Help us with Cesky’s Ongoing Scoliosis Treatment

Help us give Cesky a brighter future by having her scoliosis treated. We discovered our 11-year-old daughter Cesky's scoliosis after our trip to Manila from our hometown of Palo in Leyte in the Philippines following Super Typhoon Haiyan's deadly dance in 2013 across Eastern and Central Visayas. We lost our home and most of our possessions, and we also almost lost hope.

When we got back to Leyte in early 2014, we sought treatment. A local physiatrist recommended bracing using a Milwaukee Brace. So we raised funds to purchase the brace, had it fitted, and began treatment. Despite the discomfort, she eventually got used to the brace, which the doctor said was the best brace for all types of scoliosis. Wearing the brace brought the curvature down by five degrees. After two years, however, the brace no longer fit her, and her doctor recommended surgery.

In the last few months, while seeking alternative treatment, such as a different brace or visits to the chiropractor, and coming up with enough funds to have her checked up by other orthopedic or physiatrists in Manila or Cebu, Cesky's scoliosis has considerably worsened.

During the same period, we found a support group online which talked about a revolutionary brace called Spinecor. Unlike the Milwaukee Brace which restricted movement of the neck and torso, this brace is flexible, with straps that allow the patient to do normal activities without compromising its effectiveness. It also has a higher compliance rate than other braces, so treatment of the scoliosis is more effective.

Because spine surgery is serious, carrying a significant risk, we have decided to seek a second opinion and a non-invasive – and non-traumatic – way to treat her scoliosis.

With the help of supporters and backers in our previous GoGetFunding campaign, we went to Manila in early 2017 for consultations with doctors and other scoliosis experts. We found out that she was not a candidate for Spinecor. Cesky was, however, given exercises to help her stop, or at the very least slow down, the progress of her scoliosis. She was also required to undergo therapy at least once every quarter. Since then we have been in Manila two times this year.

We are now raising funds to cover travel expenses and other medical-related expenses. We hope to be able to fly to Manila in September or October, or during the next school break. We are also raising funds for a new Milwaukee brace to replace the one Cesky has outgrown.

Update: We plan to fly/sail to Cebu this coming December to have Cesky fitted with a hard brace.

Please help us give Cesky, a champion campus journalist and a scholar of the Philippine Science High School (one of the best high schools in the Philippines), a normal – or as normal a life as possible, free of scoliosis.

Please share this campaign with all your friends and keep Cesky in your prayers. May the good Lord bless you for your generosity.

Thank you very much!

If you wish to make a donation without going through PayPal, you may transfer funds directly to our bank account or send us an email at [email protected].

Here are our bank account details:

Bank Name: Banco de Oro

Branch Name: BDO Justice Romualdez, Tacloban City

Account Name: Joel S. Tan

Account No.: 002800100601

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Again, we thank you for your generosity and support.