Help save Karl

Two-year-old Karl Louis Villanueva cannot play or move around like any regular child his age.

The swelling of his belly prevents him from enjoying the simple thrill of running around and chasing after his playmates.

He is suffering from a congenital disease called Biliary Atresia. He was born without a bile duct and is in dire need of a liver transplant within six months that could save his life. He is turning three this November.

His parents, Cesar and Benilda, are calling out for help to save their eldest son from certain death. The couple needs to raise at least P2.5 million for a liver transplant.

In the US, a liver transplant costs about P8 million while in Taiwan, P3 million.

Cesar is currently unemployed and is devoting his time in taking care of Karl Louis and their youngest, a seven-month-old baby boy.

The Villanueva family survives on the meager income of Benilda, who works as a cashier at a coffee shop in Makati City.

The couple’s savings have been exhausted by Karl Louis’ frequent hospitalization and expensive medication.

Karl Louis recently went through a Kasai procedure at the UP-Philippine General Hospital wherein the damaged bile ducts were surgically removed and replaced with a segment of his intestine to create new ducts.

After discharge, however, Karl Louis was readmitted for signs of "intestinal obstruction" and since then he has been in and out of the hospital because of diarrhea and cholangitis.

Cesar and Benilda are appealing for charity and compassion from readers.

Donations may be sent to ITF Karl Louis G. Villanueva, with account number 3-155-15730-6 at the Buendia branch of Metrobank.

Karl Louis’ parents may also be contacted at (632) 780-9833 or (0917) 668-5228 or (0916) 334-7331. Their residence is at #90 Cuatro de Julio street, Galas, Quezon City.

The LIFT-B.A.B.I.E.S Foundation Inc., which is helping the couple raise funds, can also be contacted at (632) 824-4621 or (0918) 926-3237. They can also reach Karl Louis’ doctor at the UP-PGH, Dr. Elizabeth Gabriel Martinez, at (632) 524-0892 or 521-8450. — Ann Corvera