Zach’s Journey

My nephew, Autumn Zachary V. Enriquez was born with OEIS Complex (Omphalocele, Exstrophy of the Cloaca, Imperforate anus, and Spinal defects), a rare disease that affects 1 in 200,000 to 400,000 pregnancies and is of unknown cause. He was rushed to Philippine Children's Medical Center upon delivery and had stayed there for more than 3 months. Eleven days after being admitted to the hospital, he suffered hypothermia and shortness of breath so they had to transfer him to NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

After a series of tests, which include CT-Scan with contrast, it was confirmed that he only has 1 kidney, he was diagnosed with Left Renal Agenesis at 1 month old. He stayed at NICU for 4 weeks, where his parents could only see him for an hour every day, and for her mother to breast-fed him. A short and yet precious time to spend with Zach who was bloated at that moment because his kidney is not functioning well.

During his stay at NICU, Zach had an on-and-off fever, the doctors said that they had to do another test. And after performing Cerebral Spinal Fluid/lumbar tap, it was confirmed that he acquired bacterial meningitis, he was then diagnosed with Hydrocephalus at 2 months old.

On January 30, 2018, our brave Zach underwent his first major operation, it was the first in a series of 6 operations. The pediatric surgeon did a Posterior Osteotomy, Bladder closure, Exstrophy repair, and Ileostomy. Thankfully, by God's grace and healing hands, it was a successful one! He is now doing Physical Therapy at the same hospital to ensure that he can walk and to develop his motor skills as well. We celebrated his 1st birthday last November 1, grateful that he reached that age after all that he endured after birth.

But a week ago, Zach had his Cranial CT-Scan as a part of his routine check-up. Based on the result, his lateral and 3rd ventricles are dilated and his fontanel is about to close, they need to prevent this or he may have seizures, or it can also lead to a vegetable state. Therefore, before the year ends, he will be admitted again for his 2nd operation which is Ommaya Shunt (it is a synthetic dome that is surgically placed beneath the scalp and attached to a catheter that is inserted within the brain. The catheter is directed into a ventricle, which is an open space in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid flows), it basically prevents the overflow of fluid within his brain.

We are asking for your prayers and help in this difficult moments. We are now trying to raise fund for this procedure and also to cover other expenses like colostomy bags and supplies, laboratory fees, fare, and regular check-ups among others. Zach is a strong and happy baby, his will-power to live and to fight the circumstances even as an infant gave us inspiration and strength as well.

You can donate thru this website even if you don't have a paypal account, or you may deposit/fund transfer directly to Zach's Banco de Oro Account:

BDO Account:
Account Name: Autumn Zachary V. Enriquez
Account Number: 008360145143