Monday, August 16, 2004 Sun.Star story alerts group to plight of girl By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez
CEBU CITY -- Jelyn Bistes, the four-year-old girl diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, can soon look forward to doing what most girls of her age do.
A US-based foundation with a local counterpart has expressed its willingness to extend help to Jelyn with her operation.
The Philippine Gift of Life, a member of the Gift of Life District 7250 in New York, responded to the request of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 to shoulder Jelyn's medical expenses.
Fancy Baluyot, president of Philippine Gift of Life, said their group will be extending $50,000 to $100,000 for the procedure.
The girl, who was abandoned near the Carbon Public Market on Sept. 18, 2003, was diagnosed by Dr. Rudy Amatong of Perpetual Succor Hospital to be suffering from a Tetralogy of Fallot or has a dilated and overriding of the aorta.
About P400,000 to P500,000 is needed for Jelyn's operation.
Jennifer Tadena, head of the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) of DSWD 7, said that after Sun.Star ran a story last July 16 on Jelyn's condition, some groups and individuals also called them and committed to help.
Although Amatong said the operation could be done here, Tadena said that Bohol Provincial Board Member Amalia Tirol, one of the foundation's advisers, said Jelyn might fly to the US to undergo the procedure.
So, the contributions from private individuals and the Knights of Columbus-San Carlos Chapter could be used for the plane fare, Tadena said.
Jelyn is currently undergoing more medical tests to monitor her condition until the schedule of operation will be finalized.
She could only leave the country once the court will declare her abandoned. A hearing on her case is scheduled in October yet.
As a foundling, DSWD 7 is currently taking custody of Jelyn. CYR
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