JP needs $1,500 for colostomy closure.

JP is a loving and helpful 7-year-old boy living with his parents and three older siblings. He washes dishes, sweeps the floor, and fetches water from the well. His parents both work as farmers growing corn, nuts and other kinds of vegetables which they sell in the market. With this work, JP's parents earn about US$3 (PHP150) each day. That income is used for their regular expenses - food, school fees, household necessities, and most especially JP's medical needs.

Born with a deformity that made him unable to pass stools, JP was rushed to the hospital immediately after birth. There he received a colostomy to excrete his fecal discharges through an opening on his abdomen into a sterile bag strapped on at the waist. JP still experiences digestive disruption and dehydration due to his intestinal problem and has to wear this attached to his abdomen at all times.

Two surgeries could correct JP's digestive tract and close the artificial opening they made to save his life as an infant. The completion of these surgeries will allow more normal digestive function, and that means a normal childhood for JP with lower risk of infection and freedom from social inhibitions caused by the smell of the colostomy bag.

Additionally, it will remove the constant expenditure on medical supplies. His mother has found new hope with ICM staff:

"I am so thankful for ICM and for the Lord . Before I was afraid of letting JP undergo surgery because of his young age and because of the risk. But now I am encouraged and strong enough to face all my fears and be guided by God to help my son get through all this."