My post this week is a little bit different from my usual posts. There are actually so many things I want to write about, but the urgency of the topic of this post outweighs all the other topics I have in mind.
I am no stranger to children with genetic conditions and diseases, having a background (in my “previous lifeâ€) as a physical therapist. I am familiar with the terms “Tetralogy of Fallot†(a congenital heart condition) and chromosomal abnormalities.
A little closer to home, I also had friends and family members whose children have congenital heart conditions, and even helped raise funds for them in my own little way, by blogging about them and sharing their pleas on social networks and beyond.
Now, it’s Alphonse’s turn.
I first heard about Baby Alphonse from fellow mom bloggers, who had written blog posts about his condition and his mother’s plea for help. I am a bit ashamed now because it took me so long to write a post about his need for surgery and the funds his family needs to raise for it.
Still, I hope that even this tiny effort of mine to share his story will bear fruit. I hope that, as parents and individuals, we can unite in some way, share our blessings with Alphonse and his family, and help give him a chance for a better, healthier life.
But wait… I am getting way ahead of myself. Let me share with you then a bit about Alphonse’s story, taken from his indiegogo site:
About Alphonse
Alphonse De Leon was born on December 27, 2012. Unlike most other babies, he was barely crying when he got out. Little did his parents know that their little man has a serious health issue.
The following day, the doctors informed his family that Alphonse has a congenital heart disorder called “Tetralogy of Fallotâ€â€” there is a hole in his lower heart chambers causing him to not have enough oxygenated blood in his lungs and body. This was such devastating news for them. It was supposed to be a happy day with their new bundle of joy around. But now, they are facing another challenge in their life because Alphonse will have to undergo an open-heart surgery to cure his illness and be able to live a healthy life.
Help Alphonse Get His Surgery in February 2013
You can make a difference in this little boy's life. The family is in dire need of raising the surgery cost before February and the clock is ticking. Help Alphonse get his surgery done on time so he can live a healthy life and be with his family.
At present, Alphonse is in the Philippines and there is no medical insurance to cover the cost of the surgery. They were advised to have it done in a public hospital but, even so, the cost was estimated to be $12,500 just for the surgery alone. According to the doctor, the surgery must be done at six weeks old (the earliest) or three months old (the latest). If not, he will not be able to make it.
You can read more about Alphonse’s story on his momMye de Leon's blog — http://myedeleon.com/2013/01/an-innocent-heart/
There are several ways we can unite and help Alphonse’s family raise the amount they need for his surgery, which is scheduled for February 2013. Those of you who want to help out can go to the indiegogo site set up to raise funds for him, or avail of Mommy Mye’s services (she is a digital scrapbook and blog designer). Those who want to make direct donations can also do so by e-mailing admin@myedeleon.com for more details.
I hope all of us, in one way or another, can reach out to Alphonse and his family — even if it is just through our prayers and well wishes, or by sharing their plea with others. After all, we are all connected, and this connection we share is what makes us truly human.
“The next evolutionary step for humankind is to move from human to kind.†— Author Unknown