Akio Kenji’s Medical and Funeral Expenses

Our son, Aki (aged 4), is a bubbly and healthy kid before being admitted to the hospital from June 30 to July 11. He was diagnosed with Sepsis, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and Staphylococcus infection. We lost him on July 11, 2022, due to the complications of his illnesses (cardiac arrest, progressive pneumonia leading to lung malfunction, and Multiple Organ Failure).

His full name is Akio Kenji Carlos (born on March 24, 2018). He is a big fan of Blippi, Cocomelon, Batman, and everything you see on Youtube that is dinosaur-related. He can also gracefully dance. He also has a favorite stuffed toy named Everest (he just can't go to sleep without his buddy). At a very young age, he knows what he wants and shares what he learns. Aki is a very sweet boy who bothers his parents during office hours and apologizes for seeking attention. All he wants is to play basketball with his parents after their office work is done.

On June 30, we woke up around 3 AM to Aki's scream. He had fever reaching 39.8 degrees Celsius. We had to monitor if paracetamol would work. We rushed him to the emergency room. We were informed by the resident doctor to check if Aki's fever will subside within the next 36 hours to verify if he has dengue. The next day, we still rushed him to the hospital because his fever was still high. Aki also complained about his right thigh being sore. On July 2, we still had to rush him back to the hospital because he was already dehydrated. Aki hasn't eaten anything since June 30. He only requested to drink water and still vomited throughout the process. He got admitted to the hospital on July 3.

His initial diagnosis included Pneumonia, Cellulitis (right thigh), Constipation, and a high-grade fever. An Infectious Disease Specialist had to join the team of medical doctors to check if Aki had MIS-C. They ran tests to check his condition and found out that he has antibodies against SARS-COVID 19. No one in the family contracted COVID; he might have been exposed to an infected individual which we can't trace. He might have been asymptomatic throughout the 4-6 weeks before June 30. They have then suggested to use IVIG (Intravenous immunoglobulin). He tested negative to 2 RT-PCR tests though.

A microorganism called Staphylococcus invaded his body and attacked his lungs. His heart's left part, intestines, and crotch area were also swollen.

In the Philippines, vaccines against COVID 19 are not yet available for kids below five years of age.

During his confinement, our family, friends, and relatives had to chip in Php 122,550 for seven vials of IVIG (Php 17,500 per vial). The vials were unavailable at the hospital. We had to purchase from a third-party vendor within the locality. We were hoping that the vials could alleviate Aki from his condition. Aside from the vials, we had to purchase Vancomycin, an antibiotic, as prescribed by his physicians. The antibiotic (4 vials of 500 mg each) costs Php 3,800. We need to use two vials per day. He also had to undergo a minor surgery near his clavicle area for blood transfusion, IV administration (for his antibiotic and paracetamol), and blood collection for his complete blood count and oxygen tests. All his veins from his hands, wrists, and ankle areas were already swollen due to MIS-C.

A ventilator had to be used to assist his breathing since his oxygen level was below the acceptable range. On July 8, he had a cardiac arrest and had a flat line from the monitor. The doctors had to revive him within an hour. It was his second shot in life. He displayed a strong will to live by interacting with his caregivers using winks, hand movements, and slight head gestures (nodding). Everyone was patiently waiting to see if his medications were working.

On July 11, his oxygen levels went down even if his external oxygen supplies were in full blast. Around 3:50 PM, he wasn't responding to any tests done. The doctors were doing their best to get him back. Around 4 PM, a painful sight was set to make our lives change. Aki's gone.

For more than a week in the hospital, the bill went up to Php 508,029.21. We have been seeking help from local government authorities and other non-government agencies. As of the moment, we were able to raise Php 187,000 to bring the bill down to Php 330,629.21. The hospital staff gave us a month to pay (until August 12).

The local government unit has already informed us that since he was confined at a private hospital, there will only be minimal options for financial assistance. We have been trying to contact NGOs to no avail.

His funeral bill is now Php 50,000. The funeral homes gave us until July 22 to settle things (Funeral services: wake and church ceremony- Php 42,000; Casket - Php 8,000)

We were able to find ways for his burial through the help of several friends and strangers. He was then laid to rest at Heaven's Garden Memorial Park on July 18, 2022.

We were there when we saw his suffering. We stopped working so we could take turns in monitoring him in the ICU room and helping medical staff. As parents, we wanted to exchange our lives for him to get better. Because of the tubes in his body, the once bubbly kiddo never spoke for five days. We only wished for him to be stronger and healthier. With everything that has happened, we only wish we could have heard his voice until his last breath. We never did.

This is unexpected and came as a big blow to the family and friends of Aki.

We are grateful for whatever amount you could help us with. If you would like to locally extend your support (within the Philippines), you may use these options:

Security Bank:

Justine Mae Carlos (Aki's Mom)

000002 8731 260

GCash:

Justine Carlos (Aki's Mom)

0966 733 0699

Again, thank you so much and may God bless you.


*Latest update: We have already paid the hospital Php 100, 000 last August 12, 2022.

Lowering the fundraising amount to Php 210,000.

Thank you to all those who assisted since the beginning of this campaign.