-month-old.JPG

Sheldon’s Medical Documents

Posted on July 31, 2008 - Filed Under About, Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Causes of Liver Diseases, Type Liver Diseases | Leave a Comment

medical-cert.JPGdswd-social-case-study-report.jpgattending-physician-endorsement-letter.jpgmedical-abstract.jpgmedical-abstract-continuation.jpg

Sheldon’s Medical Profiles

Posted on July 31, 2008 - Filed Under Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Causes of Liver Diseases, Contact Us, Type Liver Diseases | Leave a Comment

E-Mail from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan R.O.C.As a reply to the e-mail from Mr. Efren C. Medina, jr. 

Case / Diagnosis        :  Biliary Atresia PositiveAttending Physician     :  Dr. Randy Urtula , Pediatric Gastroenterologist                            Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Quezon City PhilMedical Recommedation   :  Urgent Liver Transplant                          (Operation Not Available in the Philippines )Recommended Venue       :  Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan R.O.C.Name of Patient         :  Sheldon Josh Earl S. MedinaBirthday                :  October 08, 2007Gender                  :  MaleCitizenship             :  FilipinoName of Father          :  Mr. Efren C. Medina, Jr.Name of Mother          :  Mrs. Sarah S. MedinaContact Numbers         :  +63 9175144728 / +63 9228774728Address                 :  No. 35 Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo St. Poblacion                           Malasiqui, Pangasinan Philippines 2421  Date of Reply : March 10, 2008 

 
 

Dear Mr. Efren C. Medina,     Your inquiry on liver transplant has been forwarded to me.  

  Thank you for considering Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center as potential partner in providing health care for your son who needs liver transplantation.  

  Chang Gung offers ONLY living donor (living-related) liver transplantation (LDLT) to foreign patients. To give vou a brief summary of LDLT in Chang Gung:

  1. Total cost that the hospital requires be wire-transferred before the patient arrives in  Taiwan: NT$ 2.0 million; that’s roughly about Phil Peso 3 million (depending on current exchange rate). This amount includes both recipient and donor operations. This amount covers operations, hospitalization (3-in-a-room + ICU), medications, diagnostics. This amount is for uncomplicated cases. If this cost is not consumed, all unused money will be refunded.  2. The family will stay in Taiwan for around 3 months. There may be a hostel (semi-furnished with kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, telephone, cable TV, refrigerator, hot and cold water) available within the hospital compound. Rent is around NT$ 770/day or NT$20,000/month. Payment for the hostel is NOT included in the NT$ 1.5 million.  3. Recipient will stay in ICU after the transplant for 2-3 weeks, 2-3 weeks in the ward, then 1 month in the house. The donor can go back to Philippines after 1 month.   4. Donor and Recipient must have same blood type or ABO compatible. Donor must be negative for HBV or HCV. Donor must be within 5th degree of consanguinity with the recipient or the recipient’s spouse. Donor must be at least above 20 years of age.     We have performed more than 360 LDLT (adult and pediatric) at present will a >95% 1-year survival rate. The last Filipino adult was Mr. Raymond Chan (with hepatocellular carcinoma, done January 2007). He is back in the Philippines doing well and without HCC recurrence. The last Filipino biliary atresia patient post-transplant is Rainier Carlos (done November 2007). He went home to The Philippines last March 2008.    

  For your son and the donor to come to Taiwan, I will need to present his case in our liver transplant conference for a decision/ acceptance. I will need the following:  Recipient (Sheldon Josh Earl): 

  1. Name, age, gender, body weight and height, blood type, birth date  2. Updated Clinical abstract, operations and treatments, medications, reason for transplant  3. Hepatitis profile: HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV  4. Blood chem: CBC, Albumin, AST, ALT, Total bil, creatinine, INR/protime, AFP  5. Liver ultrasound (pref. done in NKI by Dr. Ferdie Morabe)  6. Liver CT Angiogram (done by Dr. Santos-Ocampo or Dr. Jackson Dy in Makati Med Center-all Phil patients that come to Chang Gung have their CTA done in MMC because their CTA is compatible with that being used here in Taiwan, otherwise, the CTA cannot be read by the computed here). Indicate for liver transplant recipient.  

  Donor: 

  1. Name, age, gender, body wight and height, blood type, relationship with recipient (with proof, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.), birth date  2. Hepatitis profile: HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV  3. Blood chem: Albumin, AST, ALT, Total bil, creatinine, INR/protime, AFP  4. Liver ultrasound (pref. done in NKI by Dr. Ferdie Morabe)  5. Liver CT Angiogram (done by Dr. Santos-Ocampo or Dr. Jackson Dy in Makati Med). Indicate for liver transplant donor.

     I suggest that you do first the blood typing and hepatitis profile to screen both recipient and donor before going into the more expensive laboratory and diagnostics.  

  We do this screening because if they go directly to Taiwan and if either recipient or donor is found to be unsuitable, its a waste of money (travel, laboratory, etc.).

     Send all materials to:  Dr. Allan M. Concejero  C/O Superintendent’s Office  Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center  123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao-Sung  Kaohsiung, Taiwan  Tel. +886-7-731-7123 Ext. 8097 (Susan, secretary)     Our international nurse coordinator will contact you for more information.     Dr. Allan Concejero  __________________________________________________Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com  

Contact Us Info

Posted on July 30, 2008 - Filed Under Contact Us, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

EFREN MEDINA

CP # 09175144728

Email Address: ecm16_16@yahoo.com

My parents’ appeal

Posted on July 12, 2008 - Filed Under About, Biliary Atresia Cases in the Philippines, Causes of Liver Diseases, Contact Us, Type Liver Diseases | Leave a Comment

Dear Sir / Madam :

Our second son, Sheldon Josh Earl S. Medina, born on October 08, 2007, is currently in serious health condition, positively diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease wherein the liver does not have ducts, as a result, the bile builds up within and destroying his liver. This requires an urgent Liver Transplant which will be conducted in Taiwan, Singapore or Hongkong. The amount of the transplant operation costs about  Php 3 million, as quoted by the mentioned foreign medical institutions that will conduct the operation.

Our family was financially distressed and exhausted from almost monthly hospital confinement of our son. We already spent our savings and financial resources just to prolong and stabilize the health of our baby as we are trying to raise fund for the operation from the charitable institutions and foundations we appealed for financial help.

We cannot afford the amount of operation, that’s why we are appealing from your kind and generous heart to help us raise the money for my beloved son’s Liver Transplant. Our family believe that God has a purpose why this message has brought into your attention to conveys God’s will and that you have an open hand and heart to help our son who struggles for his life and to give him a chance to continue his journeys in life. We are praying that you will be the instrument of God for Sheldon to grow and pass through this trials and have a longer life with us. We are begging for your support that will ensure the survival of our beloved child.  You can give donations to any Metrobank Branches for the account detailed below: 

Account Name:   Efren C. Medina, Jr.

               ITF Sheldon Josh Earl S.Medina                     

 Account Number         :           395-3-39510332-7

You can see us at No. 35 Gen. E. Aguinaldo St. Poblacion Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Philippines 2421

Or you can call us at Cell No. +63917-5144728 / +63922-8774728 / +63917-2426328. 

You may also visit our Websites :

http://liverdisease.prepys.com

http://sheldonjoshearl.multiply.com

You may also send messages and comments thru our email ads:

ecm16_16@yahoo.com

sheldon2007@yahoo.com

Attached herewith are the medical documents of our son for your reference and verification. Thank you very much for your charity and compassion. May God Bless your kindness. More power.

  Very Truly Yours ; Efren C. Medina Jr. /  Sarah S. Medina                      The Parents                                                                                  

About

Posted on July 12, 2008 - Filed Under About | Leave a Comment

This is an official blog of a childen Sheldon Josh Earl S. Medina, who was born October 08, 2007, with a biliary atresia, a rare liver disease. Sheldon will soon die unless gets a liver transplant in Taiwan, Hongkong or Singapore which will cost about Php 3 to 5 million.

His parents, Efren and Sarah, cannot afford the amount of operation, that’s why Sheldon wants to appeal to the people with an open hand and heart to help him raise the fund for his operation.

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