Ailing nurse still needs P741,000

AN AILING nurse’s campaign to raise P755,000 to bail herself out of a life-threatening heart condition took off last week after a head of a National Government line agency and two sisters, one of whom battled the same medical condition in the past, chipped in P14,000 for the nurse’s heart operation fund.

The donation hardly made a dent in the seemingly implausible drive but for 40-year-old Shirley Concepcion, it was manna from heaven boosting her never-give-up attitude with which she inspired the patients she nursed at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).

Concepcion now could use some nursing herself from Samaritans as she continued her race against the clock to complete the fund requirement so she could undergo a heart surgery for a two-valve replacement and one valve repair as a result of her heart condition diagnosed as rheumatic heart disease, severe; mitral stenosis; aortic stenosis; cardiac dysrrhythmia (supaventricular tachycardia).

Upon reading of Concepcion’s predicament, a chief of a National Government agency responded and handed Concepcion P10,000 to set off the fund drive.

Concepcion was profuse with gratitude and remained hopeful that more will be inspired to help her raise the required amount before she could be admitted at the Philippine Heart Center on January 22 preparatory for the surgery.

Her desperate attempt to cling on to life is propelled by her determination to stay with her 18-month-old son Sean Aldridge and husband Marcelino Lopez, a jeepney driver.

Concepcion last November was admitted at the cardiac care unit of the BGHMC when, while on duty, her blood pressure failed.

She recovered and decided to appear at the Philippine Heart Center to hear alternatives from the experts. She was told her rheumatic heart could no longer be maintained through medication and regular check-ups thus needing operation.

Shirley will be at the gynecology ward of the BGHMC until the 14th. She’ll then take a leave to rest, pray and hope for a miracle that would raise P750,000 for the surgery.

Those who want to make their donation may ring her cell phone number (09175069431) or course their support through her Development Bank of the Philippines account number 05 10145859 560. They may drop by her address at 190 Armenia St., Quezon Hill. (Ramon Dacawi)