I met Ndrei Riña in 2014 during the launch of my children’s book, Superhero Nio. He was still strong then. I learned that Ndrei has a serious liver condition that requires a liver transplant.
It’s 2016. Ndrei still hasn’t found a liver donor who will meet the requirements. His relatives have been tested. Non-relatives have come forward to volunteer.
And only recently, his own father. But his dad didn’t pass the assessments, too.
Ndrei turned nine years old recently. He celebrated his birthday with just one wish — to live longer.
This is an urgent appeal to all hospitals — if you have brain-dead patients or newly deceased, please inform Medical City and PHILNOS (Philippine Network for Organ Sharing). The contact person is Dr. Karen Mercado (cellphone no. 0917-8843714).
You can also send text message to Ndrei’s mom Rubi Riña at 0905-4973654. Her personal appeal to all, “I would like to ask for help. I’m a mother who’s afraid of losing a wonderful son. He is in need of an urgent liver transplant and we are praying for a brain-dead donor. Calling all the hospitals around the country to please coordinate with us if there’s a brain-dead patient wherein the family is willing to donate the liver for my son. Their organs could still save lives. We are hoping that people would realize that a dying patient can extend a life through organ donation...save lives. Please save Ndrei.
Julius and I have been actively helping Ndrei by raising funds for his continuous hospitalization, especially because he has fallen into a hepatic coma many times. Acute hepatic encephalopathy develops because of severe liver disease.
Thanks so much to all our celebrity friends who have helped in our fundraising efforts. You know who you are.
And as well as the non-celebs, our social media followers who have reached out and donated to Ndrei. Maraming salamat po. God bless you more.
My personal appeal: To all private good Samaritans — if you have brain-dead or newly-deceased relatives, please... Kindly consider donating the liver of your loved ones to Ndrei. Only a small part of the liver is needed for the transplant.
Let’s all help save Ndrei’s life. He is fighting to live. Please help before it’s too late.